# Anyone have advice on on quitting the cancer sticks? gahhh **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 7, 2012, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957 "2012-10-07T02:41:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ExcitedIdiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ea5d25/32.png) [@ExcitedIdiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExcitedIdiot)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/21 "2012-10-07T20:31:08Z")
Just stop smoking. The worst of the symptoms will be over in four days. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/22 "2012-10-07T20:57:43Z")
Had an old coworker years ago use hypnosis. All I know is that it worked for him. ---
**Author:** ![gms453](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@gms453](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gms453)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/23 "2012-10-07T21:35:35Z")
> [@Curiosity\_Kills\_Her](#): > > Zyban (or Wellbutrin) did it for me. In early December it will be 3 years. I was very lackadaisical about quitting - I did not set a ‘stop date’, I just took the Wellbutrin and carried on as usual. What I found was that Wellbutrin made me stop _thinking_ about smoking. I didn’t quit the first time, and I’m not really sure how many times I tried it in all, but the last time I ran out of cigarettes I just never went to get more. I have not had so much as a drag since - with one exception. I turned 40 in August and took a few drags off a friend’s cigarette that night. That was my exception - and yes, I savored those few hits. > > I stopped the Wellbutrin shortly after stopping smoking. MY sister and I quit 12 years ago using this method. It was the only thing I tried that made withdrawal tolerable (I had a 25 year, 2 packs a day habit). I recall being told that it works for about a third of the people. Keep trying different methods; there’s one out there that will work for you. ---
**Author:** ![Mihai\_Yu\_Ri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ed655f/32.png) [@Mihai\_Yu\_Ri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mihai_Yu_Ri)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/24 "2012-10-07T21:59:03Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > Alright, well you gave me the perfect opening to start with what I was already planning on telling you… But first let me assure you, you’re not addicted to the additives - that’s almost a complete myth. As far as I’m aware, the only additive in cigarettes that would directly impact addiction is the ammonia they use in order to turn nicotine into a free-base, making it more addictive/potent than it would be in its natural form. But don’t worry, that still doesn’t mean I’m saying you’re primarily addicted to the nicotine - I know I wasn’t. > > It’s a common misconception that nicotine is the only and/or the strongest addictive substance in tobacco. There are all kinds of other \*natural \*addictive compounds (alkaloids) contained within tobacco, many of which have strong anti-depressant (MAO-inhibitor) effects. That’s what makes cigs so friggin’ addictive - not only do they contain a cocktail of variously addictive substances, there’s also the social, ritual, and oral fixation aspects. If it were just a matter of nicotine addiction, cigarettes wouldn’t be \*nearly \*so hard to quit for a lot of people. > > Yup, put simply, cigarettes are really anti-depressants, and many smokers use them to self-medicate with natural MAO-inhibitors. I know you’re probably thinking I’m crazy, because if this were true, it would/should be common knowledge, and people wouldn’t be blaming nicotine and focusing on nicotine-replacement therapy to quit smoking. Well, this shit has been known for a very long time, I can’t explain why it isn’t common knowledge and people still insist on focusing on nicotine. > > So, here’s where I’ll break you off a few links, just to prove I’m not crazy, and I’m not making this shit up. But since I’m not a scientist or doctor, I’m going to try not to get bogged down in the technical specifics. I did a lot of research on this when I quit smoking (and I’ve forgotten a lot more than I remember) and rest assured, I could provide a metric shit-ton of more citations backing up what I’m saying. But to start you off with some reading material: > > -Really sciency type stuff: (just the tip of the iceberg I pulled up with a brief search) > \*\*[Brain monoamine oxidase A inhibition in cigarette smokers](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC19495/) > > \*\***[Alkaloids of Tobacco Smoke](http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jo01089a004)** > > -Much more easy-reading wikis: > **[Anatabine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatabine)** > > \*\*[Harmine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmine) > > [Cotinine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotinine) > (..and these are to name just a few of the things other than nicotine!) > > \*\*So, now that you know I’m not just making shit up, let’s get back to my advice on how I think you should try to quit smoking, based on your input. And that’s the most important thing here, quitting **smoking**. It would be great if you can eventually quit all forms of tobacco, but it’s really the “smoking” part that is the most important thing to quit, and which you should concentrate on accomplishing first, since you’ve tried and failed previously multiple times. > > And that’s why I recommended the Camel snus for now - that’s the least harmful form of tobacco that’s widely available in the U.S. But \*real \*Swedish snus are much better than the Camel brand, and IMO, dissolvable tobacco is even better than snus. These “harm-reduction” alternative forms of tobacco are much, much better for you than continuing to smoke cigarettes. They still contain all the stuff you’re addicted to, but they contain a relatively negligible level of carcinogens, and they don’t affect your lungs adversely whatsoever. > > So, as for the stuff that’s an even better alternative than the Camel Snus you can get at 7-11: > > **Dissolvable Tobacco** : > To my knowledge, [this is the safest form of tobacco there is](http://www.seeht.org/Stepanov%20et%20al%20Apr_2006.pdf), and I highly recommend using these if you are unable to quit smoking using traditional methods. The company that makes this stuff is called [_Star Scientific_](http://www.dissolvabletobacco.com/), and the two brand names are Ariva and Stonewall. The two brands are the same thing, except Arivas are smaller, so less potent. For this reason, it’s much more economical to just get the Stonewalls and break them in half if you need a smaller dose. I recommend the Java flavor, the Wintergreen isn’t bad, but the Natural flavor can be kind of nasty. Here’s a completely legal (state taxes get paid) [source for Stonewalls.](http://www.getsnus.com/more-tobacco-products/dissolvable-tobacco/stonewall.html) > > **Snus:** > That same site also sells snus (that’s actually their specialty) if you’re interested in them. (But I’d recommend just sticking with the above Stonewalls, if they work out for you.) There’s a lot more brands, varieties, flavors, and strengths to choose from in snus, so it can be quite confusing and daunting. Most traditional Swedish snus have some weird tastes that can take getting used to, and some of them can be quite strong to the point of excess. But with careful selection, you can find the kind that’s right for you. > > IMO, the two brands that are the most accessible for typical American sensibilities are [Northerner Whites](http://www.getsnus.com/swedish-snus/art-snus.html) and [Thunder](http://www.getsnus.com/swedish-snus/thunder-snus.html?p=1). The Thunders were my favorites taste-wise (I hardly ever use snus anymore), but they are seriously, seriously strong stuff. A few minutes with one of those in your mouth will hit you a lot harder and provide a tobacco “fix” a lot faster than a cigarette ever would. But whatever you do, stick with “portion” snus that come in the pouches (the same as Camel snus) because if you get “loose” snus, they are exactly what they sound like - loose bits of tobacco. > > Anyway, this is already much longer and tl;dr than I had planned for, and I really gotta go. But if you have any questions, just ask, and I’ll be happy to help with what I can. Thanks for all the information, voltaire. I’m going to chew the gum every half hour to an hour for the next three-four days, then reduce from there for a week or so. If I feel the need for something more, I will definitely try the dissolvable tobacco. I feel if I can go until Thursday, when I start my new job as master of the cashier at Carl’s Jr., then I will feel it is a success. I also believe that one of the biggest issues with this addiction, is that I am at home all day with my obnoxious Grandma (who spent all night last night trying to convince me to walk to the store and buy cigarettes.. no help…No joke, as I typed that, she asked again:smack::smack::smack::smack::smack::smack::smack::smack:!) I will report back Thursday with an update. Anyways, feel free to post your experiences, and what worked for you when kicking the habit. I’m sure it is not only a huge help for me, but for those who are also trying to quit. Thank you all for all your help! ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2012, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/25 "2012-10-07T23:03:38Z")
Or have a heart attack. Worked wonders for me. At age 28, only 47 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Kiwi\_Fruit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kiwi_fruit/32/12_2.png) [@Kiwi\_Fruit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiwi_Fruit)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2012, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/26 "2012-10-08T01:05:39Z")
I had a 38 year habit, initially cigarettes at up to 20 a day, then for 30 odd years, a pipe. I tried quitting cold turkey a couple of times, but caved in after a few days. Finally, I used patches for 4 weeks and then lozenges for the remaining times I felt the need for a drag. The NZ government funds a quit smoking programme so the NRT patches and lozenges or gum, your choice, are available on prescription for the patches and the lozenges. Normally, I would have gone from the initial patches at 21gm to the taper off patches at 14gm, but after 4 weeks I didn’t need them any more. I will say I had extremely vivid dreams while using the patches. Normally, they advise removing them at night because of the dreams, but I left them on, partly because of the dreams! I’ve been a non-smoker for 2 years 8 months, and intend to continue. I’ve not had a cigarette, cigar or puff on a pipe and not really been tempted, knowing that I have saved a metric buttload of money in not smoking. ---
**Author:** ![Askance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askance/32/8281_2.png) [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2012, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/27 "2012-10-08T02:40:53Z")
IANAS, but I’m surprised no-one else has posted this yet as I heard about this guy right here on the dope: [Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking](http://www.allencarr.com.au/), which several dopers found actually works. As did, to my surprise, Ruby Wax, Richard Branson and Anthony Hopkins. It has a 3 month 100% money back guarantee, so what have you to lose? Don’t be put off by the site looking like yet another health scam, BTW. Also [available as a book for like $10](http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easyway-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155). ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2012, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/28 "2012-10-08T02:50:46Z")
I started smoking at 14 and quit when I was 26. I did it cold turkey, after getting a horrible cold and bronchitis (I was physically unable to inhale smoke for the first couple of days anyway). I’d been a three-pack-a-day smoker for about 8 years. It took at least a couple of weeks for me to stop thinking constantly about smoking; it was about five years before I realized the craving was almost all gone. Now, 25 years out (wow, I’m old!), I can honestly say I don’t ever want a cigarette. Mr. Legend started smoking at about the same age that I did. He didn’t smoke quite as much as I did, but he didn’t make a serious attempt to quit until he was in his mid-40s, and he had a terrible time. Cold turkey didn’t work for him at all, so he tried the lozenges, but they gave him a very bad sore throat after a couple of days. He switched to patches, but he was almost 50 before he was able to cut the cigarettes out entirely. He’s been an ex-smoker for almost five years now, and he still gets cravings. I suggest that you consult your doctor. It may be swapping one drug for another, but the drug therapies they’re using now are way more successful and less brutal than the non-therapies we had when I quit, and there’s no reason to make the process harder on yourself than it has to be. You’re going to have to address the addiction from both a physical and a behavioral point of view, and I’d suggest using all the tools that you can find to do it. You CAN do it, though. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![FlyByNight512](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/82dd89/32.png) [@FlyByNight512](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyByNight512)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/29 "2012-10-09T00:11:44Z")
In line with what other people have said: Kicking addictions are damn hard, and I’m told cigs are one of the worst. (Shopping, apparently, is also right up there.) You might consider talking to a counselor for a few weeks - no, I don’t think you’re mentally ill, but I do think you’re fighting a tough battle and they make great allies. In my case, I had to fix some of my underlying issues before I could drop my endorphin delivery mechanism of choice. (I also think SSRIs are a gift from God, though I understand people’s reasons for being wary of them.) I believe there are also support groups, if peer pressure works for you. It’s a good time to rally Team You. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [October 9, 2012, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/30 "2012-10-09T02:19:16Z")
I smoked my last cigarette New Years Eve 1999. At that time, I was smoking 3 packs a day. I couldn’t breathe very well. This was in the by-gone days of ‘cold turkey only’. It was not my first attempt at quitting. Nor the 2nd or 3rd or 4th or 10th. It was just the one that worked. I tell people to realize going in that it is going to SUCK! And I mean it will suck HARD. It will be an excruciating couple of weeks. Do not smoke no matter what. Eventually, the **need** will get less and less. The desire will still pop-up occasionally. Just don’t smoke. Talk to somebody who cares until it goes away. Stay away from things that make you want to smoke. Don’t drink, hang out in bars, strip clubs, card games. Keep busy. Exercise as often as you can. Eat whatever you feel you have to. Regardless, you will put on some weight…and it will come off again ---
**Author:** ![Mihai\_Yu\_Ri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ed655f/32.png) [@Mihai\_Yu\_Ri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mihai_Yu_Ri)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2012, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/31 "2012-10-10T21:15:03Z")
Yeah, I gained two pounds already, which REALLY sucks… I’m eating wayyy more than I did before. Either way, still smoke free, but noticing that the gum is becoming a habit, going to start titrating that immediately ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2012, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/32 "2012-10-11T02:54:31Z")
Hmm…I tried Wellbutrin and I am prone to panic attacks and Wellbutrin gave me the scariest panic attack I’ve ever had. It was AWFUL. My doc said that if you’re prone to them Wellbutrin can bring them on. They did make me gag at the smell of cigs. But I got off the Wellbutrin right after the panic attack. Years later (2 years ago) I did Chantix and it didn’t make me anxious at all. In fact it made me slow, fuzzy and a bit dumb. I loved it - it was like my brain turned off. I didn’t care if I smoked. I also didn’t care if I ate which was sort of crappy but I got through it. I think it permanently turned something off in my brain, cuz I am still super mellow. Or the lack of nicotine did. Or I just got older. Chantix never made me turned off of smoking like it did for **Alice The Goon** , though. I can still smoke (I’ve had the occasional hit in 2 years) but I can still let it go. ---
**Author:** ![JLRogers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@JLRogers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JLRogers)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/33 "2012-10-12T11:28:21Z")
I came in here to recommend Swedish snus, and I’m please to see that someone beat me to it. I smoked for ten years, tried cold turkey, gum, lozenges, and Chantix. Nothing worked until I started snusing instead of smoking, then tapered off the snus into a nicotine-free lifestyle. A couple of notes: Consider buying _Swedish_ snus. I found the domestic brands unsatisfying. They just don’t have much nicotine in them, and are only available in portion form. Maybe I got bad portions, but they always tasted spoiled as well. Real snus is temperature and humidity sensitive and can’t just be left on a convenience store shelf for a month without going bad. Luckily it can be stored in the freezer essentially forever. If you’re seriously addicted to nicotine don’t bother with the portions, especially the white portions. Unless you absolutely have to be as covert as possible, buy some [Skruf Stark lös](http://www.buysnus.com/snusbrand/Skruf_Strong_Loose.aspx) or some other strong loose snus and learn to bake a pris. You’ll get enough of a nicotine hit that you won’t want to smoke, and with a decent stark pris it will last quite a while. I used Skruf stark and General extra strong to keep the craving at bay. Don’t be intimidated by the video; after a couple of days it will be muscle memory. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/34 "2012-10-12T16:04:27Z")
> [@core\_dump](#): > > Certainly never buy an e-cig from a gas station or the mall, etc. A decent quality variable voltage one will set you back $100+ but it’s well worth it. The mall ones where you have to buy cartridges are absolutely worthless so I get see where they give the whole business a bad rap. Where did you get yours? I thought they all required cartridges. I quit once with hypnosis – that lasted for about ten years and it was easy. Quit another time after reading Allen Carr’s book – also easy, lasted for three years. Quit briefly after Wellbutrin. I’m thinking e-cigs would work for me but don’t know which one to try. ---
**Author:** ![nu8reed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c2a13f/32.png) [@nu8reed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nu8reed)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/35 "2012-10-12T22:37:42Z")
> [@Askance](#): > > IANAS, but I’m surprised no-one else has posted this yet as I heard about this guy right here on the dope: [Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking](http://www.allencarr.com.au/), which several dopers found actually works. As did, to my surprise, Ruby Wax, Richard Branson and Anthony Hopkins. It has a 3 month 100% money back guarantee, so what have you to lose? > > Don’t be put off by the site looking like yet another health scam, BTW. Also [available as a book for like $10](http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easyway-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155). I would second this. I quit over six years ago after reading this book. Probably the best $15 I have ever spent. It might seem hokey that a book will help you quit, but the author puts the habit of smoking in a perspective that makes it much easier to quit. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![jacobdouglas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8c91f0/32.png) [@jacobdouglas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobdouglas)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2012, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/36 "2012-12-18T21:26:48Z")
I smoked from the age of 14 to 24. I’m 25 now. Gradually decrease how much you smoke. Eventually you’ll get down to one a day. Maybe two a day. Maybe 3 one day and none for a week after that. And so on. It’ll get sparse. Until eventually you’ll go “this is gross…” or “why the hell would I ask that cashier If I can hand them 5 dollars in exhange for me being stinky and less healthy?” it’s really very simple. hang out with smokers less, too. at the end of the day it’s all about how you identify yourself for yourself. everything is. if you eat fast food 10 times a week it probably won’t bother you. if you eat it once a month in between really healthy vegetarian meals… it’ll probably make you feel like shit. same for cigs. used to them? ok. used to poison. cut back in order to make your body realize how impactful they are. worked for me. ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2012, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/37 "2012-12-20T21:22:16Z")
Mihai my heart goes out to you! Its hard hard hard to quit, no doubt about it. What worked for me after 15 years of on/off smoking, pack a day was this: The facts that the Smoker’s Lines above the lips only get worse, the skin gets sallow, the collagen breaks down and its irreversible (unless you go in for cosmetic surgery). Vanity is the best incentive for me anyway! I had to WANT to quit smoking more than wanting to escape the anxiety of quitting, if that makes any sense. Strange that the threat of cancer didnt worry me enough to quit but the threat of ugly telltale smoker’s face did. ---
**Author:** ![Boulter\_s\_Canary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Boulter\_s\_Canary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boulter_s_Canary)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2012, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957/38 "2012-12-22T21:18:04Z")
I used patches. Pretty effective, though I kept the last one on for _weeks_. (What can I say? I needed a crutch!). Mind you, my doctor saying to me: “You have a choice. You can stop smoking _right now_, or you can _die_” probably helped. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-have-advice-on-on-quitting-the-cancer-sticks-gahhh/636957.md?page=1)