Guys I'm quitting smoking cold turkey I'm afraid to die

[valleyplayer42]

My last 2 cigarettes tody and I'm done cold turkey. What withdrawals can I expect? For anyone that has done it. I'm going to change my way of living around... Eating better running for exercise and done smoking and I barely drink alcohol. My only downfall is triple cheeseburgers with bacon from McDonald's 2$ each.

[mariea]

Haven't done it but worked with people with people who have. You won't die from cigarette withdrawal, but you could possibly have some strong cravings. Keep yourself busy take lots of walks and deep breaths outside (your body is used to deep breaths when you smoke)  Physiological cravings should last about 3 days.  You can do it!!

[savannahgirl]

My husband quit cold turkey a few years ago. He survived withdrawal with lots and lots of Dr. Peppers.  The caffeine kept him sane for the most part. He would get irritable but over time it got better and was so worth it.  I really hope you the best.   

[LindaRK]

I would say exchange this one bad habit for a habit that isn't so bad ... maybe chewing gum?  I've attended a few smoking sessions and everyone there seems to be chewing furiously!

Good for you for deciding to quit!

[mollyfin]

My dad tried patches and gum but it didn't really help.  Eventually he just quit cold turkey (after a massive heart attack late in life - so he had no choice but to stick to that!) and the only issues he had were cravings, which decreased over time.  (He may have been more irritable, but he was an irritable guy; I take after him in that respect!)  It won't do you any harm.  I've been told caffeine and gum or hard candy help.  I've also heard good things about electronic cigarettes.

[Knightsaber]

I get massive headaches and fatigue every time I try to quit.  I've lowered my 'input' quite a bit over the last couple of months, hoping that will help.  I'm determined to stop, it's just for me it doesn't seem to be something I can just drop.  (The headaches I get are far worse than when I quit caffeine, it's very odd, imo)

[mollyfin]

How about the e-cigarette?  You get the nicotine without the harmful additives like tar.  I know some people who have had success using that to quit.

[Cheesus]

I went through terrible anxiety when I quit (but I was already going through terrible anxiety anyway so it was just an added pressure). It's been well, well worth it though and I'm really proud of myself. I think its been about 550 days since my last cig now.

Don't get on with the running to hard at first. Exercise is good to get the blood flowing but you may want to take short, gentle jogs or perhaps even walking (we're designed to walk, its great exercise) before you go for a strenuous run. You don't want to put your lungs under undue pressure when they're trying to unclog themselves. During this time its essential to drink plenty of warm water (around 2 litres per day) to help loosen up your chest and take hot showers or, better yet, get into a steam room to help loosen up all that crap.

Work up to strenuous exercise over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.