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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deleted_user 03/29/2008

Hi. My name is Sarah and today I finally took the plunge and quit smoking after trying to psyche myself up for weeks. I have tried to stop in the past but never managed to make it past a few weeks. I am hoping that if I have support from other people like me who are trying to quit it will make all the difference and give me strength in weak moments. I am also dieting at the moment. I am currently on the weight watchers plan and have lost 10 pounds so far. I still have a long way to go and I'm worried that I might gain weight by quitting smoking. Is it true that you gain weight if you quit? I have heard that smoking speeds up your metabolism and this is why people gain weight when they quit. What have other peoples experiences been? Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated.

deleted_user 03/29/2008

Hi there, congratulations on making to decision to quit. I have been smoke free for 20 days now and have found this site brilliant for support especially when I had bad cravings. I haven't heard about your metabolism speeding up, I have gained a couple of pounds and put it down to eating more as I tend to eat something when I am craving a cigarette. I have been using the patches and this is the first time I have managed to get past the first week, I think you need a hug amount of will power to go "cold turkey" and I obviously don't have enough! Good luck, we are all here to support you.

deleted_user 03/29/2008

Welcome Mrs B... You have come to the right place for support and encouragement in the good times and the bad. Spend as much time as you can over the next few days reading.

My quit date is Monday...my second try and I am also concerned about the weight but it seems that happens if you replace food for "the stink stick" Good luck

deleted_user 03/29/2008

welcome welcome welcome! you are at a magical place and we are happy to have you here! I have lots to say, (ask anyone, LOL) but im rushing tonight... just making rounds! Best of luck new friend... chat more later! Woo Hooooo!

vnurse 03/29/2008

Welcome. I had the same worries that you do, that I would gain weight. I really freaked because the first week or two all I did was eat. I ate everything and anything, just to put something in my mouth!!! I followed everyone's advice and got a huge water bottle, I carried it everywhere!! Everyone I know laughed at me. I showed up at my sister's house with my water bottle in hand. I still drink allot of water to satisfy my hand mouth actions (and cravings) today is day 68 for me, and honestly the constant eating has stopped, and I do not weigh anymore now than I did when I quit smoking. Stay with your weight watchers, but do not beat yourself up if you eat allot the first week or so, it does subside. Good luck, stay stong, and come to this site often!!
--Vikki__

deleted_user 03/29/2008

Welcome Mrs. B!!! Congrats on your decision to quit!!!I can tell you that even though I have gained some weight, I feel better than I have in a long time!!!

You have come to the right place for support and you will find some good people here!!!

deleted_user 03/29/2008

WELCOME to the quitters room where Quitters Always Win

One way to flush your system with of the nicotine and make it easier to quit is to drink water, water and more water. Also good for weight loss.

I understand your concern about your weight, I've been working on mine too. But if I have to choose between being a size 9 and choking every breathe and a size 16 while I breathe easy.... It's not a hard decision to make. I will get a little farther in my smoking recovery and then I will use that same focus to work on my weight.

Good luck. I hope I can be supportive and helpful to you

MayberryDeb 03/30/2008

Hi Mrs.B,
Welcome to the club.The people here are amazing and down right wonderful.
I agree with Retro. Lots of water, suck on hard candy when the craving hits, and only work on 1 thing at a time. I am on day 44 and I know I have gained a few pounds, but I figure Nobody dies from being overweight but smoking WILL kill you. Stay with us. It will make your quit easier. Congratulations, good choice.

deleted_user 03/30/2008

Hey MrsB
You will be doing the right thing and being on WW will help. I think you will find it very helpful here. As a mental prep go back and read past posts I found it helped tremenously. Good Luck!

GTK 03/30/2008

Welcome, this is a great place for info and support... you'll be so pleased you found your way here... stay close by in the early days, it will really help.

JC1958 03/30/2008

Congrats on your awesome decision to quit. Don't stress about the weight gain. Think about all of the energry you are going to have after quitting. Those extra 5 pounds will come melting off with your plan and some good old fashioned exercise. Kudos to you

JC

deleted_user 03/30/2008

Welcome to the quitters site.Well done on deciding to quit.I had the same worries as you over weight gain.I did gain some weight but it was my choice of food not qitting smoking I think.I changed my diet around a bit,put water in"lots"plus dried friut to snack on.Don't be fooled by what you think are hunger pains,we seem to get them more when we pack up smoking but if you stop and ask yourself "am I really hungry"you may find like I did that you are not and it was "a false message".One piece of dried or plain fruit will satisfy this "false hunger pain".You will soon learn the difference,just listen to your body.Good luck you can do it.I have quit for 30 days now,and have controled my weight by being aware of the fact it can become a problem.Had a small gain,which I soon got back under control.

deleted_user 03/30/2008

Hi Sarah, I'm new too and only on day 6. It's good to find someone who shares my worries. I joined the gym and have been going every second night when my son goes to bed and hopefully that will help. Love the tip about the water, I'm going to buy myself a water bottle. good luck.

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