Has anybody here tried hypnosis to quit smoking?  If so, what was your experience like: did it work, for how long, how many sessions, what was the session like?  I would appreciate any input good and bad.  Thanks

Thomas

About 15 years ago, I went to a group hypnosis meeting, and was hypnotized with the whole group.  I was able to quit smoking, when I walked out of that room.  No follow up.  No withdrawal.  No problem at all.

I successfully quit for nine months.  No desire or anything.  It was fantastic!  THEN, I did one of the dumbest things that I have ever done in my life.  While my employees were outside, on a break, and smoking, I went out to see them for something, and got to chatting with them.  I got the crazy idea, now that I have quit for all this time, I wonder what one tastes like.

It seems like once I had that ONE cigarette, all the past nine months was flushed down the drain.  Within a week, I was back to smoking at the same level that I was before I quit.

I think that part of the reason that I was able to quit, was that I actually WAS ready to quit.  I have not been able to truthfully say that I am ready to quit, since then.  Yes, I know I should, and I would like to, but deep down, I don't want to.  Until I get to that state, again, I don't think I will be able to successfully quit.  Good Lord, how I wish I could get myself to that state of desire again!

Being the ancient and decrepit old fart that I am, if I can pass one thought across to others, due to my own experience, once you quit smoking, NEVER touch another cigarette!

Chuck

I would concur with Chuck.  Never pick up a cig again once you quit!  My ex tried hypnosis and it worked for about 2 weeks.  LOL.  The key is to WANT to quit to the point your brain becomes rewired to think that way.  Considering how many of CHers smoke I'd say we have a double whammy against us.  Not only the addiction to cigs but I think something in our brain's chemistry predisposes us to smoke.  This thought has been discussed at length a long time ago on this board.

I am at the point that I want/need to quit again.  The first 2-3 weeks are the hardest.  That's when you are fighting the chemical dependancy of it.  Change your daily habits is a good way to get through this time..

-P.

My auntie found herself in the situation that she couldn't afford to both smoke and gamble. One of the vices had to go.

She went and got accupuncture for the cigarettes, spent a lot of money on it, and was back smoking like a chimney within a week.

It was months before we realised she hadn't had another bet.

Thomas, have you tried reading Alan Carrs Easy Way to Stop Smoking book?

Hypnosis didn't work for me, after the first session, I had thrown out my cigarettes and lighter etc. and as soon as I left I went straight to the store and bought more even though I didn't actually want or need to - the idea of hypnosis just bothered me, if I quit it needed to be because *I* wanted to and not because someone else put it in my head.

Alan Carr's book is an extraordinary method, it's quite effective, which is why I haven't finished reading the book yet - I knew I would quit if I finished the book, and I didn't want to quit yet ;)

Cat

eta:  And once you quit don't ever think you can just try even one puff - I had quit once for 3 years and once for 2.5 years, all it took was me to try one after all that time, and I was right back to where I had started - you have to look at it the same as an alcoholic might, as a constant thing that you have to guard against for the rest of your life, there is never a 'safe' time to try a cigarette again.

Amazon has it listed at a pretty good used price.  I'm ready to quit.  I need to quit.

Thanks for the Title Mel.

I've tried hypnosis twice, neither time worked.  I tried cold turkey (not a good thing for me, had a massive panic attack).  I tried tapering down, didn't work.  After watching my mother-in-law die, partly because of emphysema, I decided that it was time to quit (not only that, it's a damned expensive habit, I was spending over $300.00 a month).  

Made up my mind to quit.  Got with the doc and he put me on Wellbutrin.  I did taper down this time, from 3 packs a day to a half pack a day.  I put them down for good and I've been smoke free for 3 years and 9 months now.

Paul,
I'm going to have to disagree with you about it taking weeks to get over the chemical addiction.  Within 72 hours, your body has rid itself of all nicotine.  The physical addiction is gone.  It's the mental addiction that kicks your ass.

Redd wrote on Nov 15^th, 2008 at 9:41am:

Amazon has it listed at a pretty good used price.  I'm ready to quit.  I need to quit. Thanks for the Title Mel.

You're welcome Pegg. :)



catlind wrote on Nov 15^th, 2008 at 9:34am:

eta:  And once you quit don't ever think you can just try even one puff - I had quit once for 3 years and once for 2.5 years, all it took was me to try one after all that time, and I was right back to where I had started - you have to look at it the same as an alcoholic might, as a constant thing that you have to guard against for the rest of your life, there is never a 'safe' time to try a cigarette again.

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My husband and I went to a group hypnosis session for stop smoking.  That was in 1992.  My husband walked out a non smoker and stayed that way to this day.  I was smoke free for 3 months.  I was very stressed out at work and did the stupid thing and turned to smokes again.  Then in 1993 I had a religious experience and was instantly delivered from drugs, alcohol, and smoking.

  Group Hynosis thing also.  Wanted a cigarette by the time I got to my car.

Also read that book.  A few things he said,  stayed with me, but not enough to stop me from wanting to smoke.  As an aside...the author died of lung cancer 30 yrs. after stopping.  Go figure.   :(

Thank you all for your responses.  I am at that point were I am ready to quit.  I have tried in the past with some success, and I too did the dumb thing.  I have definately learned my lesson with that.  And thank you Mel, I will definately look into getting the book.  Funny that he died from lung cancer.  It is kind of like Adkins(?), the diet guy, dying from a coronary.  I am also going to try the hypnosis and wil let you know how it goes.

Thomas

wrote on Nov 15^th, 2008 at 1:02pm:

And thank you Mel, I will definately look into getting the book.  Funny that he died from lung cancer.  It is kind of like Adkins(?), the diet guy, dying from a coronary.Thomas

Isn't that ironic?  I've read that because Alan Carr let people smoke in his clinics, it contributed to his death of lung cancer. :-/

I owe him my life though due to his book (same with owing Deej for this site). :)

Good luck Thomas and I really do hope it works for you!