Turkey's Triumphs: Page 44
Lessons from cold turkey quitters who've remained nicotine-free for at least 1 year
Victory@WhyQuit.com
Stopped smoking cold turkey one fine morning in 1997 (23 years ago), it means 8,280 days. You can also do it.
Channar Sajjad
16 years ago tonight I had my last cigarette(s) of the evening and went on to bed. The next morning I woke up and for some reason decided to quit smoking. I mostly slept the first couple days. After about a week I guess I was a little desperate and stumbled upon Freedom From Tobacco which was the Microsoft groups branch of WhyQuit. Probably had a dial up modem. No videos then but all the Joel articles and lots of support. I educated myself about our addiction and it wasn't easy but it was/is simple. Keep the nicotine out of your body. NTAP.
It took me longer than most to feel comfortable in my own skin again but we're all different. Quitting is at the same time the same and different for all of us. Still, keeping nicotine out of your body is key as is education about our addiction, I believe.
Things DO get better. You WILL feel normal again. When? Like I said, everyone's quit is the same and at the same time, is different. You WILL feel peace. You WILL stop wanting one. Keep pushing forward. Every day and every small victory is what great quits are built on.
By the way, I started smoking at 12 (not a whole lot at first). By the time I quit I was smoking about 2 packs per day. Crazy. I've now been quit more than half the time I've held my current job. If I live another 20 years or so, I'll have been a non smoker on this planet longer than I was a smoker. Hope to see that!
NTAP! Those that NTAP never, ever, relapse.
Steve Manley
ONE YEAR!! Bring on the golden feathers!!
In my case I gave up smoking, after 27 years of addiction, while doing the Saint James way (el Camino). I decided quite spontaneously, just a few days before starting and on day 2 of the Camino I smoke my last cigarette (Korean one by the way). I thought it was the perfect opportunity... Walking every day, avoiding triggers, smokers, etc.
It worked! But I would have failed afterwards if it weren't for this page, all the texts and videos... I will be eternally grateful to all of you. Information for me was key to fight this nasty addiction. Thank you!!
Victoria
I have one year today. Prayer helped. The books by Joel Spitzer and John R. Polito helped a great deal. This WhyQuit.com also helped. I smoked for 48 years and didn't believe this was possible. Thanks everyone!
Joyce Tambolas
It’s been 1 year and 3 months. Some day’s I wake up and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude rushes over me. Today is one of those days. I remember the days when I would wake up, the need to have that early morning cigarette. It’s the first thing I would do even though I promised the night before I wouldn’t. I would wake up angry because I knew that is exactly what I was about to do.
Today I don’t have to, in fact I get to wake up and do whatever I want to. I’m no longer the slave to nicotine! Thank you everyone for the continuous support. You all have been a huge part of my journey and still are! NTAP!
Erin Howlett
It is one year today since I quit smoking. It was one of the hardest things I've done but, particularly with Covid 19, I am so pleased I stuck with the quit and have given my lungs a chance!
Love and encouragement to all those starting out and near the beginning of your quit. It is worth it. You may, like me, have a tough time, especially in learning how to cope with feelings like grief, depression and anxiety. For me, taking very deep breaths, taking stock of and allowing myself time to reflect and understand my emotions has worked and helped me maintain my quit.
Thanks are due to Joel's life saving videos and to the support and encouragement of this group [Turkeyville] xxx
Hazel Croft
Today marks 15 years that my wife and I have been quit smoking! The journey was not an overnight success, it took hard work and perseverance! You have to dig deep down into your gut. To those trying to quit, you can do it! Don’t give up, don’t give in, fight on! Yes we tried nicotine replacement and none of it worked. Cold turkey is the only and best way!
Danny
One year today nicotine free after more than 50 years of smoking! A liittle bitter / sweet as I was diagnosed with stomach cancer three weeks ago but at least I can face it as a non smoker!
Steve
Today is my 2 year anniversary being a former smoker. I’m now 70 and started in my twenties. Better late than never. I’m sure if I hadn’t quit when I did COPD was in my future. Seven months ago I joined a HIT gym. I’m losing the weight I gained, becoming stronger & feel good about myself. Don’t give up!!
Elaine
So happy to say I’m one year nicotine free! I quit on Dec 28 last year because I didn’t want to make it a “New years resolution” that I would be tempted to stop. I was so tired of coughing and smelling bad and my daughter being embarrassed of me!
If you are preparing to quit, just do it. This site [Turkeyville] is so helpful, I was on it every couple hours in the beginning...when I wanted to smoke I watched a video.
I will occasionally have a craving now, but it’s always short lived. I LOVE that I don’t cough anymore. I LOVE that my car and my clothes don’t stink anymore. I LOVE the freedom of not being tied down to a senseless addiction. No more standing in the rain or cold. No more running to the store at night to get cigarettes. But mostly I love that my daughter is proud of me. Good luck to everyone starting out. You deserve to feel better!
Amy Anderson
3/22/20 marks 15 years of N.T.A.P. Cold Turkey..only way! ☺ Remember spending $$$ for cigarettes, vaping, pills, patches will lead you to spending even more $$$ in hospital and medical issues. Quit and save...your life!
Patty Ann
Today is the one year mark in my quit. It is that time of year where many will think of quitting for the new year. I am here to tell you it is entirely possible. A year ago it was minute to minute and then the minutes turned into hours and then days. Now I rarely think about those nasty cancer sticks but periodically an urge will raise it’s ugly held. The key is to not falter and check in here [Turkeyville] for support. Someone is always here to lend words of advice. Thanks to all who have helped me through this year. NTAP! Here is to a healthy, smoke-free New Year!
Kathy Pisupati
Merry Christmas to all! And for me — TWO YEARS QUIT! I have gifted myself a new life!
Marilyn Collins
Cold turkey is the best and only way. It’s just a week of uncomfortable feelings. No big deal.
Bridgette LaForce
Every Winter Solstice I thank The Cold Turkey for working on that day in 2007. Now it is 12 years without a puff. Thank you too.
Jim Armstrong
Potter Valley, Ca
Never, never ever let down your guard. Nothing to be gained and everything would be lost.
(March 17, 2018 the day that I changed my life.)
Ron Kohn
Hello. Ten years ago today I quit smoking cold turkey, and I don’t miss it at all! I’m so glad I discovered your site and ignored conventional wisdom. Many people in my life suggested I try NRT, but it didn’t make sense to me. I want to thank you and Joel for giving me the knowledge, support, and inspiration to quit on my own.
Jackie Greeman
Edward Daley
Couldn't let this time pass without another shout out to WhyQuit.com for all of your help and support.
NTAP FOREVER......it works.
Bud Laramore
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