Breaking a nicotine addiction

I'd love to hear what anyone has to say about this .. as I struggle with the same thing with my parents. I have found that the only somewhat 'peace' I can have is if I leave them alone about it, accept that they're going to do it and respect their wish to do so. I don't want to spend their remaining years nagging them constantly about it -- even if it's done out of love. They are my parents, after all.

I am sure every situation is different -but if anyone has tried something that worked in their case, I too would love to hear about it.

Thanks for posting this question... it's been on my mind to do so lately.

GOOD LUCK, MY MOM WAS 84 WHEN SHE PASSED AWAY. SHE SMOKED UP TO 6 DAYS BEFORE SHE PASSED. I WANTED HER TO COME AND LIVE WITH ME AND MY HUSBAND BUT TOLD HER SHE COULD NOT SMOKE IN OUR HOME. SHE REFUSED TO STOP SMOKING. SHE LASTED 7 MONTHS IN THE NURSING HOME. I NEVER DID SMOKE, OH, I TRIED TO BUT IT MADE ME SICK. OUT OF 4 KIDS I HAD ONE BROTHER THAT DID NOT SMOKE. MY YOUNGEST BROTHER SMOKED 3 PKS A DAY. HE JUST IS WENT INTO REMISSION WITH THROAT CANCER FOR 1 YEAR. HE IS STILL SMOKING. AND HAS MRSA IN THE FEEDING TUBE AREA. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, HE SAW MY DAD DIE FROM INPHOSEMA AT 70 YRS OLD. MY TWO DAUGHTERS SMOKE ALSO. MY SON HAS OFF AND ON. HIS NEW WIFE HAS HIM NOT SMOKING. I AM SO GLAD YOU JUST TELL THEM YOU CAN'T BE AROUND THE SMELL AND IF THEY WANT YOU TO BE CLOSE TO THEM, THEY NEED TO NOT SMOKE AROUND YOU. MY KIDS DON'T SMOKE AROUND ME THEY KNOW I WILL NOT STAY AROUND. GOOD LUCK.

All i can say is you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink it. I smoke even after my mom just died w/COPD 6/6/2009. She would cough so hard that she would break a rib the poor thing, but for the life of me that hasn't got me to quit. A person has to want to do it, there is nothing you can say or do. All you end up doing is driving yourself and them bonkers with all the nagging. But, that doesn't mean you have to put up w/second hand smoke either, it is just as deadly. That is where the focus should be, what are you willing to put up with?

My Spouse of 24 yrs has smoked since he was 15. He's now 43. He is quitting, but is not doing very good at it. He uses the Nicorette gum, I even purchased the horribly expensive Chantix about three months ago to the tune of almost 200 bucks and he never took it. He says he's ready, but I don't think he is. His Mother succumbed to Kidney Cancer/Lung Cancer 1 1/2 yrs ago, and let me tell you, it was horrible. He watched her die a slow, horrible, strangling death. He vowed he would stop immediately. The addiction is more than physical, its mental and everything else. So sad because were just starting our life again without kids around and it scares me to no end that he will die some day soon of lung disease or heart failure. What to Do.....

You are so right. I don't nag my hubby because I know on a personal level, HE has to make that decision to quit. No one else can do it for him. Its a hell of a hurdle isn't it? I wish you the best of luck in your quitting. Its not easy. I don't smoke but my Dad did, my Mom, everyone. Fortunately I'm allergic so I don't lol.

For something different you may try the smokeless (e-cigarette) cigarette. You can youtube some videos and find one you like. Statistically speaking those who quit cold-turkey (vs. tapering down or nicotine replacement) have the best odds without relapse, next closet is Chantix. Additionally, Wellbutrin is a clean medicine found to be helpful.

But I like the comment about starting an aerobically intensive hobby or routine (walking, hiking, biking, water aerobic, boxing, weight resistance training). These activities inevitably inspire you to stop because your human and you want to become better. Try swimming or even yoga, activities that focus on breathing and help retrain your brain and the neuronal connections. The brain is highly elastic, it's never too late for a change, you possess the capacity. Maybe even your new aerobic hobby steamrolls into eating more nutrient-dense foods because you realize it makes you better and more efficient at your new aerobic hobby. Now your thinking and acting like an athlete. It's not that far-fetched. Evolve.

Maybe if you tell your husband that he can still smoke while on chantix, would be an incentive....Without him even noticing, his urge to smoke will gradually diminish...Yup, it's expensive, unless insurance pays, but think how much it costs for a pack of cigs! Really.....Hope this helps somewhat...

And for the first poster who wants their parent to stop smoking, nagging is a waste of time and will only frustrate you and the person smoking...They know how bad it is for them, they don't need you to remind them constantly... Hey, if it's their only pleasure, albeit harmful, life then I say, light up! IMHO