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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 11 to 35 of 35. Go back in thread:
Posted by Pfinstegg on September 10, 2003, at 12:42:46
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Sebastian, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 12:19:38
I used to smoke THREE packs of cigarettes a day! I did succeed in quitting 25 years ago by going down slowly- one per week- so you can imagine how long it took. This was before there were any patches or inhalers, but I would definitely have liked to use them, as they must make things a little easier. I do remember discovering that a very deep breath helped with the cravings. The first 3 weeks without them were very hard, but then each week was a bit easier. After the first few months, I never again wanted to smoke- and never have.
Pfinstegg
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 12:51:18
In reply to Re: Cigarettes, posted by Pfinstegg on September 10, 2003, at 12:42:46
Wow, you think you could pass some of that willpower over this way? lol
That really is great -- reassuring to know that it *is* possible to quit without craving cancer sticks the rest of your life. Everyone I've ever known who's quit says that years after quitting they continue to struggle every day, and can't be around people who smoke. Nice to know that doesn't have to be the case. :-)
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 10, 2003, at 13:41:11
In reply to Cigarettes, posted by shar on September 7, 2003, at 17:26:04
I used to smoke Natural American Spirit because it was additive free tobacco, but also is about $10 more a carton than the cheapies I now buy.
----------...and chock full o' nicotine. I couldn't find the original study, but American Spirit brand have the highest levels of nicotine, and keep plasma levels higher for a longer period of time. Here's a popularized link...
http://whyfiles.org/183smoking/2.html
Posted by Sebastian on September 10, 2003, at 17:47:32
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Sebastian, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 12:19:38
how much?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 17:50:57
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Sebastian on September 10, 2003, at 17:47:32
The inhaler, case, and 42 cartridges is $45.99.
Posted by elbee on September 10, 2003, at 18:03:00
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Sebastian, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 17:50:57
That's a good value. Does this one cost in general cover the quitting period or do you need to get refills?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 18:37:48
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Ame Sans Vie, posted by elbee on September 10, 2003, at 18:03:00
That really depends on how much nicotine you need... one cartridge contains 10mg/nicotine, but only 4mg of that is actually delivered into your system. Therefore, all 42 cartridges deliver a total of ~168mg nicotine to your body. One Marlboro red contains about 1-1.1mg nicotine -- different brands vary quite considerably, though. Check this site out to find your brand and how much nicotine you're currently taking in:
http://www.erowid.org/plants/tobacco/tobacco_nic.shtml
That chart would make you think that, for example, a two-pack-a-day smoker of filterless Camels would use up all 42 cartridges in two and a half days. I was a two-pack-daily nonfiltered Camel smoker, and I only need *one or two cartridges per day* to feel perfectly comfortable. Everyone I know personally whom I've convinced to try the inhaler has noticed the same phenomenon. The only way I can account for this is that the Inhaler gives you something to do with your hands (i.e. "hand-to-mouth gratification" -- http://www.nicotrol.com/inhaler/index.asp), unlike other smoking cessation products. I'm now thoroughly convinced, personally, that it's the ritual of smoking which had me addicted. How else would I feel perfectly comfortable on my current dose of 4-8mg nicotine/day, when my nicotine intake while smoking was nearly 70mg/day??
I so very strongly urge anyone who smokes to try this -- unlike those patches and crap (which cost the same amount), this thing actually *works*. It feels so wonderful to have my sense of smell back! lol
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 18:49:19
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » elbee, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 18:37:48
Thanks for the chart wow! I just found out what and how muchof it is going into my body YIKES!
> That really depends on how much nicotine you need... one cartridge contains 10mg/nicotine, but only 4mg of that is actually delivered into your system. Therefore, all 42 cartridges deliver a total of ~168mg nicotine to your body. One Marlboro red contains about 1-1.1mg nicotine -- different brands vary quite considerably, though. Check this site out to find your brand and how much nicotine you're currently taking in:
>
> http://www.erowid.org/plants/tobacco/tobacco_nic.shtml
>
> That chart would make you think that, for example, a two-pack-a-day smoker of filterless Camels would use up all 42 cartridges in two and a half days. I was a two-pack-daily nonfiltered Camel smoker, and I only need *one or two cartridges per day* to feel perfectly comfortable. Everyone I know personally whom I've convinced to try the inhaler has noticed the same phenomenon. The only way I can account for this is that the Inhaler gives you something to do with your hands (i.e. "hand-to-mouth gratification" -- http://www.nicotrol.com/inhaler/index.asp), unlike other smoking cessation products. I'm now thoroughly convinced, personally, that it's the ritual of smoking which had me addicted. How else would I feel perfectly comfortable on my current dose of 4-8mg nicotine/day, when my nicotine intake while smoking was nearly 70mg/day??
>
> I so very strongly urge anyone who smokes to try this -- unlike those patches and crap (which cost the same amount), this thing actually *works*. It feels so wonderful to have my sense of smell back! lol
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 19:02:58
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Ame Sans Vie, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 18:49:19
> Thanks for the chart wow! I just found out what and how muchof it is going into my body YIKES!
lol, you're welcome -- scary isn't it?
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 19:08:41
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » galkeepinon, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 19:02:58
>>>scary isn't it?
oh yeah!!!!!!!!I'm going to find something, may post it if I can find it:-)
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 19:16:13
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Ame Sans Vie, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 19:08:41
I knew I came across one of these sites from a friend.
Very interesting...........and some GREAT info:-)
Posted by elbee on September 10, 2003, at 20:51:12
In reply to A Few Sites That Are Worth Looking At :-) » galkeepinon, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 19:16:13
Had a chance to check out 1st site & was so helpful. Loved the real-time chat w/someone who has quit. Thanks a lot.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 20:52:36
In reply to Re: A Few Sites That Are Worth Looking At :-) » galkeepinon, posted by elbee on September 10, 2003, at 20:51:12
Posted by elbee on September 10, 2003, at 20:54:36
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » elbee, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 10, 2003, at 18:37:48
Whew. Great chart. Thanks a lot & for inhaler info.
Posted by shar on September 11, 2003, at 0:48:49
In reply to A Few Sites That Are Worth Looking At :-) » galkeepinon, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 19:16:13
Please!! Don't take this personally!!!!!!!!!! But..
Ick. I'm sure these are wonderful web sites, and do a fabulous job of grossing people out in order to 'help' them quit smoking...but for me, horrifying pics never were very motivating.I remember in 8th grade, weeks after my father died of lung cancer being shown a film of black lungs and all that stuff, all the horrors of cigs, how it makes you stink, gives you bad breath, makes your house stink, etc. Somehow, that never made me think "wow, I'm going right out to quit!" it just made me think, wow, dad's lungs were black, I stink, my house stinks, etc. I bet there is a name for that kind of 'motivation' but I don't know what it is.
To me, and imo, it's not motivating, not scary (if it's there it's there...god knows what my other organs look like after 50 years of meds and other abuse), and I think (imo) the technique is bullying--adding to the guilt I do indeed feel about smoking (as if my head is not full of enough crud as it stands now). Maybe I equate it to something like showing a bunch of alkies what cirrhosis makes your liver look like, or what syphilis does when it's left untreated.
I'm not fooling myself that quitting will heal my lungs (they say something like 10 years later you're almost good as new). I don't think I have another 10 in me. And, unless things have changed significantly recently, lung cancer is pretty much untreatable and I've been smoking since the day my dad died which was 37 years ago. They can do stuff, of course, but the success rate is right down there. So, I figure if I can quit, feel a bit better for a while (like, not pant walking upstairs), etc., that's a good goal.
Obviously, other people appreciate those website, and I'm glad you posted them, and find it helpful. Just another case of to each her own.
Shar
Posted by galkeepinon on September 11, 2003, at 0:57:14
In reply to Re: A Few Sites That Are Worth Looking At :-) » galkeepinon, posted by shar on September 11, 2003, at 0:48:49
>>>>So, I figure if I can quit, feel a bit better for a while (like, not pant walking upstairs), etc., that's a good goal.
That's a great goal!!!!!!!
Posted by Phil on September 12, 2003, at 13:40:39
In reply to Cigarettes, posted by shar on September 7, 2003, at 17:26:04
shar, You know them dumb dope smokers have invented some really nice vaporizers but some are expensive.
You can make one for about $5.00. But a hamster water feeder, the test tube kind with a rubber stopper and a glass 'straw' coming out the stopper. Get a 14 gauge sewing machine needle(hollow) and stick it thru the stopper. That's your air intake. Put a small amount of tobacco in the tube flat against the glass. Heat it w/ a butane lighter or a tea lite candle. As soon as you see vapor,5-10 seconds, inhale. You will get pure nicotine, no carcinogens, and good taste with no smoke or odor. Be careful though because tobacco or herbs go 4 times as far as with smoking.
So, you could buy tobacco bulk, smoke 4 times less and look like a lunatic in public.
Or, of course, just quit.
Well, my time's up. I'm sure this is totally useless to you but that's what I'm here for.
If you choose to vape, the tobacco looks the same when you've finished smoking but it smells like hay.
I have a picture in my head of you laughing very hard right now. If you don't like it, buy a hamster.Helpful Hint #ZS23987(smok%=nope//#@$$dope)
I do wish you luck with it.If you talk to Greg, give him my best, okay?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 12, 2003, at 13:59:23
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » shar, posted by Phil on September 12, 2003, at 13:40:39
> shar, You know them dumb dope smokers have invented some really nice vaporizers but some are expensive.
Hey, I smoke pot and I've fashioned quite a few vaporizers in my time -- I'm certainly not dumb, though. At least, not that I know of, lol.
Posted by Phil on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:06
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Phil, posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 12, 2003, at 13:59:23
:^I
32 years of usage hain't made me dumbner neither.
Sum of them strains these days make you prettty smarkl.
Have you seen the Volcano?On another sour note, did you see where they sentenced Chong to 9 months for selling bongs?
One head shop owner was about to open his store one morning-he lived in a peaceful small community-approximately 24 DEA agents in riot gear and big guns surrounded this poor guy. They had the black uniforms, helmets...what were they expecting him to do, throw rolling papers at them.Don't get me started on the politics but quoting a German Nobel Peace Prize winner, "This is the worst administration in the history of the U.S."
Posted by judy1 on September 13, 2003, at 10:36:18
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Phil on September 12, 2003, at 15:56:06
> On another sour note, did you see where they sentenced Chong to 9 months for selling bongs?
> One head shop owner was about to open his store one morning-he lived in a peaceful small community-approximately 24 DEA agents in riot gear and big guns surrounded this poor guy. They had the black uniforms, helmets...what were they expecting him to do, throw rolling papers at them.No way! Was this in California? Please tell me it wasn't.
take care, judy
Posted by Phil on September 14, 2003, at 4:01:31
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » Phil, posted by judy1 on September 13, 2003, at 10:36:18
I think it may have been Eugene,OR.
They sentenced Chong on 9/11.
Posted by dave1 on September 20, 2003, at 3:39:34
In reply to Re: Cigarettes, posted by Pfinstegg on September 10, 2003, at 12:42:46
Hi,
I'm trying to quit now. I'm using little tricks.
Since I was mainly smoking in the car, I took the butts out of my car and leave them in my house. When I go out I smoke one as I leave. Then when I come home I smoke one. This has helped me cut from 2/3 pack to 1/3 pack a day.
Now, I'm trying to reduce it more by smoking only 2/3 of the cigarette and then putting it out.
Bye,
Dave
Posted by jane d on September 23, 2003, at 19:07:49
In reply to Cigarettes, posted by shar on September 7, 2003, at 17:26:04
> A book called "Good News for Smokers" says that nicotine helps one focus, block external stimuli, and other things. So, it has an appealing (to some) effect.
It definately also has an Anti depressant effect.
> I am planning to quit smoking soon because of financial reasons. I used to smoke Natural American Spirit because it was additive free tobacco, but also is about $10 more a carton than the cheapies I now buy.
>
> And, P.S., I am not interested in hearing from any non-smokers, nor reformed smokers, in lecture form (as in, "why you are evil because you smoke" or "why you should quit" or "how you are damaging others"). If you have a great way to quit, I'd certainly be interested in that.I'm an ex here but I don't think I'm that moralizing. For years I found the positive effect on my mental health outweighed the physical risks. That may still be true in reverse now that I've quit.
For me the key to stopping successfully was Wellbutrin, nicotine gum, and frequent (read daily) relapses for the first six months. I think making one "trigger" location at a time non smoking can also help. Just be prepared to spend more time than before in the areas you still let yourself smoke.
> I will add that smoking should be avoided after tooth extractions, which I learned the hard way.
And gum surgery. Learned it the same way.
>
> Plus, smoking while wearing a Nicotrol patch after a tooth extraction may make you nauseous.So can chain smoking and chewing multiple pieces of gum at once. Combining them one and one just tasted lousy but I never cared.
Good luck. Smokers are one of the worlds favorite scapegoats these days. It's not right but I don't mind not having that extra strike against me anymore.Jane
Posted by jane d on September 23, 2003, at 19:20:14
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » shar, posted by elbee on September 9, 2003, at 21:10:26
> I like to smoke because of the illusion that it relieves my antyness and makes me feel better in general. However, I think it might be partly creating the antsyness & in the long-term makes me feel less in control.
Unfortunately I don't think it's an illusion. Nicotine is being tried as a medication for many things now. I'm convinced that I became addicted because it relieved my misery, not that fighting my addiction made me miserable. Although, of course, it did every time I couldn't have a cigarette for an hour. In the end it may no longer have worked as an anti depressant for me but the approved prescription AD's can stop working too. Cigarette "poop out"?
Good luck with your quitting plans. The moment at a time approach sounds like a good one.
Jane
Posted by shar on September 25, 2003, at 23:12:00
In reply to Re: Cigarettes » shar, posted by jane d on September 23, 2003, at 19:07:49
>
Smokers are one of the worlds favorite scapegoats these days.The truth shall set you free....I could not agree more that smokers are the equivalent of yesterday's lepers and other sorts of pariahs. And, I do the whole "don't let smoke get on my hair" or shirt, etc. so I don't offend people. What a crock. Not that I want to offend people, but that it's so OK to make catty remarks about smokers.
What you said about cigarette poop-out was very funny! Never thought of it that way.
Thanks for the good info and non-lecture!
Shar
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