One week tobacco free today

[Tobin S.]

16. That may be true with some people.

However, not with me. It took a while, maybe about six months, but I've been an ex-smoker for almost three years now and I haven't had a craving for over two years. I can't stand to be near a burning cigar or cigarette now. I've turned into one of those people I despised when I smoked. If I have to walk by someone who is smoking, I'll hold my breath until I am out of smoke range. I smoked for over 20 years. I was getting up toward two packs a day when I quit.

I don't have any of the old triggers now. I can eat a meal or drink a bunch of beer and I don't get cravings. I handle stress without even the thought of having a smoke. The only time I think about tobacco now is in the context of wishing I'd have quit a lot sooner or hadn't started at all. I can tell I've done some long-term damage to my lungs. It's not terrible, but it will always be there to remind me of what I used to do to myself.

I noticed my abstinence starting to get a lot easier after about a month. I think if you can make it that far you've got it made.