Quitting social smoking...

[andrewc]

For the last few months (since the departure inter-state of my common-law wife) I've been trying to give up smoking. I've managed to give up the fags when sober, but when I head out after a few drinks I am scanning the venue for the nearest ciggie machine and then end up ploughing through most of the pack. Or I wait til I get home and have a sneaky one if the flatmates are out.

Any tips on taking that final step? I really have no reasons left to smoke when out, and it has actually become an inhibitor to my social life.

Can't see much point in using patches or champix... I've never been a heavy smoker, and it's now just an issue when drinking! But I want to give up properly, heading out for a ciggie is so 2008!

[bgf northernnick]

Hi m8,
That is where the patches or champix can help you out m8.
The social smoking is one of the most difficult areas when trying to quit these bloody things. Guess only you can say how commited you are to quitting and what measures you are prepared to go to to finally stop smoking for good.
Try inviting a few m8's home for a few beers where there aint a cigarette machine for a couple of weeks till you have a few nicotine free weeks under your belt.......is giving up the grog for a couple of weeks out of the question?.....only asking this m8 as can appreciate that you may need the support of your m8's down the pub after your recent separation.
You can buy electronic fags on the internet too which can make it look like you are smoking and keep your fingers occupied while out and about without any nicotine.
Good luck with your endeavour to quit this time but think about the champix as something to try if you are still continueing to smoke.........Champix is pretty cheap and although there are sometimes weird side effects ...sometimes there are not as you will read from some of the posts on the nicotine and champix thread....
let us know how you are going m8 as it is always good to see how just will power alone will work for you.
Most pubs now are smoke free zones and it aint that easy especially in this wet weather to stand outside and puff away..........
Have a good week m8,
Nick

[andrewc]

Thanks Nick,

I'm going to give will power ago for awhile... at least whilst the weather is cool! I think avoiding the gay venues in Brisbane during this time is probably my best bet as they have the best outdoor smoking areas of any pub/club in Brissie.

I have a few things lined up over the next month or so which will mean less opportunities to smoke... so hopefully by August I'll be able to head out confidently knowing I don't need to take a lighter just in case!

Cheers!

[gandolf69]

I feel lucky i've never taken up smoking ever in my life but know many who have, from what i've been told its a heavy addiction even when you try hypnotherapy and other methods. I always say to people how do you afford them when they seem so expensive and come in different strengths? Good Luck Guys and when you do think of the money you'll save.

[gavvybear]

Hey Andrew.
I am in the same boat, I have been trying with varying degrees of success over the years, but it has been the cold weather that has finally got me to stop. I have been out the last two weekends (in Sydney) and haven't ventured outside for a ciggy. Maybe you should consider a trip South for the winter?? :)

On a more serious note, I found that the nicotine replacement inhalers were good when I needed to do something with my hands. They look a bit like you are sticking a tampon applicator in your mouth, but the action (and the hit of nicotine) helped I thought.

Good luck mate, it is difficult, but you can do it!