how many of have actually quit for more than 3 years

[debbie58]

I have been searching stats about ex- smokers until I'm about ready to turn blue!  No pun intended.  The American Lung Association states that only 2.5 percent of smokers successfully quit.  I was wondering if anybody out there has any idea how many of us, who have been diagnosed with a lung disease, have successfully quit.  I know people who are on oxygen 24/7 and still smoke.  BLOWS MY MIND.  When I was told to quit or die real young, I had no problem at all.  Made my whole space in life smokeless too. Got 1 more hard headed son we're all working on, but he's been a real hard nut to crack!  This boy is not even allowed to smoke in his own house, let alone anywhere else. Outside only, and it's been bloody cold in Ohio this winter!!  I would like some somewhat good numbers, I mean true numbers on this.

[National Jewish Health]

The figure of 2.5% is a grossly outdated understatement unless it describes those who depend on will-power alone.  Current quit rates for those motivated to quit, using Quit Lines or counseling combined with a support group and pharmacotherapy, approximate 30% in some studies.  The most crucial factor is the degree to which an individual really wants to quit.  That is an internal thing and not very responsive to pressure from others.

[debbie58]

If you have chosen your member name the same way I did, we're probably about the same age.  It's nice to talk to a lady with similar problems as myself, who is in the same age bracket.  I wish I had quit 13 years ago but it has been 3 and I also went cold turkey.  Three years ago I ended up in the ICU in total ARDS on a ventilator and every other machine you could think of.  They didn't give me much of a chance to survive but I did. The last cigarette I had was the day before I went in and I have not looked back.  It must have been harder 13 years ago than when I did because smoking was still allowed in public places, where it is not now. (at least in Ohio) Also by the time I quit there was also a social stigma attached to it.  Your husband should quit himself and at least have enough respect for your situation to not expose you to second hand smoke. ( sneaking one in the house because you can't see him doesn't make the smoke less stinky or toxic)  I made my husband quit at the same time I did.  I think that made my quitting a whole lot easier.  As far as other people doing it in my house?!  No way.  I spent a lot of money desmoking this house. Painting, new furniture, carpets the whole 9 yards.  I won't even let them smoke on my decks or porches.  I can still smell it.  I have 10 acres of woods, they can take a walk.  I hope you chest xray comes out okay.  I just had a ct scan last week and the news was mostly positive.  I have moderate to severe (but closer to moderate) emphysema.  Also , I don't know if you have ever had a spirometry test, but the one I just had was better than the one I had 8 months ago, being moderate and that was the good news.  Bad news I still have this awful disease.  You must be a pretty strong person to quit and remain that way, in light of other people smoking around you.  Let me know how you tests go and keep on your hubby.

[suzzie61]

Hi:  I just got here due to some problems I am having.  I quit smoking 13 years ago, and I did it cold turkey.  I think its the best way to go.  I had cravings for a few years, but I would just think about the benefits of quitting.  Now I cannot stand the smell in the air or on someone else.
     I do not allow smoking in my house for the past 4 years, but prior to that I felt like just because I quit does not mean I can push my feelings on to somebody else.  I was wrong.  My husband still smokes.  I make him go in the garage, but I know he sneaks them in the house when I am not home.  I have smelled them in my vents if he stays up downstairs after I have gone to bed.
    I have been very sick for a week now, and I have to go for a chestx-ray on Monday.
    I am going to post my whole situation on here.  Hope someone can help me.