I smoked for 8 years until my doctor told me that if I continued I would drop dead. That statement was blunt and it definitely made me think. Stop smoking and live. Continue smoking and die. It was really no choice.

So I decided a couple things to help me quit. I selected a target quit date. I set it for 2weeks away. First thing I switched to a cigarette that was yucky. I cut down on the amount of cigarettes that I smoked. I changed to a brand that is less tasteful. I also changed to a cigarette that is less in nicotine and tar. This changed my behavior. I stopped smoking automatically. I caught myself before lighting up out of habit. Don’t empty your ashtrays. This will remind you of how many cigarettes you’ve smoked each day, and the sight and smell of stale cigarette butts were very unpleasant.

I stopped buying cigarettes by the carton and bought them by the pack only. I waited until the pack was completely empty. I made it a chore to buy another pack. On the day I quit, I threw away all my cigarettes and matches as well as every lighter I have ever had, no matter what the cost. I kept myself very busy and tried at all costs to forget smoking. I stopped hanging around other smokers. I know this is horrible but I had to.

I would drink tons of water and it helped with the smoking. Try to avoid alcohol and coffee. These usually caused me to smoke more.

Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. If you have thought about quitting but haven’t been able to, I hope that these above ideas will help you stop the habit. More than 400,000 deaths in the United States each year are from smoking-related diseases or illnesses. I quit 12 years ago and I’ve never felt better. You can quit!!!!!

C.U. Soone