Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group

The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...

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Philo52 09/12/2012

hi,
I'm at my wits end. My sister and brother in-law are long time smokers. Neither of them seem to have any interest in quitting.

This is after a good friend of theirs almost died from a heart attack. After his bypass, both he and his wife quit. They kept on.

I almost died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis requiring a lung transplant. They kept on.

In the course of my illness, I've met several people who had, or were waiting for lung transplants due to COPD. I can tell you, it's a long slow decline on oxygen. Not fun.

I'm sure every Dr they've seen has brought it up. What seems to be lacking is willpower. They are both in their 50's. My brother in-law's health is declining. I don't know if there's anything more I can do.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

thanks,
Phil
(Philo52)

vnurse 09/12/2012

In my opinion, there is nothing you can do to make them quit. They have to want it. My sister and her husband are both heavy smokers, and my sister was diagnosed with cancer last year. If nagging would make someone stop, they would have quit a long time ago! I wish there was a magic word that would work,,, if you find it, please let me know. But I would advise to never give up on them ... you never know what or when they will change their minds. Good luck to you!

grannie 09/12/2012

I agree with vnurse, unfortunately there is nothing you can do, the one thing you can do is not let anyone smoke in your house.

LucilleM 09/12/2012

We have no control over anyone's behavior --just our own behavior. One of my favorite aunts died a couple of weeks ago from emphysema. Even after her diagnosis she continued to smoke until she was near the end.

I have a daughter who has serious heart problems and she smokes like a chimney. I worry about her all the time and I've nagged and nagged her until I had to stop. She was becoming extremely resentful and angry with me over my nagging so I stopped. I believe she will stop one day.

deleted_user 09/13/2012

There are no suggestions that you can offer up to them. They know the risks and are obviously willing to pay the price for this insedious habit. When they themselves are diagnosed with something horrible, that might be the time they decide to quit..my question is, why wait to be diagnosed with something that will kill them?

I am proud of you for your quit. God bless.

Deb

deleted_user 09/13/2012

I agree with everyone else here. People had been nagging me for years to quit and I kept ignoring them. It wasn't until I was ready that I took itt upon myself to quit. I didn't even tell my family for the first coupla days because I've tried before and failed and didn't want to disappoint them yet again. Your sister and BIL may or may never quit someday. You need to focus on you and make sure you do nothing to support them smoking. Good luck in your quit and remember you always have a place here to talk to people if you need it. We're proud of you.

Laura

Philo52 09/13/2012

Thank you for all the feedback. I know it's tough. It took my mother 4 times before she was finally able to quit. Even after that, the smoke smelled good and brought on the urge.

I admire all of you for your courage and support.
Good news is if they do quit, there are very quick health improvements. I can only hope.

MayberryDeb 09/14/2012

Hi Phil....introduce them to our 'family'...if they see that we did it and 'lived' (hahahaha) it might noit be so frightening for them...we welcome anybody with a desire to quit this killing addiction.

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