Roland

Hi MQ, Well I'm still going strong! I posted a update back on my introductory thread but I think I'll post over here from now on. Thanks for checking in and a big thanks for the videos you posted. Hope the others you mentioned are doing well too. Hang in there guys!

Hi Gang, I'm back again and pleased to report my quit is still going strong! Last night was a bit of a test, I went out with a new lady friend to a BBQ. The hosts were friends of hers and I'd never met them before. They were a really nice couple, the husband was a smoker and I had to laugh when he told me what he did for a living. Turns out he owns 2 tobacconists in the area! lol To make a long story short I had a great night, drank a fair bit and didn't cave in to the cravings. The cravings were there alright but I think it helped having my new lady friend there (she lives a very healthy lifestyle). While she knows I was a smoker I've avoided smoking in front of her while we've been getting to know each other. Thanks again for your ongoing support, kind words and videos etc. I'll try to keep you all posted on my progress. So far so good, happy days! :)

Wow, what a warm welcome, thank you so much everyone! To answer some of your questions: I don't have a plan as such other than just stopping and I'll be going cold turkey. I've tried it all before, patches, gum, champix etc. I guess they all helped but I've done just as well by just putting them down. I read Allan Carrs book a while back and since then I haven't used any sort of replacements and there's been times over the years when I've given up for periods ranging from 1day - 3 months. Generally if I get through the first week I tend to settle into the mindset of a non smoker until I get in party mode after a few drinks! The loosening of inhibitions coupled with my optimism that I have it under control (you know....a couple of smokes won't hurt :-\ ) is usually what brings me undone. Going to practice NOPE this time though and stay away from drinking/smoking environments for at least the first couple of months. I like the idea of putting these words down as I think it will help to affirm my decision to not smoke. I also very much appreciate the support, I kind of feel already that I'll be letting you guys down as well as myself if I do slip back into the stinky old habit.

Hi All, I've just smoked what I hope will be my last cigarette. I've quit many many times before but tend to drop my guard when drinking. I'll have to be very careful with that over the coming months. This is it!