I'm 17 (18 in less than 3 weeks) and I want to try and quit smoking. I've been a smoker for about 2 years and I usually smoke 6-10 cigarettes per day. If I go on a night out, or I'm at a party, I can easily smoke 40+ cigarettes.
Yesterday I only smoked 1 cigarette, and so far today I've only had 2. Is this a good start? I need some things to help me keep on track and not want to smoke. I do not want to buy nicotine gum, patches or any of that. Any ideas to help me keep on track?
I am WELL AWARE of all the health risks so knowing that I will be healthier will no motivate me at all, since health is not the reason I'm quitting, so please don't suggest that.
Suggestion:
Hi,
Good for you for trying to quit smoking!! It is a hard road, but you can do it! You are on a good path – One thing I recommend is trying to quit down gradually. Start by cutting your cigarette intake in half (so three a day), and then wait for a little bit, then cut down to two, then to one, then one every few days.
One thing to really watch is your stress level. People tend to smoke when they are stressed out (I know my Gramma does at least). Try and find a new stress relief (sports, music, journaling, etc).
For parties and nights out, only bring a few cigarettes and only bring enough money for what you are doing – then you can't buy anymore! If your friends offer you a cigarette, try and keep yourself busy (either eating, drinking, chewing gum – etc … however, be careful of weight gain).
Other than that, just keep rewarding yourself. Post signs in your room or bathroom that encourage you to keep quitting and then set up rewards. If you cut down successfully to 3 for a few weeks, treat yourself out or something. Then tackle your next goal.
Remember that quitting smoking is a process, so it will take some time, but if you do it slowly you will be more likely to stop smoking.
Good luck!
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