# The Great SD SMOKE-OUT Topic - Part 2 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 20, 2000, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056 "2000-05-20T16:22:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![ruadh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@ruadh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruadh)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2000, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/201 "2000-06-09T06:12:04Z")
> [@](#): > > Can I not smoke occasionally and still be OK? NO! You can’t. There are people who can, but virtually without exception these are people who have never been addicted to cigarettes in the first place. YOU ARE NOT ONE OF THEM. For the rest of us, the “occasional” cigarette **always** becomes a habit. And don’t kid yourself if you manage to go for a few weeks or even a few months without smoking every day - it may take a while, but eventually, you will be. Trust me on this, I speak from experience. Lots of it. Now then. I hit the four week mark today! With only that one minor slip-up. It’s still hard, though. My allergies have been terrible the past few days, which always to happen to me when I stop smoking, has anyone else noticed this? I reckon it’s a small price to pay though. smoke free for: 4 weeks, 5 hours, 45 minutes, 27 seconds cigs not smoked: 847 money saved: £160.93 ---
**Author:** ![purrplebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/90ced4/32.png) [@purrplebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purrplebear)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2000, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/202 "2000-06-09T07:00:24Z")
Hello, everyone. Just checking in to see how everyone’s doing. Kudos to everyone who is smober, and to the soon-to-be smober people! Brat, dear, I hope you do quit soon. In the meantime, cutting down a lot is a _whole_ lot better than nothing, IMO! Spolvy, Wally’s right, it doesn’t matter _how_ you do it, only that you **do** it! Shayna, you still **ROCK**! I’m sure I’m forgetting people, sorry about that, it’s late and I’m finally ready to get some sleep. Take care, everyone, and don’t forget to check in often! Special hug to my hubby, who is doing so well with this! I love you so much, honey!! And, now I’ll get to love you for a great many more years too!!! 😃 😃 😃 {{{{{{{{MrBear}}}}}}}} {{{{{{{{GroupHugs}}}}}}}} ---
**Author:** ![DRY](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a87d85/32.png) [@DRY](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DRY)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2000, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/203 "2000-06-09T10:10:35Z")
Just wanted to wish everyone continued success and chime in with my support. Congratulations to Purplebear on her impending 1000th post and Wally on his impending 3000th post (got something special planned, you two?) ---
**Author:** ![Demo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demo/32/8472_2.png) [@Demo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Demo)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2000, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/204 "2000-06-09T16:49:16Z")
I’m starting Zyban today. I am going to quit on Monday the 19th. You won’t hear from me for a while, because I am flying out tonight to PA to meet psycat and we will be driving back to CA this week. See you when we get back and congrats to all you nonsmokers! ---
**Author:** ![Doobieous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Doobieous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doobieous)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2000, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/205 "2000-06-10T00:58:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > I’m starting Zyban today. I am going to quit on Monday the 19th. You won’t hear from me for a while, because I am flying out tonight to PA to meet psycat and we will be driving back to CA this week. See you when we get back and congrats to all you nonsmokers! > \*\* Dude, if I catch you smoking after Monday imma break yo ass off some! Hehe, kidding. I hope the Zyban works well for you. If you wanna bitch to me about it, you know where i am. Oh and Congrats to all you quitters! (sorry, i forget to check in here). ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2000, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/206 "2000-06-10T04:40:41Z")
Spolvy, ruadh is right, you can’t be a casual smoker. Ever. Eventually you will be drawn right back into buying packs and smoking them at any and all times. That’s like an alcoholic thinking they can have one glass of wine with dinner every week and they’ll never abuse it again. I’m glad you’re going to the doctor to get help with this. There are a lot of alternatives. Zyban is one option, as is the patch. And you can use the patch while taking zyban, too! Keep us posted and let us know how we can help you, ok? purplebear, DRY & Doobieous, thank you all for your continued encouragement and support. Demo, have a fabulous trip to PA! I know you will since you’re picking up the love of your life. Check in when you get back! BratMan, have faith. You can beat this when you’re ready. Don’t give up, ok? Alright, that’s all from me tonight. I have the arduous task of naming 5 fish. Smober now for 1 month, 1 week, 2 days, 22 hours, 25 minutes and 30 seconds. 479 cigarettes not smoked, saving $74.28. Life saved: 1 day, 15 hours, 55 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![ruadh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@ruadh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruadh)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2000, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/207 "2000-06-10T07:42:02Z")
I suck. I had a couple, well, maybe it was three or four or five cigarettes last night. ☹ It was the Dublin Dopefest and yojimbo and JohnLarrigan just looked to be enjoying their cigarettes so much I finally couldn’t resist. Not that I’m blaming them, it’s my fault not theirs. I’m really worried now, I know next time I’m really tempted I’ll remember last night and think “well I had a few cigarettes then and it didn’t get me started smoking again…” This is why you have to just QUIT, Spolvy. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2000, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/208 "2000-06-11T03:58:27Z")
**ruadh** , don’t beat yourself up over it. Like you said, just learn from the experience. I do think it’s kindof interesting how people are much less likely to overindulge on booze in front of an alcoholic, or for that matter, drink anything at all. But smokers never give a second thought to what someone who’s recovering from cigarette addiction is going through as they sit and puff away in front of them. I like the people you were with very much, so I don’t want to call them rude, but I feel bad that they weren’t a bit more respectful of you and didn’t at least step outside and away from your view to have a quick smoke if they needed one. ☹ Oh well. I’m still smoke free after 1 month, 1 week, 3 days, 21 hours, 37 minutes and 56 seconds. 490 cigarettes not smoked, saving $76.08. Life saved: 1 day, 16 hours, 50 minutes. I finally got around to telling my dad today that I quit smoking. I didn’t want to say anything until I had a bit more time under my belt. Needless to say, he was quite ecstatic. Having had a wife (my mother) die of cancer, I’m sure he didn’t want to see me go that way, too. **BratMan** , now that your mother’s cancer scare is over, how about tackling this thing again? You don’t want to have to call _her_ with bad news one day, do you? ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2000, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/209 "2000-06-13T15:52:30Z")
teeth. Grrrrrrrrinnnndddddddd. GGGGGGrrrrrrriiiiinnnnddddd. Gggggrrrrrriiiinnnnnddddd… Ggggggrrrrriiiiinnnnndddd… FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! I’m gonna do it this time. \ “how bad can cancer be?” SLAP! SLAP! I gotta get some exercize ( NOOOOOO!) will be back soon.( I hope, NO, I WILL!) 11 hours, 55 minutes and 1 second. 9 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1.61. Life saved: 45 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2000, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/210 "2000-06-13T17:13:21Z")
LMAO. Dave, you rock. You can do this, I know you can. I’m just thrilled beyond words that you’re trying this again. Would you like me to sponsor you? ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2000, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/211 "2000-06-13T18:11:24Z")
Either that or shoot me. You choose. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2000, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/212 "2000-06-14T04:29:33Z")
So how’d you do today, dave? Are you ready to kill someone yet? Me, maybe? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![purrplebear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/90ced4/32.png) [@purrplebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purrplebear)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2000, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/213 "2000-06-14T06:13:04Z")
Hi, ya’ll. Sorry I haven’t checked in in a while. I get caught up on other threads, and this one slips by me. So, how’s everyone doing? Glad to see so many of you still smober! All of you, are doing such an _awesome_ job! Congrats to the smobers and the soon-to-be smobers! I am very, very proud of each and every one of you. 😃 Especially my honey, Mr Bear. Give us an update, dear, on how you’re doing. I am sooo, soooo **proud** of you for this! weirddave, you **ROCK**! I am so very happy that you’re trying this again! Do you want me to sponsor you, and for what day? I’m there for you, always. {{{{{{{dave}}}}}}} Shayna, you are doing so great!! You’re the **bestest**! To all of the smobers, soon-to-be smobers, and the great supporters of same: {{{{{{{GroupHugs}}}}}}} ---
**Author:** ![Spolvy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/278dde/32.png) [@Spolvy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spolvy)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2000, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/214 "2000-06-14T14:42:39Z")
Sorry Guys, I’ve been hiding in shame… Three days of drunken Bluesfest debauchery sorta kicked my ass last weekend…(coolest thing, stood right next to the BEST blues guitar player I have ever seen live, while he played Red House. Melvin Taylor, that guy rocks…check him out!) started smoking again ::damn drinkin’ and smokin’ thing:: BUT I do have an appointment on Saturday AM to go see the Doc to get a scrip or something to help me quit. I am still going to do this. I’m going to take my kids with me to the Doc’s and give them a different sort of Father’s Day gift. A smoke free and rational dad! (as opposed to the raving lunatic that was around a few weeks back) I know nothing about the drugs that are available, other than their names, and I’m hoping to get the good Doc to share some info with me and my little Spolvy’s to make this a bit easier! You guys are awesome, I think this is the coolest thing! I’ll Be Back!!! ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2000, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/215 "2000-06-14T20:30:59Z")
Good deal spolvy. I’m glad to hear that you and Bratman are giving it a try again. Look at Shayna if you want a good role model. The woman was hooked!! When she came to visit me last summer, she brought an extra stash of cigarettes. She had to smoke outside but her addiction was so strong she braved the Texas heat to get her fix. And look at her now. She’s been smoke free for over 6 weeks. Plus there have been so many people here that have done it. We’re all rooting for you all. ---
**Author:** ![evilbeth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/evilbeth/32/2268_2.png) [@evilbeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/evilbeth)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2000, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/216 "2000-06-15T08:27:50Z")
Just checking in to offer support and to give it a bump! ---
**Author:** ![DRY](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a87d85/32.png) [@DRY](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DRY)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2000, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/217 "2000-06-15T10:51:44Z")
I’d like to check in and show my support for this thread, and the people on it. As with the “well-endowed” thread, I’d like to remind all of you that, what with the Las Vegas doper event coming up, you have that extra incentive to kick the habit! A personal note to Shayna follows: Finally, I’d like to congratulate my fiance on her 1000th post. Yes, I know that the numbers mean little to you, but: 1. These “events” are noted by others as a way of showing their appreciation for you, and what you bring to this board 2. As I mentioned in a private e-mail, I believe you give of yourself to this board as much as anyone. I could not and would never share as much with all of the SDMB as you do! But for your well known views on the total lack of importance of the number of someone’s posts to you, I’d have started a thread for your post party. In fact, I almost did anyway. To turn this thread back to the original topic, my continued support to you all. ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2000, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/218 "2000-06-15T13:26:14Z")
Well, I missed this topic yeaterday. I guess PB is next up, she can sponsor me today. I’ll make a real effort to look for this thread, even if it’s on page 2. Two days, 9 hours, 28 minutes and 52 seconds. 47 cigarettes not smoked, saving $7.78. Life saved: 3 hours, 55 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![GraceTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c4cdca/32.png) [@GraceTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GraceTX)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2000, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/219 "2000-06-15T16:53:37Z")
My services are available if you need a sponsor. ---
**Author:** ![ruadh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@ruadh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruadh)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2000, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056/220 "2000-06-16T06:31:12Z")
I haven’t posted here in a while but it’s not 'cause I fell off the wagon or anything. Apart from the few smokes at DublinDope and the one puff the week before that is. The smokes last weekend gave me a cough again and that was enough to remind me why I quit! So I’m feeling pretty confident about making it through another weekend smoke free. And I’m going to join a gym again - that should help. Hope everyone else is hanging in there! almost smoke free for: 5 weeks, 6 hours, 13 minutes, 35 seconds cigs not smoked: 1052 money saved: £200.83 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-sd-smoke-out-topic-part-2/20056.md?page=12)