Let's talk addiction.

[Devetta]

It's all about the three day hell. If you manage to do three days without giving in then you're set.
I find that three days is always the clincher with changing anything, including sleeping habits, you just have to stick to it and it gets easier. Don't give in.

 

[snyperal]

A banned user hit the smoking nail on the head, go running. it works unbelievably well, massive cardio makes you wheeze like a 90 year old and realise just what you've been missing out.

I went from running 100yds before dying to running a steady 6 miles. The fags are by far the worst addiction ive ever had to deal with.

Second to that was caffiene, and its annoying migraine withdrawel side effects. not fun, but then thats why its an addiction.

Also I find gaming addictive, but easier to deal with, and reading, man if i pick up a good book, then i look myself away until ive finished it!

 

[Techno Squidgy]

So, I started smoking cigarettes a few months ago. I'm addicted.
I know it's stupid and I know it's bad for you, but I still do it. I tried to quit last week but I just couldn't and...it's scary, actually.
Thing is, I'll be (pretty much) physically unable to smoke from next week onwards...and I don't know how I'm gonna cope.

SO, Escapist, first of all: do you have any tips for overcoming the addiction of smoking?
(patches and gum are also not an option).

Secondly, I want to hear your addiction stories. What were/are you addicted to? Have you overcome it? ...and anything else you'd like to share.

So yeah, I leave the floor to you guys.
Let's talk addiction.

Edit: I'm trying to reply as much as I can but...it's tough haha. But know that I read and appreciate every post<3.

Hoo boy. I might not be the best person to talk to as I tried and failed, but I can share what I did learn.

Cold Turkey works, but you HAVE to be dedicated. Willpower doesn't describe it, it'll take focus. Hopefully you'll have an easier time than me as you haven't been smoking that long.

The way I coped was down to 3 things.
1) Writing down the time and what was going on when I wanted a cigarette. This helped me figure out patterns in my cravings and triggers. Helped me to avoid the shops when I was craving.
2) Lollipops. Seriously. Lollipops are the shit. Something to do with your hands, something to do with your mouth, it's perfect.
3) Standing upwind of smokers. Knowing where to stand will make your life much easier. Though I guess this one depends on if you hang out with other smokers.

I cracked because I went to a flat party where the kitchen was essentially hotboxed with cigarette smoke. Try and avoid that.

Good luck to you!

P.S. Try not to stare at other people's cigarettes. Sometimes they get the wrong idea. A guy thought I was gay I spent so long starring at the rollie hanging out of his mouth. Rather surreal conversation to have on the street.