I quit on the 11th of September due to getting Covid and took the opportunity of being sick to stop smoking. Today is the 6th morning that I haven’t had a cigarette and today is the first day that it has felt great to wake up and not have to hurry up and go smoke my morning cigarette! I am so grateful for these videos, and I am a believer that quitting cold turkey is a very good way to quit. Yes, it’s been tough, but the cravings pass and have been getting easier to deal with. Deep breathing is very helpful! I am so happy to not be a smoker. I wish my dad could have quit. He had COPD & passed away this last April 2022. He was only 79 years old. It was my dream to quit before my birthday this year and it happened (miraculously)! Thank you God!
Peter Dixon it’s crazy.. he should have over 100-300 thousand at least.. so much good info.. this was my go to, back when I was 21..... 4 years clean now.. I still come back around the holidays, and listen to a few of his videos..
Thank you Joel you have been the greatest help to me to quit smoking, also think your a very nice person for using your time to help others, much respect.
Im on day 20! It’s getting easier. The pangs are subsiding. My dreams are still crazy. Im eating like a Hoover vaccuum but I’m not sneaking around smoking and feeling great!
I have tried many times before to quit smoking, but your videos have 100% helped me, as I am coming up to my first month. I know now never to take another puff. Thanks, Lee
Thank you for your videos. I started watching them months before I quit. The seeds were planted then and when I finally quit, the videos were very helpful! The most helpful part is simply the positivity and the rationality. It really is simple when you have the right perspective. Thank you for helping me realize I could quit !
This is my 4th day without smoking and I'm loving life right now! I currently get a slight headache from time to time and often times its really not a headache its more like lightheartedness but its totally fine and much better than what I expected quitting cold turkey. Everyone struggling with quitting please remember cold turkey is the way to go in my humble opinion because if you want to quit than quit don't take any half measures, just have a positive attitude, load up on sugar free mints and gum LIKE SERIOUSLY LOAD UP ON THOSE TWO THINGS LOL, and have some good friends who you can speak with to distract your mind from time to time. As I said I'm 4 days in (smoked almost a pack per day for roughly 20 years) and I have no doubt I will never smoke again!
Related videos: Videos discussing slight headaches and relate symptoms Blood sugar symptoms th-cam.com/video/YYGsz7WNh_8/w-d-xo.html Disorientation that may occur when first quitting smoking th-cam.com/video/Xu7hsiOdlDM/w-d-xo.html Regarding the use of gum and mints "Do whatever it takes to quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/72UjMsr_gfw/w-d-xo.html
Wow it's cool seeing this comment from 7 months ago and I can proudly say I never smoked again. Also I'm not addicted to gum and mints but they most certainly played a huge roll in me quiting smoking cold turkey lol.
I quit smoking cold turkey on 31st January,2017....The craving and the other symptoms of the side effects of quitting had been bothering me for couple of weeks after I quit and during that time your videos helped me to cope with the situation.Today is 8th September,2017 and now,I feel that I did myself a great favour.....Your videos are really helpful...I hope more and more people will find motivation for quitting smoking through your channel..THANK YOU
Your information is so important to us , I hope ppl would listen and just try to follow your advice . My husband and I have both quit and we are both so surprised to find out that it was not as hard as we thought it would be. Thank you for all you've done .
The videos "What's the use in quitting now?" th-cam.com/video/F7_1ywyAfc8/w-d-xo.html and Feel what it is like to breathe with emphysema th-cam.com/video/Gf0tsDrgx2k/w-d-xo.html should help you to reinforce your resolve to make this quit stick.
Thank you, Joel. Started my quit a few days ago and these videos are fantastic positive reinforcement, keeping me motivated when I start to get that itch.
I am that guy who waited until medical conditions hit me like a high speed train. I always knew I am going to quit one way or another. Either at home or in a hospital. On my terms or the cigarettes. What did I just learn? There really is a last pack. A last puff where everything changes from I will make a quit date to the quit date found me. I have been sober 17 years too. I am very familiar with one day at a time. This moment. I had the tools. This site. This man Joel has had me smoke free for 12 hours. Too me that's success. Going on 13. I will need 2 stunts in my legs and maybe bypass surgery very soon. It started with fatigue. Horrible. Then legs were burning. Not one doc said quit now until the cardiologist said. Dude your in bad shape. What? My pressure is great. I was surprised but not shocked. If this does take me out. I will go out a non smoker. Thanks Joel. AA taught me ya can't do it alone. With your support. I am not.
Glad to be able to help Terry. Here are a few video links relating to topics you have brought up: People in recovery from other addictions th-cam.com/video/Z92P4CG2Sy0/w-d-xo.html "I will quit when" th-cam.com/video/jZEiUAFnoqo/w-d-xo.html Waiting to bottom out: th-cam.com/video/jZEiUAFnoqo/w-d-xo.html Setting quit dates th-cam.com/video/HYgSh3zJAF0/w-d-xo.html Heart and circulatory diseases th-cam.com/video/1Xt9v-aozUg/w-d-xo.html Because now it really hurts th-cam.com/video/S73m1MsxLpE/w-d-xo.html Quitting smoking out of fear th-cam.com/video/8wpre2NagvY/w-d-xo.html
Also, since you are just into your first day, you may want to check out the resources on this page: ntapblog.wordpress.com/can-you-spare-about-an-hour-and-a-half-to-help-to-save-your-life/
IM a weak useless human being. I get panic attacks when I stop smoking for a few days. I hate myself cause I can't seem to be stronger than my weakness. I don't want to smoke but I can't convince myself that smoking does help my anxiety.
+Dazy Crave Related resources: Are you stronger than your cigarettes? th-cam.com/video/uxLxDuTOCT0/w-d-xo.html Are you smart enough for an IQ pin? th-cam.com/video/ydmE6_Zz5so/w-d-xo.html Smoking does not help you overcome stress: th-cam.com/video/buyqvYuo5So/w-d-xo.html "I'll be a nervous wreck forever if I quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/IJBu7Bf3LpM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Joel. Im one of the few that get very intense withdraw symptoms. Most people that get those intense withdraw symptoms also have other issues like anxiety or depression that contribute to make it " intense " because they use smoking as a crutch to control it. I've tried to quit in the past and was successful twice - one cold turkey that lasted about 4 years and one with nicorette gum that lasted 3 years. Those times I quit I had a little and no anxiety or depression so I think that plays a major role in someone's decision to actually stick to a quit. Any advice on how to quit with these symptoms present ?
Justin Mechanic These videos touch on topics raised here: Medication adjustments that may be necessary after smoking cessation, Quitting smoking and mental health, Quitting smoking can make you calmer, happier and healthier and Past "successful" quits
Joel Spitzer See the links to those videos didn't come through. Here they are: th-cam.com/video/cILrIM3PQPY/w-d-xo.html, th-cam.com/video/2ysFk0-pQ3A/w-d-xo.html, th-cam.com/video/7K038NtxO6o/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/39An4dNBhKI/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Joel Spitzer. I am again attempting to quit my smoking habit. I appreciate all the work and effort you have put into this channel to help me and others that suffer this horrible addiction. If I can breath easier and live a day longer because I used your materials then it was worth.
Only on my third day and already smoked, I’m not doing it tomorrow. I wasn’t expecting to feel so emotional today, but now I know what to expect next time I’m going to just soldier through it. It wasn’t that horrendous, you’re right.
Hello Joshua, If you had already smoked you are not on your third day. The resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/should-i-reset-my-quit-meter/ address this issue. Also check out the resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/youve-relapsed-now-what/ If you really want to quit it is going to take a 100% effort and commitment. See whyquit.com/joels-videos/a-99-9-commitment-to-quit-smoking-will-fail/ If you are starting a quit now, spend time with the resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/can-you-spare-about-an-hour-and-a-half-to-help-to-save-your-life/ It can help you get your new quit off with a more solid foundation giving you a better chance of making this quit one that will actually work.
you know, for the last three years now, Joe, it never occured to me, that for years i've taken 300 mg a day of wellbutrin (same thing as that quit smoking pill zyban) for depression. I did NOT get it to quit smoking. I wonder if the reason it was so damn easy for me is because i was on wellbutrin. I still consider that i did it cold turkey, i was taking wellbutrin a good 15 years before i gave up smoking, and i never once thought about this. But this i must ask: How am i supposed to treat this as an addiction when i never had a single withdrawl symptom. Also at the time i quit, mama found out she had lung cancer and died 2 months later. Mama was a chain smoker and quit in 87 with no effort (just like me it's amazing) after a surgery where she was in the hospital 4 days. She never took another cigarette when she got home
Hello Frank: You need to ask yourself why you smoked for the 15 years while you were taking Wellbutrin if Wellbutrin took away your need to smoke? As far as for it having been easy for you, that is something that happens to some people--your mother being one of them. Here are some resource pages addressing issues raised by your question and experiences with Wellbutrin: whyquit.com/joels-videos/were-you-addicted/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/general-comments-about-the-use-of-zyban/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/every-quit-is-different/
HELLO mama did NOT take wellburtin. she had no trouble whatsoever,, neither did daddy, and aunt diane. none of which took wellbutrin; I enjoyed smoking and never desired to quit. I still am an avid defender of smokers rights joe. this is turning into a communist country every day
That is what I was saying Frank--that the reason you did not have any major withdrawal was not because you were using Wellbutrin, but more likely just because you were not destined to have withdrawal with that quit. That is how it went for your mother and other family members. Again though I must highlight that the one thing that really shows the addiction to nicotine is not how much or how little withdrawal a person has on any individual attempt but more so on how easy they get hooked again after quitting for what may be great lengths of time being smoke free. As far as for the smokers right issues, check out this resource page: whyquit.com/joels-videos/ill-smoke-anywhere-i-want/
and mama went to the base every week and bought 4 cartons of carlton 100s and daddy maybe smoked 1. He claims that 2 years after mama quit, it was easy for him, but he was ugly for a while
I'm on about 72 hrs into my cold turkey from nicotine (snus, not cigarettes). Day 1 - was easy, motivation easily outweighed any withdrawal symptoms.. Day 2 - harder.. I feel a tingling under my lip constantly and I can almost hear my brain screaming for nicotine and it's constantly trying to nudge me towards nicotine. Sometimes it's like my brain is trying to take action toward getting the nicotine, without "me" allowing it first. I stop it immediately. Day 3 - i was really angry and craved nicotine a lot. Was helping a friend skim coat and f'ed up a couple of times and yelled and cursed profusely. I'm usually a really calm person, so it was really a weird feeling. Overall I feel like the withdrawal symptoms are worse when I'm alone. If I'm with someone, at the gym or in public I don't get cravings, it's only when I'm alone with my thoughts.. I hope it will get easier, because right now, I REALLY want some nicotine haha
You really are through the worst of this now. I could not have said this to you yesterday or the day before, but once through the 72 hour period things are different. Here are several pages addressing how and why: whyquit.com/joels-videos/the-importance-of-the-first-three-days-of-your-quit/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/difference-between-physical-and-psychological-urges/ whyquit.com/joel/Joel_03_14_physical_vs_psych.html whyquit.com/joels-videos/nicotine-is-nicotine-is-nicotine/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/quitting-smoking-a-fate-worse-than-death/
I generally check messages a couple of times a day. It may take a few hours to respond to messages. Also, I normally only respond to questions asked on posts or to comments that refer to issues that I have specific videos for--not to general comments.
I'm having an intense time. I set a freaking quit date went thru, but I mentally thought I was prepared. God is GoOD, and I will continue to allow him to guide this journey. Thank You for informing people like myself. I may need to be sleep
Check out the video "Setting quit dates" th-cam.com/video/HYgSh3zJAF0/w-d-xo.html, ", the page ntapblog.wordpress.com/going-back-to-normal-after-quitting/ which touches on sleep adjustments and the video Being locked up to quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/zUKBBcZ26BQ/w-d-xo.html (In case you were using the term need to sleep in meaning avoiding being awake in order to avoid smoking)
I have been a heavy smoker for more than 30 years and today is my second day of quitting smoking cold turkey. I am experiencing some withdrawal symptoms and I am laying in bed with a headache and severe fatigue. I knew that it wasn't going to be easy but this really sucks.
Hello joel. Nice to find you somebody had told me when I was on utube to find you and tht way I could gather more HELP! I got copd n they found nodulars on lungs and n scared but your right its so most additive but I had made a quit day which is tomorrow! But thank you so much for helping ppl like you do and caring enuff not to charge. Wish me luck joel and say a prayer. Btw u got such a kind soothing voice. God bless you
Good point. I look forward to see if in your videos you will bring up social topics. What to do if my majority of peers smoke. How to deal with smoking passively if these people are important in your life even relatives. And so forth. Recalling some past attempts relapse triggers also contained quality time with these people etc.
Hello Bianca: Glad to see that you are starting to plow through the videos. Here are materials addressing your question here: whyquit.com/joels-videos/quitting-in-a-smoking-friendly-society/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/how-can-i-quit-if-i-live-with-a-smoker/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/can-second-hand-smoke-cause-relapse/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/watching-others-smoke/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/how-to-deal-with-people-offering-you-cigarettes-after-you-have-quit/
I was thinking of a way to explain to someone who never smoked before. Craving a cigarette when having abstained for a while is similar to the feeling induced by holding your breath for a long as you can, the feeling that tells you to stop what you're doing and breath. It's not quite so intense with smoking cessation but it's ongoing, hence why it's a difficult addiction to overcome.
+dmak2 It is important to clarify the concept of "ongoing." Check out the videos Does nicotine withdrawal really last for months or years?th-cam.com/video/JDBt_tYBzN4/w-d-xo.html and Tell a newbie how many seconds a day you want a cigarette th-cam.com/video/W_S_Z8R0_Pk/w-d-xo.html
+Joel Spitzer Sorry yes I should have said, It's only been a few days now and last night was pretty tough! I am still proud and not ashamed. Easier tonight but I have some beers, lots of food, I'm an avid cyclist so this should be fine :D I smoked for over 15 years, not too long hopefully. I'm worth more than that.
+dmak2 Some people reading here might be surprised to hear you say that it has only been a few days and you had some beers already. The videos addressing this issue are "Can people still drink alcohol after they have quit smoking?" th-cam.com/video/_VPYfgszP3g/w-d-xo.html and "Everything you did as a smoker you can do as a former smoker." th-cam.com/video/lqlyAdvafio/w-d-xo.html Also, being an avid cyclist won't make you immune to falling back into smoking, but staying free from smoking is very likely going to make you a better cyclist. Related videos to exercise improvements are Incorporating exercise after quitting th-cam.com/video/9z-6dEPCupM/w-d-xo.html and So I can't run marathons... th-cam.com/video/1yv9pebdpxQ/w-d-xo.html
Glad to help Staci. As far as for the video being old, most of my videos are old and most of my articles are decades older. That being said, the messaging of most of these resources are not dated. Don't let the age of the materials be a deterrent. Here is an index to most of the videos that I have: whyquit.com/joels-videos/index.html Let the titles be the indicator you use as to what topic may be of interest. Again, even the old videos will likely address the questions or concerns that you are facing today. As always, if you have specific questions or concerns that you are looking for answers to just drop me a line and I will steer you to relevant resources.
@@joelspitz I 100% agree with what you said!I know so many people struggling to quit and I'm going to advise them to watch your youtube videos.thankyou for responding and thankyou for the link u provided!!
You are welcome Staci. Here is one page you might be interested in since you mentioned knowing people who are struggling to quit: whyquit.com/joels-videos/showing-others-that-there-is-life-without-smoking/
I smoked an average of only 2 ciggerates a day for about 1.5 years...sometimes may rise upto 10(15 to 17 times in a year maybe)... Can i be having withdrawal symptoms if I try to quit? I need to get this answer please
+Trina Marie You are likely right--you cannot do that. Related videos: "I will control my smoking now"th-cam.com/video/kALov4eEK4w/w-d-xo.html, "I've got my smoking under control" th-cam.com/video/Fl9uo8GbCf8/w-d-xo.html, Are there social smokers? th-cam.com/video/e-Wmt5TxWkE/w-d-xo.html and "How can I be addicted, I can go hours without smoking." th-cam.com/video/renKEW4bHvg/w-d-xo.html
+Aviral Shukla Actually, it may or may not be hard. Check out the videos "Every quit is different Every quit is different th-cam.com/video/fYHkaGt-YhE/w-d-xo.html, What is nicotine withdrawal really like? th-cam.com/video/WbEoMEpmMX4/w-d-xo.html, and Comparing quits with others th-cam.com/video/IIlyDLqzpF4/w-d-xo.html
This is my first week now, I have realy strong mental symptoms. The work I currently do is realy boring so i spend alot of time with my mind each day. Two days ago I thought I was going mental (no kidding) It felt like I was not myself at and like the world has changed or someting. I am wondering if it is normal that stuff like this happens when you quit smoking because I'm so affraid of a mental breakdown it's all i can think of when I'm alone. An awnser would be highly appreciated and if you need more information feel free to ask.
Check out the videos How to do nothing without a cigarette th-cam.com/video/2WylBJlR-3E/w-d-xo.html, Quitting smoking can make you calmer, happier and healthier th-cam.com/video/7K038NtxO6o/w-d-xo.html and Quitting smoking and mental health th-cam.com/video/2ysFk0-pQ3A/w-d-xo.html
I just finished Day 1 and I'm looking around waiting for the hard part to start. Obviously it's way too early to get cocky, but I pictured myself being irritable and having the shakes. I had heard that it was harder than quitting heroin!
There is really no way to know whether or not things will actually get more difficult. It is possible not guaranteed to happen. Check out the video Every quit is different th-cam.com/video/fYHkaGt-YhE/w-d-xo.html. Be sure to go through the resources in the video description.
joel, after watching your videos i must say that i really believe the reason it was so easy for me is i knew there was no alternative but to quit, my body was FINISHED nicotine
Hey Joel, I'm on my day 6, feeling the nicotine withdrawal since day 1. I feel tingling on my hand and feet, sometimes also on my rear neck upwards through the back of my head. Is it normal? Does this related with the blood sugar level issue you talked about? One more thing, my hand and feet are sweating too but it is less than previously tho..
Hello Zulfikar. I am going to attach two sets of commentaries I used regularly at the Freedom from Nicotine board. Then I am going to attach a few videos in a separate response that address similar issues. Being that you are past the first few days already, it is best to get your symptoms checked out by your doctor. There is one video that I am going to attach first about going back to normal after quitting. It addresses blood sugar concerns after quitting--first from withdrawal kind of effects and then how normal is not necessarily what it was when you were still smoking. Also, there are peripheral circulation changes that are common after quitting that can cause some changes in sensation in your fingers and toes. Again, if you were writing this on days one through three I would say its likely just a withdrawal effect--but being that you are six days in, it is best to get things checked out with your doctor. First commentary from the string ffn.yuku.com/topic/11720 (Giving and getting medical advice online) Smoking did not cause everything. It causes a whole lot of things though and many things that it does not cause, it makes worse. On the same token, quitting does not cause everything. Quitting is usually accompanied with many repairs, but there are also some adjustments that go on that may need a partnership with your physicians to get worked out. My general rule of advice is whatever happens the first few days of a quit, whether it is physical or psychological reactions, blame it on not smoking. It is probably the cause of most early quit reactions. If it is a symptom to a condition that could be life threatening, such as severe chest pains or signs or symptoms of a stroke-contact your doctor immediately. While it is probably nothing and just a side effect of quitting, in the long shot that it is something else coincidentally happening the week you are quitting, you need to get it checked out. Things happening weeks, months, years or decades after your quits though should not ever be assumed to be a quit smoking reaction. It is life going on without smoking. Some of these things may trigger smoking thoughts-especially if they are similar to conditions you did have in the past when you were a smoker. The situation now is a first time experience with a prior feeling where smoking was integrates thus creating smoking thoughts. But even in this case, the condition is creating a smoking thought, it is not that your smoking memories or your smoking past is creating the condition. Life goes on without smoking. It is likely to go on longer and it is likely that you will be healthier at each and every stage than you would have been if you had continued smoking. Your life will continue to stay better and likely last long longer as long as you always remember to never take another puff! Joel I normally tell people who experience wild or bizarre reactions the first few days not to be surprised or unduly alarmed, it is likely from not smoking. But at the same time they should not totally ignore certain symptoms, in case in the long shot that something else is happening just coincidently at the same time as they are quitting smoking. The symptom of muscle tightness is often felt through out the body. Back aches, neck pains such as those experienced from times of extreme stress, even leg cramps can be felt by some. Chest tightness too can be experienced. While quitting smoking is the usual reason behind the reaction, for obvious safety reasons it is prudent to get the symptoms checked with ones doctor. You just don't want to take the chance that you were the exception to the rule, that the chest pain was actually a signal of real heart trouble. I have literally had over 4,500 people in smoking clinics over a 26 year time period and had only had two people actually have heart attacks within a week of quitting. And they were both people who were quitting because of doctors advice that a heart attack was an imminent danger because of pre-existing conditions. So while I am not trying to say that the risk of a heart attack is high from quitting, in fact your risk of heart attack decreases upon cessation and relatively quickly, there still is a risk as there is with all smokers, ex-smokers and even all never smokers. Ignoring a cardiac symptom is just an unnecessary risk that no one should take. It is better to check in with your doctor and to be safe than sorry. Doctors are often very receptive to work with a person when they are quitting for they often recognize the serious nature of the effort. So as for symptoms, don't be surprised or alarmed by anything, but be cautious and stay aware. If you experience any symptom that would normally be a reason to get checked out immediately, follow through with the same expedience now. Life goes on without smoking and things can always happen. Also, once over the first few days, be really cautious of blaming symptoms on smoking cessation. While some reactions can linger, especially coughing and excessive phlegm reactions, other factors can happen too, especially during cold and flu seasons. Pretty much stay aware and follow the normal precautions you followed before while smoking. Unless as a smoker you never did anything, for some smokers are intimidated to go to the doctor when having symptoms for shear embarrassment that the doctor would just chastise them for smoking and tell them to stop. Rather than putting up with the admonishments, they would ignore problems in the past. As an ex-smoker you won't face the same complications. Again, doctors are often more prone to work with you when they see you working for yourself, and not to ignore symptoms writing them off to a normal smoker's ailments. They are often more supportive when you quit. So to stay healthy, learn to listen to your body. Smokers are notoriously bad at this, for their body was likely telling them to quit for a long time and they ignored it. But the day the quit smoking was a good indication that they were now working with their body to maintain health. To keep a good partnership going with your doctor, other health professionals, your family, friends and your own body always remember to never take another puff! Joel
Going back to normal after quitting smoking th-cam.com/video/zUKBBcZ26BQ/w-d-xo.html When you may really need to talk to your doctor about quitting smoking th-cam.com/video/RKDLdtZUUZM/w-d-xo.html Medication adjustments that may be necessary after smoking cessation th-cam.com/video/cILrIM3PQPY/w-d-xo.html "Will this get better?” th-cam.com/video/ltffrIgcw5U/w-d-xo.html "Is this a symptom of quitting smoking?" (part 2) th-cam.com/video/Rw5jbjgRH7g/w-d-xo.html Heart and circulatory diseases th-cam.com/video/1Xt9v-aozUg/w-d-xo.html (I included this one because it talks about peripheral vascular effects of nicotine that can cause sensation effects in finger and toes when you are smoking.
Hi Joel, first of all, thanks for the quick reply and reaction. Apparently the day I decided to went cold turkey was the day I had an asthma attack (after almost 10+ yrs never have any attack). The very first few days were painful feeling, to felt the early withdrawal symptom and still having the leftover of the asthma attack. I already went to lung and heart specialist, having few tests and they said everything was fine. I just wondering why I still have this tingliness and lightheaded-ness feeling, but I remembered I may not consumed enough sugar. I will try to change my meal for enough sugar and see how it will goes it the next few days. If things doesn't tapering off, might to visit my doctor again then. Not to take another puff again. Love from Indonesia.
That is why I recommended the "Going back to normal" video. Your daily pattern of eating as a smoker may not be sufficient for you as a former smoker. That video addresses the issue most directly.
so much truth there, especially when you weigh you put withdrawl on one side of the scales and weigh it up against something much more serious. Using that as a standard of measurement, withdrawal ain't so bad, but I refuse to go through it again.
The resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/for-people-who-think-quitting-smoking-is-the-hardest-thing-they-have-ever-done/ hit home this point.
I hate smoking becoz everytime I smoke it's like something wrong with my throat that I wanna vomit. But when I try to quit it I just feel great anxiety just becoz there's no cigarette with me.
Check out these resources: ntapblog.wordpress.com/resources-regarding-the-fears-involved-with-quitting-smoking/ Resources explaining interaction between nicotine and stress th-cam.com/video/DHbpXPa6S4w/w-d-xo.html Smoking does not help you overcome stress: th-cam.com/video/buyqvYuo5So/w-d-xo.html
this is my 23rth day into my quit . the first 3 days were hard but not as bad as everyone would make you believe the 15th of this month i will have a double celebration i would be celebrating my bday and 30 days smoke free the same day
It is important to realize that what you are feeling now is not what it is like to be an ex-smoker but more so what it is like to be a smoker in the midst of withdrawal. Get through another day and things are likely to improve a lot. Check out these related videos: The fear of success th-cam.com/video/hHhWSOsWoBE/w-d-xo.html Quitting smoking can make you calmer, happier and healthier th-cam.com/video/7K038NtxO6o/w-d-xo.html "I'll be a nervous wreck forever if I quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/IJBu7Bf3LpM/w-d-xo.html Starting day three of your quit th-cam.com/video/-MS3Or89TDY/w-d-xo.html
I am glad that you are watching them and hope you find them helpful. I shot and uploaded new video a little over an hour ago. Here is a link to it if you have not seen it yet: "I can't afford to quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/7sU6ouvXHbQ/w-d-xo.html
The reason some people expect a horrible withdraw is this - Supposedly it is harder to break from cigarettes than heroin/cocaine/etc... So then you see shows like COPS or these night time dramas involving drug addicts where they are screaming and thrashing cause they are withdrawing from drugs. So after hearing that nicotine is worse than THAT, of course people are going to expect to go through pure hell when quitting smoking. The reality - quitting smoking is not a walk in the park but it is not like those junkies you see on TV who are ready to kill for another hit. You could say you go through "heck" but not "hell".
I think the reason that smoking has the reputation of being "harder" to quit than other drugs is that you will often hear people who have beaten other drugs who say that they cannot quit smoking. That would leave the impression that quitting smoking is harder. Check out the pages whyquit.com/joels-videos/just-one-little-puff/ and whyquit.com/joels-videos/people-in-recovery-from-other-addictions/ They touch on the issue you are raising and explain some of the reasons people have a harder time sustaining their quits from nicotine. Much of the reason is from lack of understanding of what is needed to do to sustain a quit more so than from experiencing of worse or longer withdrawal symptoms.
pookiroo Check out the following videos and their attached resources: New reactions to anger (th-cam.com/video/KC8wRhjLFL4/w-d-xo.html) Quitting smoking: A fate worse than death (th-cam.com/video/9AfYEZeP2zM/w-d-xo.html) Smoking does not help you overcome stress (th-cam.com/video/buyqvYuo5So/w-d-xo.html) Can you help a person who doesn't really want to quit smoking? (th-cam.com/video/eEE_RedzMJE/w-d-xo.html) The fear of success (th-cam.com/video/hHhWSOsWoBE/w-d-xo.html)
No, I have never had any contact with Allen Carr. Here is my general response when asked by people about comparisons between our work: If you check out my video “My work in the field of smoking prevention and cessation” th-cam.com/video/9S8TphTve4g/w-d-xo.html and the links in it’s video description, you will see that I started in the field of smoking prevention in the early 1970’s and started conducting my Stop Smoking Clinics in 1976. My core program and philosophy were pretty well established by 1978. Allen Carr’s quit smoking in 1983 and I believe sometime shortly after that wrote his first book developed his program.I didn’t see a copy of Allen Carr’s book until 2002. Up to that time his book was never widely distributed in the United States and I had never heard of Carr until 1999 when I started using the Internet.When I started seeing his name on the Internet I was curious if he had seem my materials but from the quick look I had at the book in 2002 I got the sense that he had pretty much came up with a similar philosophy in the same way I did-really watching smokers quit. If you listen to successful ex-smokers close enough and long enough you can pick up the similarities in their approach. Most long term ex-smokers have never heard of either of us or any other expert yet they have learned from experience or in some cases just seem to instinctively know how to quit and how to stay off. Many ex-smokers will say from time to time that they still have moments where they would “kill for a cigarette,” but at the same time know that in reality, taking a cigarette would kill their quits and that losing their quit would likely end up killing them. This self learned knowledge it what is keeping their quits going.I always tell people that they should learn from the experts when it comes to smoking cessation. The experts who should be seen as credible are not the Joel Spitzer’s or the Allen Carr’s of the world, but the real people who you know in your real world who are long-term successful quitters. The more you listen to the real ex-smoker you know in your real world as well as to the current smokers you know who have lost long-term quits the more obvious it will be that they way to quit smoking and then to stay free is by staying totally committed to never take another puff!
Joel Spitzer Thankyou for the quick and detailed reply. On behalf of all the former smokers i do not think we can thankyou enough Joel for your outstanding valuable work that is saving our lives. Your videos are extremely helpful, informative and are always uplifting and a joy to watch, especially supportive at those times urges or thoughts hit! Day 28 and NTAP! :) Regards, Jeff 👍✌👏
Hello Helipad: I actually disagree on this. The video and its attached resources address the issue of the great variability that withdrawal can be like. That is the message I want people to understand so they are not intimidated from quitting by fears of withdrawals that may they may not ever encounter. I do have titles that are bit misleading. The page whyquit.com/joels-videos/you-should-retitle-that-video/ addresses how to minimize getting confused by any of those videos.
OK, I stopped smoking yesterday. Now ii'm almost done with day 2. I try to ease the pain a bit with casual puffs of e cigarette with Zero nicotine.. Hell i'm not wasting the 2 day struggle.. I hope tomorrow wull be better!
Joel Spitzer I can assure you that the liquid has no nicotine in it for 2 reasons. 1 thus is very strictly regulated by European Union laws.and the liquidis produced in Poland. It is accualy a DIY liquid base, without flavouring and without nicotine, secondly and most importantly it has done nothing for my cravinga... Only gives you the feelibg that you inhale same thing but that us all... You stull have the urge to smoke
Well if you are correct in your assumption that there is no nicotine, then lets look at this issue: "I try to ease the pain a bit with casual puffs of e cigarette with Zero nicotine." What do you think an e-cigarette is going to do to ease the pain a bit? Check out the page Carrying mock cigarettes whyquit.com/joels-videos/carrying-mock-cigarettes/ Also, instead of inhaling any foreign products into your lungs, you could simply follow the advice on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/using-deep-breathing-as-a-safe-and-effective-quitting-aid/
Also, check out the information on this page: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457636/ One mislabeled product can cost you your quit. Is it worth the risk?
Sorry for the delay in responding to you. Normally I get an email every time someone leaves a comment on one of my videos. The last couple of weeks I had not received any email alerts and just thought no one was responding. Just happen to check my channel and saw a number of comments that were posted over the past two weeks. I am glad that you are finding my materials helpful. Joel
i am on my day 2 of withdrawl coming from 3 years of smoking 1 and 1/2 pack a day sometimes 2 and i gotta say withdrawl ain't that bad but i am coughing alottt and i feel sick and lightheaded and sweaty but i like that feeling i like to imagine a battle going on inside of my body where there's war to cleanse it
+TheMadimod Check out the following videos: Going back to normal after quitting smoking: th-cam.com/video/zUKBBcZ26BQ/w-d-xo.html Blood sugar symptoms: th-cam.com/video/YYGsz7WNh_8/w-d-xo.html Medication adjustments that may be necessary after smoking cessation: th-cam.com/video/cILrIM3PQPY/w-d-xo.html "Will this get better?": th-cam.com/video/ltffrIgcw5U/w-d-xo.html "Is this a symptom of quitting smoking?" (part 2): th-cam.com/video/Rw5jbjgRH7g/w-d-xo.html
Nothing happen i am in my 11 day and thats true its true happen urge to smoke some day than you just hate smoking u have to adjust with eating if you fell like smoking try nuts or any thing your crave for smoking is gone i fell nothing now i smoke all my life almost 15 years non stop
Its true that at times you may need to adjust eating patterns after you quit smoking. The page whyquit.com/joels-videos/going-back-to-normal-after-quitting/ addresses this issue. But be careful with turning to a food, especially a high caloric one as a psychological crutch not to smoke. The pages whyquit.com/joels-videos/do-whatever-it-takes-to-quit-smoking/, whyquit.com/joels-videos/crutches-to-quit-smoking/ and whyquit.com/joels-videos/what-bad-habit-should-i-replace-it-with/ address this issue.
I am glad that you quit eth3rl0ds but I want to caution you that just because it was easy to quit doesn't mean that you were not addicted and if you were to ever relapse, it wouldn't mean that you might not have a hard time the next time around. Here are a few pages addressing this issue: whyquit.com/joels-videos/were-you-addicted/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/every-quit-is-different/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/can-taking-a-break-from-smoking-help-you-get-rid-of-nicotine-tolerance/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/the-advantage-of-having-a-difficult-time-when-quitting-smoking/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/videos-related-to-the-implications-of-a-puff-once-you-have-quit/
Glad to have been able to help Cristina. Here are two pages that I have set up with lots of resources addressing this very issue: whyquit.com/joels-videos/videos-related-to-the-implications-of-a-puff-once-you-have-quit/ whyquit.com/joels-videos/relapse-prevention-resources/ Hope you find all of these resources helpful.Joel
I quit on the 11th of September due to getting Covid and took the opportunity of being sick to stop smoking. Today is the 6th morning that I haven’t had a cigarette and today is the first day that it has felt great to wake up and not have to hurry up and go smoke my morning cigarette! I am so grateful for these videos, and I am a believer that quitting cold turkey is a very good way to quit. Yes, it’s been tough, but the cravings pass and have been getting easier to deal with. Deep breathing is very helpful! I am so happy to not be a smoker. I wish my dad could have quit. He had COPD & passed away this last April 2022. He was only 79 years old. It was my dream to quit before my birthday this year and it happened (miraculously)! Thank you God!
This channel deserves way more subscribers than 4k.
I agree with you Peter...
Peter Dixon it’s crazy.. he should have over 100-300 thousand at least.. so much good info.. this was my go to, back when I was 21..... 4 years clean now.. I still come back around the holidays, and listen to a few of his videos..
That's because once we quit, we dont' even think about smoking anymore!
Thank you Joel you have been the greatest help to me to quit smoking, also think your a very nice person for using your time to help others, much respect.
Im on day 20! It’s getting easier. The pangs are subsiding. My dreams are still crazy. Im eating like a Hoover vaccuum but I’m not sneaking around smoking and feeling great!
I have tried many times before to quit smoking, but your videos have 100% helped me, as I am coming up to my first month. I know now never to take another puff. Thanks, Lee
Thank you for your videos. I started watching them months before I quit. The seeds were planted then and when I finally quit, the videos were very helpful! The most helpful part is simply the positivity and the rationality. It really is simple when you have the right perspective. Thank you for helping me realize I could quit !
This is my 4th day without smoking and I'm loving life right now! I currently get a slight headache from time to time and often times its really not a headache its more like lightheartedness but its totally fine and much better than what I expected quitting cold turkey. Everyone struggling with quitting please remember cold turkey is the way to go in my humble opinion because if you want to quit than quit don't take any half measures, just have a positive attitude, load up on sugar free mints and gum LIKE SERIOUSLY LOAD UP ON THOSE TWO THINGS LOL, and have some good friends who you can speak with to distract your mind from time to time. As I said I'm 4 days in (smoked almost a pack per day for roughly 20 years) and I have no doubt I will never smoke again!
Related videos:
Videos discussing slight headaches and relate symptoms
Blood sugar symptoms th-cam.com/video/YYGsz7WNh_8/w-d-xo.html
Disorientation that may occur when first quitting smoking th-cam.com/video/Xu7hsiOdlDM/w-d-xo.html
Regarding the use of gum and mints "Do whatever it takes to quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/72UjMsr_gfw/w-d-xo.html
Chris Brown lol mints and gum are the only thing that works on my cravings right now. i 100% agree. LOAD UP ON THESE THINGS lol
Here is a link to videos addressing this issue:
ffn.yuku.com/sreply/530184/Replies-to-TH-cam-Channel-Questions-and-Comments
Wow it's cool seeing this comment from 7 months ago and I can proudly say I never smoked again. Also I'm not addicted to gum and mints but they most certainly played a huge roll in me quiting smoking cold turkey lol.
I quit smoking cold turkey on 31st January,2017....The craving and the other symptoms of the side effects of quitting had been bothering me for couple of weeks after I quit and during that time your videos helped me to cope with the situation.Today is 8th September,2017 and now,I feel that I did myself a great favour.....Your videos are really helpful...I hope more and more people will find motivation for quitting smoking through your channel..THANK YOU
Your information is so important to us , I hope ppl would listen and just try to follow your advice . My husband and I have both quit and we are both so surprised to find out that it was not as hard as we thought it would be. Thank you for all you've done .
Thank you for your videos Joel....I am on day 2 of my quit. I was diagnosed with COPD and REALLY want this more then anything!
The videos "What's the use in quitting now?" th-cam.com/video/F7_1ywyAfc8/w-d-xo.html and Feel what it is like to breathe with emphysema th-cam.com/video/Gf0tsDrgx2k/w-d-xo.html should help you to reinforce your resolve to make this quit stick.
I’m quitting smokeless tobacco and find your videos helpful. Thanks.
Thank you, Joel. Started my quit a few days ago and these videos are fantastic positive reinforcement, keeping me motivated when I start to get that itch.
I am that guy who waited until medical conditions hit me like a high speed train. I always knew I am going to quit one way or another. Either at home or in a hospital. On my terms or the cigarettes. What did I just learn? There really is a last pack. A last puff where everything changes from I will make a quit date to the quit date found me. I have been sober 17 years too. I am very familiar with one day at a time. This moment. I had the tools. This site. This man Joel has had me smoke free for 12 hours. Too me that's success. Going on 13.
I will need 2 stunts in my legs and maybe bypass surgery very soon. It started with fatigue. Horrible. Then legs were burning. Not one doc said quit now until the cardiologist said. Dude your in bad shape. What? My pressure is great.
I was surprised but not shocked. If this does take me out. I will go out a non smoker.
Thanks Joel. AA taught me ya can't do it alone. With your support. I am not.
Glad to be able to help Terry. Here are a few video links relating to topics you have brought up:
People in recovery from other addictions th-cam.com/video/Z92P4CG2Sy0/w-d-xo.html
"I will quit when" th-cam.com/video/jZEiUAFnoqo/w-d-xo.html
Waiting to bottom out: th-cam.com/video/jZEiUAFnoqo/w-d-xo.html
Setting quit dates th-cam.com/video/HYgSh3zJAF0/w-d-xo.html
Heart and circulatory diseases th-cam.com/video/1Xt9v-aozUg/w-d-xo.html
Because now it really hurts th-cam.com/video/S73m1MsxLpE/w-d-xo.html
Quitting smoking out of fear th-cam.com/video/8wpre2NagvY/w-d-xo.html
Also, since you are just into your first day, you may want to check out the resources on this page:
ntapblog.wordpress.com/can-you-spare-about-an-hour-and-a-half-to-help-to-save-your-life/
IM a weak useless human being. I get panic attacks when I stop smoking for a few days. I hate myself cause I can't seem to be stronger than my weakness. I don't want to smoke but I can't convince myself that smoking does help my anxiety.
+Dazy Crave Related resources:
Are you stronger than your cigarettes? th-cam.com/video/uxLxDuTOCT0/w-d-xo.html
Are you smart enough for an IQ pin? th-cam.com/video/ydmE6_Zz5so/w-d-xo.html
Smoking does not help you overcome stress: th-cam.com/video/buyqvYuo5So/w-d-xo.html
"I'll be a nervous wreck forever if I quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/IJBu7Bf3LpM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Joel. Im one of the few that get very intense withdraw symptoms. Most people that get those intense withdraw symptoms also have other issues like anxiety or depression that contribute to make it " intense " because they use smoking as a crutch to control it. I've tried to quit in the past and was successful twice - one cold turkey that lasted about 4 years and one with nicorette gum that lasted 3 years. Those times I quit I had a little and no anxiety or depression so I think that plays a major role in someone's decision to actually stick to a quit. Any advice on how to quit with these symptoms present ?
Justin Mechanic These videos touch on topics raised here:
Medication adjustments that may be necessary after smoking cessation, Quitting smoking and mental health, Quitting smoking can make you calmer, happier and healthier and Past "successful" quits
Joel Spitzer See the links to those videos didn't come through. Here they are: th-cam.com/video/cILrIM3PQPY/w-d-xo.html, th-cam.com/video/2ysFk0-pQ3A/w-d-xo.html, th-cam.com/video/7K038NtxO6o/w-d-xo.html and
th-cam.com/video/39An4dNBhKI/w-d-xo.html
Thank you. Been 3 days, other than a few very strong urges to smoke, it was not hard at all, so far at least.
Thank you Joel Spitzer. I am again attempting to quit my smoking habit. I appreciate all the work and effort you have put into this channel to help me and others that suffer this horrible addiction. If I can breath easier and live a day longer because I used your materials then it was worth.
Glad to help Dan.
Only on my third day and already smoked, I’m not doing it tomorrow. I wasn’t expecting to feel so emotional today, but now I know what to expect next time I’m going to just soldier through it. It wasn’t that horrendous, you’re right.
Hello Joshua, If you had already smoked you are not on your third day. The resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/should-i-reset-my-quit-meter/ address this issue.
Also check out the resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/youve-relapsed-now-what/
If you really want to quit it is going to take a 100% effort and commitment. See whyquit.com/joels-videos/a-99-9-commitment-to-quit-smoking-will-fail/
If you are starting a quit now, spend time with the resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/can-you-spare-about-an-hour-and-a-half-to-help-to-save-your-life/
It can help you get your new quit off with a more solid foundation giving you a better chance of making this quit one that will actually work.
you know, for the last three years now, Joe, it never occured to me, that for years i've taken 300 mg a day of wellbutrin (same thing as that quit smoking pill zyban) for depression. I did NOT get it to quit smoking. I wonder if the reason it was so damn easy for me is because i was on wellbutrin. I still consider that i did it cold turkey, i was taking wellbutrin a good 15 years before i gave up smoking, and i never once thought about this. But this i must ask: How am i supposed to treat this as an addiction when i never had a single withdrawl symptom. Also at the time i quit, mama found out she had lung cancer and died 2 months later. Mama was a chain smoker and quit in 87 with no effort (just like me it's amazing) after a surgery where she was in the hospital 4 days. She never took another cigarette when she got home
Hello Frank:
You need to ask yourself why you smoked for the 15 years while you were taking Wellbutrin if Wellbutrin took away your need to smoke? As far as for it having been easy for you, that is something that happens to some people--your mother being one of them.
Here are some resource pages addressing issues raised by your question and experiences with Wellbutrin:
whyquit.com/joels-videos/were-you-addicted/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/general-comments-about-the-use-of-zyban/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/every-quit-is-different/
HELLO mama did NOT take wellburtin. she had no trouble whatsoever,, neither did daddy, and aunt diane. none of which took wellbutrin; I enjoyed smoking and never desired to quit. I still am an avid defender of smokers rights joe.
this is turning into a communist country every day
That is what I was saying Frank--that the reason you did not have any major withdrawal was not because you were using Wellbutrin, but more likely just because you were not destined to have withdrawal with that quit. That is how it went for your mother and other family members. Again though I must highlight that the one thing that really shows the addiction to nicotine is not how much or how little withdrawal a person has on any individual attempt but more so on how easy they get hooked again after quitting for what may be great lengths of time being smoke free. As far as for the smokers right issues, check out this resource page: whyquit.com/joels-videos/ill-smoke-anywhere-i-want/
joe, mama never took wellbutrin nor did i say she did. It may very well be a gene, I don't even get caffiene withdrawl
and mama went to the base every week and bought 4 cartons of carlton 100s and daddy maybe smoked 1. He claims that 2 years after mama quit, it was easy for him, but he was ugly for a while
I'm on about 72 hrs into my cold turkey from nicotine (snus, not cigarettes).
Day 1 - was easy, motivation easily outweighed any withdrawal symptoms..
Day 2 - harder.. I feel a tingling under my lip constantly and I can almost hear my brain screaming for nicotine and it's constantly trying to nudge me towards nicotine. Sometimes it's like my brain is trying to take action toward getting the nicotine, without "me" allowing it first. I stop it immediately.
Day 3 - i was really angry and craved nicotine a lot. Was helping a friend skim coat and f'ed up a couple of times and yelled and cursed profusely. I'm usually a really calm person, so it was really a weird feeling.
Overall I feel like the withdrawal symptoms are worse when I'm alone. If I'm with someone, at the gym or in public I don't get cravings, it's only when I'm alone with my thoughts.. I hope it will get easier, because right now, I REALLY want some nicotine haha
You really are through the worst of this now. I could not have said this to you yesterday or the day before, but once through the 72 hour period things are different. Here are several pages addressing how and why:
whyquit.com/joels-videos/the-importance-of-the-first-three-days-of-your-quit/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/difference-between-physical-and-psychological-urges/
whyquit.com/joel/Joel_03_14_physical_vs_psych.html
whyquit.com/joels-videos/nicotine-is-nicotine-is-nicotine/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/quitting-smoking-a-fate-worse-than-death/
@joel, where are you.i am not able to see your recent replies. you are the reason why I quit. it is been 21 days @23dec2016. god bless you
I am here. Not sure what replies you are referring to.
I generally check messages a couple of times a day. It may take a few hours to respond to messages. Also, I normally only respond to questions asked on posts or to comments that refer to issues that I have specific videos for--not to general comments.
Ok. Thank you Joel...i have been going through your videos and not able to see your recent messages :-).
I'm having an intense time. I set a freaking quit date went thru, but I mentally thought I was prepared. God is GoOD, and I will continue to allow him to guide this journey. Thank You for informing people like myself. I may need to be sleep
Check out the video "Setting quit dates" th-cam.com/video/HYgSh3zJAF0/w-d-xo.html, ", the page
ntapblog.wordpress.com/going-back-to-normal-after-quitting/ which touches on sleep adjustments and the video Being locked up to quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/zUKBBcZ26BQ/w-d-xo.html (In case you were using the term need to sleep in meaning avoiding being awake in order to avoid smoking)
I have been a heavy smoker for more than 30 years and today is my second day of quitting smoking cold turkey. I am experiencing some withdrawal symptoms and I am laying in bed with a headache and severe fatigue. I knew that it wasn't going to be easy but this really sucks.
Alice Kizas Check out the videos in the play list 3. Day 2 (th-cam.com/play/PL8EB359C247D3FE6C.html)
Withdrawal for me, is just really wanting another one, not being able to quit thinking about it, being angry all the damn time, and thats about it.
Hello joel. Nice to find you somebody had told me when I was on utube to find you and tht way I could gather more HELP! I got copd n they found nodulars on lungs and n scared but your right its so most additive but I had made a quit day which is tomorrow! But thank you so much for helping ppl like you do and caring enuff not to charge. Wish me luck joel and say a prayer. Btw u got such a kind soothing voice. God bless you
Good point. I look forward to see if in your videos you will bring up social topics. What to do if my majority of peers smoke. How to deal with smoking passively if these people are important in your life even relatives. And so forth. Recalling some past attempts relapse triggers also contained quality time with these people etc.
Hello Bianca:
Glad to see that you are starting to plow through the videos. Here are materials addressing your question here:
whyquit.com/joels-videos/quitting-in-a-smoking-friendly-society/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/how-can-i-quit-if-i-live-with-a-smoker/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/can-second-hand-smoke-cause-relapse/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/watching-others-smoke/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/how-to-deal-with-people-offering-you-cigarettes-after-you-have-quit/
I was thinking of a way to explain to someone who never smoked before. Craving a cigarette when having abstained for a while is similar to the feeling induced by holding your breath for a long as you can, the feeling that tells you to stop what you're doing and breath. It's not quite so intense with smoking cessation but it's ongoing, hence why it's a difficult addiction to overcome.
+dmak2 It is important to clarify the concept of "ongoing." Check out the videos Does nicotine withdrawal really last for months or years?th-cam.com/video/JDBt_tYBzN4/w-d-xo.html and Tell a newbie how many seconds a day you want a cigarette
th-cam.com/video/W_S_Z8R0_Pk/w-d-xo.html
+Joel Spitzer Sorry yes I should have said, It's only been a few days now and last night was pretty tough! I am still proud and not ashamed. Easier tonight but I have some beers, lots of food, I'm an avid cyclist so this should be fine :D I smoked for over 15 years, not too long hopefully. I'm worth more than that.
+dmak2 Some people reading here might be surprised to hear you say that it has only been a few days and you had some beers already. The videos addressing this issue are "Can people still drink alcohol after they have quit smoking?" th-cam.com/video/_VPYfgszP3g/w-d-xo.html and "Everything you did as a smoker you can do as a former smoker." th-cam.com/video/lqlyAdvafio/w-d-xo.html Also, being an avid cyclist won't make you immune to falling back into smoking, but staying free from smoking is very likely going to make you a better cyclist. Related videos to exercise improvements are Incorporating exercise after quitting th-cam.com/video/9z-6dEPCupM/w-d-xo.html and So I can't run marathons... th-cam.com/video/1yv9pebdpxQ/w-d-xo.html
I know this video is old but it is one of my Favorites!such a great motivator! Love this sooo much!
Glad to help Staci. As far as for the video being old, most of my videos are old and most of my articles are decades older. That being said, the messaging of most of these resources are not dated. Don't let the age of the materials be a deterrent. Here is an index to most of the videos that I have: whyquit.com/joels-videos/index.html
Let the titles be the indicator you use as to what topic may be of interest. Again, even the old videos will likely address the questions or concerns that you are facing today. As always, if you have specific questions or concerns that you are looking for answers to just drop me a line and I will steer you to relevant resources.
@@joelspitz I 100% agree with what you said!I know so many people struggling to quit and I'm going to advise them to watch your youtube videos.thankyou for responding and thankyou for the link u provided!!
You are welcome Staci. Here is one page you might be interested in since you mentioned knowing people who are struggling to quit:
whyquit.com/joels-videos/showing-others-that-there-is-life-without-smoking/
@@joelspitz perfect!thankyou!
Again, you are very welcome Staci.
I smoked an average of only 2 ciggerates a day for about 1.5 years...sometimes may rise upto 10(15 to 17 times in a year maybe)... Can i be having withdrawal symptoms if I try to quit? I need to get this answer please
+Aviral Shukla Check out the video Amount smoked th-cam.com/video/d8MEEj9aQwE/w-d-xo.html
+Aviral Shukla how did you contain yourself from smoking more? I can't do that.
+Trina Marie You are likely right--you cannot do that. Related videos: "I will control my smoking now"th-cam.com/video/kALov4eEK4w/w-d-xo.html, "I've got my smoking under control" th-cam.com/video/Fl9uo8GbCf8/w-d-xo.html, Are there social smokers? th-cam.com/video/e-Wmt5TxWkE/w-d-xo.html and "How can I be addicted, I can go hours without smoking." th-cam.com/video/renKEW4bHvg/w-d-xo.html
+Trina Marie... You have to search the will within you... It's gonna be hard but you were never meant to be defeated too... Stay strong
+Aviral Shukla Actually, it may or may not be hard. Check out the videos "Every quit is different Every quit is different th-cam.com/video/fYHkaGt-YhE/w-d-xo.html, What is nicotine withdrawal really like? th-cam.com/video/WbEoMEpmMX4/w-d-xo.html, and Comparing quits with others
th-cam.com/video/IIlyDLqzpF4/w-d-xo.html
This is my first week now, I have realy strong mental symptoms. The work I currently do is realy boring so i spend alot of time with my mind each day. Two days ago I thought I was going mental (no kidding) It felt like I was not myself at and like the world has changed or someting. I am wondering if it is normal that stuff like this happens when you quit smoking because I'm so affraid of a mental breakdown it's all i can think of when I'm alone. An awnser would be highly appreciated and if you need more information feel free to ask.
Check out the videos How to do nothing without a cigarette th-cam.com/video/2WylBJlR-3E/w-d-xo.html, Quitting smoking can make you calmer, happier and healthier th-cam.com/video/7K038NtxO6o/w-d-xo.html and Quitting smoking and mental health th-cam.com/video/2ysFk0-pQ3A/w-d-xo.html
I just finished Day 1 and I'm looking around waiting for the hard part to start. Obviously it's way too early to get cocky, but I pictured myself being irritable and having the shakes. I had heard that it was harder than quitting heroin!
There is really no way to know whether or not things will actually get more difficult. It is possible not guaranteed to happen. Check out the video Every quit is different th-cam.com/video/fYHkaGt-YhE/w-d-xo.html. Be sure to go through the resources in the video description.
joel, after watching your videos i must say that i really believe the reason it was so easy for me is i knew there was no alternative but to quit, my body was FINISHED nicotine
Hey Joel, I'm on my day 6, feeling the nicotine withdrawal since day 1. I feel tingling on my hand and feet, sometimes also on my rear neck upwards through the back of my head. Is it normal? Does this related with the blood sugar level issue you talked about? One more thing, my hand and feet are sweating too but it is less than previously tho..
Hello Zulfikar. I am going to attach two sets of commentaries I used regularly at the Freedom from Nicotine board. Then I am going to attach a few videos in a separate response that address similar issues. Being that you are past the first few days already, it is best to get your symptoms checked out by your doctor.
There is one video that I am going to attach first about going back to normal after quitting. It addresses blood sugar concerns after quitting--first from withdrawal kind of effects and then how normal is not necessarily what it was when you were still smoking.
Also, there are peripheral circulation changes that are common after quitting that can cause some changes in sensation in your fingers and toes. Again, if you were writing this on days one through three I would say its likely just a withdrawal effect--but being that you are six days in, it is best to get things checked out with your doctor.
First commentary from the string ffn.yuku.com/topic/11720 (Giving and getting medical advice online)
Smoking did not cause everything. It causes a whole lot of things though and many things that it does not cause, it makes worse. On the same token, quitting does not cause everything. Quitting is usually accompanied with many repairs, but there are also some adjustments that go on that may need a partnership with your physicians to get worked out.
My general rule of advice is whatever happens the first few days of a quit, whether it is physical or psychological reactions, blame it on not smoking. It is probably the cause of most early quit reactions. If it is a symptom to a condition that could be life threatening, such as severe chest pains or signs or symptoms of a stroke-contact your doctor immediately. While it is probably nothing and just a side effect of quitting, in the long shot that it is something else coincidentally happening the week you are quitting, you need to get it checked out.
Things happening weeks, months, years or decades after your quits though should not ever be assumed to be a quit smoking reaction. It is life going on without smoking. Some of these things may trigger smoking thoughts-especially if they are similar to conditions you did have in the past when you were a smoker. The situation now is a first time experience with a prior feeling where smoking was integrates thus creating smoking thoughts. But even in this case, the condition is creating a smoking thought, it is not that your smoking memories or your smoking past is creating the condition.
Life goes on without smoking. It is likely to go on longer and it is likely that you will be healthier at each and every stage than you would have been if you had continued smoking. Your life will continue to stay better and likely last long longer as long as you always remember to never take another puff!
Joel
I normally tell people who experience wild or bizarre reactions the first few days not to be surprised or unduly alarmed, it is likely from not smoking. But at the same time they should not totally ignore certain symptoms, in case in the long shot that something else is happening just coincidently at the same time as they are quitting smoking. The symptom of muscle tightness is often felt through out the body. Back aches, neck pains such as those experienced from times of extreme stress, even leg cramps can be felt by some. Chest tightness too can be experienced. While quitting smoking is the usual reason behind the reaction, for obvious safety reasons it is prudent to get the symptoms checked with ones doctor. You just don't want to take the chance that you were the exception to the rule, that the chest pain was actually a signal of real heart trouble.
I have literally had over 4,500 people in smoking clinics over a 26 year time period and had only had two people actually have heart attacks within a week of quitting. And they were both people who were quitting because of doctors advice that a heart attack was an imminent danger because of pre-existing conditions. So while I am not trying to say that the risk of a heart attack is high from quitting, in fact your risk of heart attack decreases upon cessation and relatively quickly, there still is a risk as there is with all smokers, ex-smokers and even all never smokers. Ignoring a cardiac symptom is just an unnecessary risk that no one should take. It is better to check in with your doctor and to be safe than sorry. Doctors are often very receptive to work with a person when they are quitting for they often recognize the serious nature of the effort.
So as for symptoms, don't be surprised or alarmed by anything, but be cautious and stay aware. If you experience any symptom that would normally be a reason to get checked out immediately, follow through with the same expedience now. Life goes on without smoking and things can always happen.
Also, once over the first few days, be really cautious of blaming symptoms on smoking cessation. While some reactions can linger, especially coughing and excessive phlegm reactions, other factors can happen too, especially during cold and flu seasons. Pretty much stay aware and follow the normal precautions you followed before while smoking. Unless as a smoker you never did anything, for some smokers are intimidated to go to the doctor when having symptoms for shear embarrassment that the doctor would just chastise them for smoking and tell them to stop. Rather than putting up with the admonishments, they would ignore problems in the past.
As an ex-smoker you won't face the same complications. Again, doctors are often more prone to work with you when they see you working for yourself, and not to ignore symptoms writing them off to a normal smoker's ailments. They are often more supportive when you quit.
So to stay healthy, learn to listen to your body. Smokers are notoriously bad at this, for their body was likely telling them to quit for a long time and they ignored it. But the day the quit smoking was a good indication that they were now working with their body to maintain health. To keep a good partnership going with your doctor, other health professionals, your family, friends and your own body always remember to never take another puff!
Joel
Going back to normal after quitting smoking th-cam.com/video/zUKBBcZ26BQ/w-d-xo.html
When you may really need to talk to your doctor about quitting smoking th-cam.com/video/RKDLdtZUUZM/w-d-xo.html
Medication adjustments that may be necessary after smoking cessation th-cam.com/video/cILrIM3PQPY/w-d-xo.html
"Will this get better?” th-cam.com/video/ltffrIgcw5U/w-d-xo.html
"Is this a symptom of quitting smoking?" (part 2) th-cam.com/video/Rw5jbjgRH7g/w-d-xo.html
Heart and circulatory diseases th-cam.com/video/1Xt9v-aozUg/w-d-xo.html (I included this one because it talks about peripheral vascular effects of nicotine that can cause sensation effects in finger and toes when you are smoking.
Hi Joel, first of all, thanks for the quick reply and reaction.
Apparently the day I decided to went cold turkey was the day I had an asthma attack (after almost 10+ yrs never have any attack). The very first few days were painful feeling, to felt the early withdrawal symptom and still having the leftover of the asthma attack. I already went to lung and heart specialist, having few tests and they said everything was fine.
I just wondering why I still have this tingliness and lightheaded-ness feeling, but I remembered I may not consumed enough sugar. I will try to change my meal for enough sugar and see how it will goes it the next few days. If things doesn't tapering off, might to visit my doctor again then.
Not to take another puff again. Love from Indonesia.
That is why I recommended the "Going back to normal" video. Your daily pattern of eating as a smoker may not be sufficient for you as a former smoker. That video addresses the issue most directly.
Thanks again, Joel. Hopefully get the "Normal" body soon.
It was such a big help I get into your video. 🙏
so much truth there, especially when you weigh you put withdrawl on one side of the scales and weigh it up against something much more serious. Using that as a standard of measurement, withdrawal ain't so bad, but I refuse to go through it again.
The resources on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/for-people-who-think-quitting-smoking-is-the-hardest-thing-they-have-ever-done/ hit home this point.
I hate smoking becoz everytime I smoke it's like something wrong with my throat that I wanna vomit. But when I try to quit it I just feel great anxiety just becoz there's no cigarette with me.
Check out these resources:
ntapblog.wordpress.com/resources-regarding-the-fears-involved-with-quitting-smoking/
Resources explaining interaction between nicotine and stress th-cam.com/video/DHbpXPa6S4w/w-d-xo.html
Smoking does not help you overcome stress: th-cam.com/video/buyqvYuo5So/w-d-xo.html
this is my 23rth day into my quit . the first 3 days were hard but not as bad as everyone would make you believe the 15th of this month i will have a double celebration i would be celebrating my bday and 30 days smoke free the same day
I'm 48.5 hours down... I'm having some major panic attacks.
It is important to realize that what you are feeling now is not what it is like to be an ex-smoker but more so what it is like to be a smoker in the midst of withdrawal. Get through another day and things are likely to improve a lot. Check out these related videos:
The fear of success th-cam.com/video/hHhWSOsWoBE/w-d-xo.html
Quitting smoking can make you calmer, happier and healthier th-cam.com/video/7K038NtxO6o/w-d-xo.html
"I'll be a nervous wreck forever if I quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/IJBu7Bf3LpM/w-d-xo.html
Starting day three of your quit th-cam.com/video/-MS3Or89TDY/w-d-xo.html
Thank you Joel. I've been watching your videos all day lol
I am glad that you are watching them and hope you find them helpful. I shot and uploaded new video a little over an hour ago. Here is a link to it if you have not seen it yet: "I can't afford to quit smoking" th-cam.com/video/7sU6ouvXHbQ/w-d-xo.html
Thank u so much for the videos. U helped me stop smoking I love your videos
The reason some people expect a horrible withdraw is this -
Supposedly it is harder to break from cigarettes than heroin/cocaine/etc...
So then you see shows like COPS or these night time dramas involving drug addicts where they are screaming and thrashing cause they are withdrawing from drugs. So after hearing that nicotine is worse than THAT, of course people are going to expect to go through pure hell when quitting smoking.
The reality - quitting smoking is not a walk in the park but it is not like those junkies you see on TV who are ready to kill for another hit. You could say you go through "heck" but not "hell".
I think the reason that smoking has the reputation of being "harder" to quit than other drugs is that you will often hear people who have beaten other drugs who say that they cannot quit smoking. That would leave the impression that quitting smoking is harder. Check out the pages whyquit.com/joels-videos/just-one-little-puff/ and whyquit.com/joels-videos/people-in-recovery-from-other-addictions/ They touch on the issue you are raising and explain some of the reasons people have a harder time sustaining their quits from nicotine. Much of the reason is from lack of understanding of what is needed to do to sustain a quit more so than from experiencing of worse or longer withdrawal symptoms.
Im on my 2nd and a half day right now...i hope by tmrw i see changes
Check out the video Starting day three of your quit th-cam.com/video/-MS3Or89TDY/w-d-xo.html
my husband gets really really angry... the only thing that calms him down is a cigarette. it's like jekyl and hyde.
pookiroo Check out the following videos and their attached resources:
New reactions to anger (th-cam.com/video/KC8wRhjLFL4/w-d-xo.html) Quitting smoking: A fate worse than death (th-cam.com/video/9AfYEZeP2zM/w-d-xo.html) Smoking does not help you overcome stress (th-cam.com/video/buyqvYuo5So/w-d-xo.html) Can you help a person who doesn't really want to quit smoking? (th-cam.com/video/eEE_RedzMJE/w-d-xo.html) The fear of success (th-cam.com/video/hHhWSOsWoBE/w-d-xo.html)
I still started smoking again after 89 days before :(
Check out the video Lost long term quits th-cam.com/video/BJeHttXmb7w/w-d-xo.html
Have you ever met or spoken to Allen Carr?
No, I have never had any contact with Allen Carr. Here is my general response when asked by people about comparisons between our work:
If you check out my video “My work in the field of smoking prevention and cessation” th-cam.com/video/9S8TphTve4g/w-d-xo.html and the links in it’s video description, you will see that I started in the field of smoking prevention in the early 1970’s and started conducting my Stop Smoking Clinics in 1976. My core program and philosophy were pretty well established by 1978. Allen Carr’s quit smoking in 1983 and I believe sometime shortly after that wrote his first book developed his program.I didn’t see a copy of Allen Carr’s book until 2002. Up to that time his book was never widely distributed in the United States and I had never heard of Carr until 1999 when I started using the Internet.When I started seeing his name on the Internet I was curious if he had seem my materials but from the quick look I had at the book in 2002 I got the sense that he had pretty much came up with a similar philosophy in the same way I did-really watching smokers quit. If you listen to successful ex-smokers close enough and long enough you can pick up the similarities in their approach. Most long term ex-smokers have never heard of either of us or any other expert yet they have learned from experience or in some cases just seem to instinctively know how to quit and how to stay off. Many ex-smokers will say from time to time that they still have moments where they would “kill for a cigarette,” but at the same time know that in reality, taking a cigarette would kill their quits and that losing their quit would likely end up killing them. This self learned knowledge it what is keeping their quits going.I always tell people that they should learn from the experts when it comes to smoking cessation. The experts who should be seen as credible are not the Joel Spitzer’s or the Allen Carr’s of the world, but the real people who you know in your real world who are long-term successful quitters. The more you listen to the real ex-smoker you know in your real world as well as to the current smokers you know who have lost long-term quits the more obvious it will be that they way to quit smoking and then to stay free is by staying totally committed to never take another puff!
I just made a page that is a little easier to read than this reply. Check it out here: ntapblog.wordpress.com/allen-carr-comparisons/
Joel Spitzer Thankyou for the quick and detailed reply. On behalf of all the former smokers i do not think we can thankyou enough Joel for your outstanding valuable work that is saving our lives. Your videos are extremely helpful, informative and are always uplifting and a joy to watch, especially supportive at those times urges or thoughts hit!
Day 28 and NTAP! :)
Regards,
Jeff 👍✌👏
Title your videos correctly, I have gone through the whole video and you never mentioned what your title states
Hello Helipad:
I actually disagree on this. The video and its attached resources address the issue of the great variability that withdrawal can be like. That is the message I want people to understand so they are not intimidated from quitting by fears of withdrawals that may they may not ever encounter. I do have titles that are bit misleading. The page whyquit.com/joels-videos/you-should-retitle-that-video/ addresses how to minimize getting confused by any of those videos.
OK, I stopped smoking yesterday. Now ii'm almost done with day 2. I try to ease the pain a bit with casual puffs of e cigarette with Zero nicotine.. Hell i'm not wasting the 2 day struggle.. I hope tomorrow wull be better!
Check out the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/is-your-nicotine-free-electronic-cigarette-actually-nicotine-free/
Joel Spitzer I can assure you that the liquid has no nicotine in it for 2 reasons. 1 thus is very strictly regulated by European Union laws.and the liquidis produced in Poland. It is accualy a DIY liquid base, without flavouring and without nicotine, secondly and most importantly it has done nothing for my cravinga... Only gives you the feelibg that you inhale same thing but that us all... You stull have the urge to smoke
Well if you are correct in your assumption that there is no nicotine, then lets look at this issue:
"I try to ease the pain a bit with casual puffs of e cigarette with Zero nicotine."
What do you think an e-cigarette is going to do to ease the pain a bit?
Check out the page Carrying mock cigarettes whyquit.com/joels-videos/carrying-mock-cigarettes/
Also, instead of inhaling any foreign products into your lungs, you could simply follow the advice on the page whyquit.com/joels-videos/using-deep-breathing-as-a-safe-and-effective-quitting-aid/
Also, check out the information on this page:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457636/
One mislabeled product can cost you your quit. Is it worth the risk?
you are really a good motivator may god bless you .
Sorry for the delay in responding to you. Normally I get an email every time someone leaves a comment on one of my videos. The last couple of weeks I had not received any email alerts and just thought no one was responding. Just happen to check my channel and saw a number of comments that were posted over the past two weeks. I am glad that you are finding my materials helpful. Joel
Thank you Joel
i am on my day 2 of withdrawl coming from 3 years of smoking 1 and 1/2 pack a day sometimes 2 and i gotta say withdrawl ain't that bad but i am coughing alottt and i feel sick and lightheaded and sweaty but i like that feeling i like to imagine a battle going on inside of my body where there's war to cleanse it
he understands the mind of nicotine addict so good i couldn't believe he was actually never a smoker !!!
This helped me. Thank you.
this is my fifth day....I'm getting stronger withdrawals and headache
+TheMadimod Check out the following videos:
Going back to normal after quitting smoking: th-cam.com/video/zUKBBcZ26BQ/w-d-xo.html
Blood sugar symptoms: th-cam.com/video/YYGsz7WNh_8/w-d-xo.html
Medication adjustments that may be necessary after smoking cessation: th-cam.com/video/cILrIM3PQPY/w-d-xo.html
"Will this get better?": th-cam.com/video/ltffrIgcw5U/w-d-xo.html
"Is this a symptom of quitting smoking?" (part 2): th-cam.com/video/Rw5jbjgRH7g/w-d-xo.html
great vid!! Thanks!
You are welcome Paul.
What is impossible with a smoker is possible with Joel Spitz!
Nothing happen i am in my 11 day and thats true its true happen urge to smoke some day than you just hate smoking u have to adjust with eating if you fell like smoking try nuts or any thing your crave for smoking is gone i fell nothing now i smoke all my life almost 15 years non stop
Its true that at times you may need to adjust eating patterns after you quit smoking. The page whyquit.com/joels-videos/going-back-to-normal-after-quitting/ addresses this issue. But be careful with turning to a food, especially a high caloric one as a psychological crutch not to smoke. The pages whyquit.com/joels-videos/do-whatever-it-takes-to-quit-smoking/, whyquit.com/joels-videos/crutches-to-quit-smoking/ and whyquit.com/joels-videos/what-bad-habit-should-i-replace-it-with/ address this issue.
I quit before it got difficult!
I am glad that you quit eth3rl0ds but I want to caution you that just because it was easy to quit doesn't mean that you were not addicted and if you were to ever relapse, it wouldn't mean that you might not have a hard time the next time around. Here are a few pages addressing this issue:
whyquit.com/joels-videos/were-you-addicted/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/every-quit-is-different/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/can-taking-a-break-from-smoking-help-you-get-rid-of-nicotine-tolerance/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/the-advantage-of-having-a-difficult-time-when-quitting-smoking/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/videos-related-to-the-implications-of-a-puff-once-you-have-quit/
Quit smoking easy easy withdrawl painless go cold turkey
Thanks.. I understood how to stay off nicotine from you.
Glad to have been able to help Cristina. Here are two pages that I have set up with lots of resources addressing this very issue:
whyquit.com/joels-videos/videos-related-to-the-implications-of-a-puff-once-you-have-quit/
whyquit.com/joels-videos/relapse-prevention-resources/
Hope you find all of these resources helpful.Joel
Thank you Joel