I joined the Quit Smoking Group and this was my introduction:
I'm Josh.
I went through a smoking phase just after I graduated high school. A good friend passed away and lots of people came together and it was a celebration every night for a few years.
There was lots of booze and smoking cigs was just something else to do. It was social, an excuse to step outside and a good enough substitute when there was no weed.
Also, much of my family were regular smokers. There was always a cig available.
The heavy chest, the lingering smell and the rising price tag became unbearable but, the clincher was the constant sore throat and flem.
I didn't keep track of the time. I smoked for a few years and just decided that I didn't want it anymore.
After a few weeks without, my chest and throat felt better and I wasn't choking on flem. I started exercising, again. Even the smell began to fade.
I had to "leave the party" and most of my friends, tho, in order to truly free myself from cigs. That was the hardest part but, the most necessary in the end.
I still like a nice joint from time to time but, I've even moved away from smoking cannabis to consuming edibles and topicals. I even cut down on alcohol severely. I drink maybe 1 or two beers a month if not a bottle of wine. It's very rare.
I never looked back. If I had to guess, it's been over 10 years and the smell of cigs still turns me off. I think the fact that I stopped quantifying the time between cigs played a key role. Also, having a productive replacement activity is important.
Just stop smoking and do something else.
So, it's possible, if you really want it.
Good luck!
Josh
