Young Lawyer can't quit

[StephanieHunt]

The stress from my job is killing me, but I can't quit smoking no matter how hard I try....  

I've been smoking since I was twelve, smoking regularly throughout high school, smoking even more college and law school; and kept on smoking during my two years working as a law clerk for the county courthouse, almost two packs a day for the past ten years --- and I just dont know how to quit. My new job as a entry level associate has me so stressed out Im smoking more than ever, but its getting me into trouble at work because Im always needing to take smoke breaks at the office, usually two or three in the morning, another for lunch, and at least another two or three more smoke breaks every the afternoon.

My new boss even recently complained that I always smell overpoweringly like stale cigarettes!!  Even though I wear alot of perfume and chew alot of Nicorette Mint gum, its still not enough!  Im afraid Chantix would make my anxiety attacks even worse and terrified of the thought of not being able to smoke again. I know thats just the addiction talking, but I dont know what else to do.

[kathyjo]

I'm all about the tough love and I do think that there are instances where it's warranted and when I feel someone isn't taking their quit as serious as they should, I tend not to answer any longer.
If someone is determined to quit and they need our support, awesome If I see that their attempts are sabatoged by themselves, I point it out and then stop posting.

Everytime I post a response it takes something out of me. I take from my own experiences and sometimes it can be painful, but I'm willing to put myself out there if it benefits someone else, in the hopes that, if they are serious, it will help them.

Okay, let's have a group hug and play nice. Enjoy being able to breathe and not hacking up a lung and smelling nice : )

[brice1967]

Last post, I promise... Opus, it isnt an attack, its motivational.... pointing out all she is doing wrong and telling her what is necessary to do right.  Chiding her when she thinks she's accopmlished something is a bit harsh.  I get that and I am sorry.  The fact is, the core issues isn't being addressed, and until it is this chick is on a fruitless endeavor.  She is setting herself up for perpetual failure..... I am pointing that out.  It's ugly, but it's also true and those are the things that sting the most.  

And really, if she doesn't care, why should anyone else?

[Jade59]

Shake it off, Stephanie and keep moving forward...

[StephanieHunt]

Im sorry that my efforts to quit smoking arent good enough, but it doesnt mean Im not trying. I respect the fact that quitting is hard for everyone, not just me, and I admire anyone who has the strength to quit, no matter what their prefered method is. Im not trying to look for excuses to smoke, I understand that everyone always has an excuse to smoke, Im just telling my story about my struggle to quit, because I thought it might help me find the strength that others seemed to have.  

I wasnt trying to hurt anyone's feelings, and I absolutely never meant to imply that Im somehow a better person than anyone else. Quite the opposite in fact. I wish I could say that being told how inadequate and pathetic I am didnt make me feel sorry for myself and want to seek consolation in my cigarettes, but I dont want to lie. I could really use another cigarette right now, and I may need to have one in a bit, but for now; I will keep trying to cut back on my chain smoking, one cigarette at a time, even though apparently my efforts are in vain.

[opus88]

I don't think 'personal' attacks are warranted Brice.....if you no longer wish to advise her just quit, but don't beat her up please....:(

[brice1967]

And listen Stephaine..... I have a great friend that made it through law school without being a nicotine addict like you.  He was as smoker when he went in, came out a non-smoker.  This guy finished his first 4 years of college in 2.5 years, on his belly with a broken back.  Went to law school and knocked it out in 3.... what normally takes 7 years to accomplish, he knocked out in 5.5.... and quit smoking.  Why???? Because he was driven, motivated and keyed in to what he wanted to do.... something you are obviously incapable of.... and here I am wasting more time messing around with your useless ***????  

It is you.... you keep making excuses.  You act like you are the only person to have gone through law school.... straighten up and quit making excuses... and quit trying to quit... Follow all of my instructions above.... and hurry, someone wants to rent your house or appt and the sooner it's vacant the better.... chop chop smokey!!!