Quote:
Originally Posted by Jorn
I quit 8 years ago, if I wasn't drinking it would be two packs a week, but when alcohol was involved ashtrays would fill up really fast. Still after 8 years I find it hard not to bump a smoke when I'm drinking with friends who smoke.
Quitting is all about changing habits, when I quit I started exercising like a mofo; swimming 4 to 5 times a week, running, hiking. I didn't tell anyone so there wouldn't be any pressure if I failed and didn't drink or go out for six months.
The best thing about not smoking was how much it improved sex.  |
Yes, exercise was a huge part of it for me. I quit 45 days before getting out of the Army. During that time all I did was charge of quarters every other night. That meant I was off during the day every day. My girlfriend ran the local municipal swimming pool. I went there every day and spent much of the day.
The first day I got in the Olympic size pool and swam to the other end. I thought it would take a tow truck to get me out. The next day it was a little easier and after about 30 days I could swim laps until I was just sick and tired of swimming. I blew all that crap out of my lungs and worked the alcohol out of my system.
I had been drinking enough that if I even looked at a candy bar or other sweets it would sometimes make me sick. I started having sweets sometimes after all that.
The fact that I was excited about getting out of the Army and starting a new chapter of my life made it mentally easier to do I think.
I would highly recommend exercise as part of the effort to quit smoking or drinking.
I was only 22 when I went through all that. This means I had very few years of the habits to break, and since I was young it made the exercise easier. I fully realize that had to be much easier for me than it was for people who were older with a longer history of the habit.
I would encourage anyone of any age to give up these habits. It's tough work, but the result is a really Improved quality of life. Very best of luck to anyone who tries and congrats to those who have accomplished it.