I started at 16 in 1970. Everybody was smoking, it just seemed like a natural progression. I was told it would stunt my growth but I was 180cm so I figured I could sacrifice a centimeter or 2. Smokes were 40 cents a packet of 20 and that lasted me about 4 or 5 days. Fifteen years later married with 4 sons and can't afford it so really trying to quit. By then smoking a pack a day. I was so surprised at how hard it was. Over the next 5 years I had so many attempts and failed. Then I finally figured it out. I told myself how much I loved smoking but the (well known by then) health problems and cost meant that this was one love I would have to sacrifice for the sake of my family. I chose to keep smoking while I talked to myself about accepting the inevitable time that would soon come when we would part forever. I did this every day. I genuinely grieved during those few months at the loss that I knew was coming. One day, I woke up in the morning and the time had arrived. I screwed up the remainder of my packet and drove to the chemist and bought nicotine chewing gum which I used for about 6 months. That was 22 years ago, I don't smoke now.
I don't look down on smokers. For their sakes, if they can't find it in themselves to quit, I hope they get away with it. But I would urge anyone to try my method of self talk and acceptance. It works well.
