[spectre]

I use the gum to take the edge off, to keep me regular, and have managed to keep the weight off.

I have to withdraw from the gum, but it beats smoking. I quit after I fought and beat a serious illness, and said to myself, "smoking is not an option". It's been 3 years on the gum. I wish I were as strong as you. Only Don Imus chews more. :~(

sw

[Cold Heat]

I have been a smoker for 40 years.

I started when I was 13 and have been a two packer for most of the 40 years.

I have tried and failed to quit several times and this time, failure is just not an option.

If I were to fail, I would never attempt it again. I detest failing at anything.

I have studied/ or experienced all the quit methods. I even tried hypno.

It seems that cold turkey, or as close to cold turkey that you can manage is the way to go. It is harder on the system for the first days, but you do not replace one addiction with another.

I have broken addictions before. I had a drug problem when I was in my early twenties and then there was alcohol in my 40s.

Now there is pain killers in my 50s. (cannot function without them) I am a chronic pain patient.

Cigarettes have been the hardest addiction to break by far. Even harder than than the drugs. I hate it when something controls me and I am helpless to stop it.

That is why the cigs must go! My health is not affected as of yet. I can afford them so the controlling influence of the nicotine is what gives me the strength to fight.

[No Blue States]

3 years off cigs, even if chewing gum is very strong of You in my opinion. and far better for your health and those around.
You know when you are ready to toss the gum.
hoping i dont gain weight, always have the munchies now..
need to keep walking and stay active i reckon.