miss quit

Anne - you seem to have the will power to handle tough situations like at parties when everyone else is smoking around you. In answer to your question – YES YOU CAN DO THIS! You've learnt a lot about your smoking patterns and how to control your cravings. You shouldn't beat yourself up too much about the cigarettes you've had, but maybe it's time to increase the nicotine gum and quit for good.

Fanni - you've had good and bad days this week. I really feel that you can quit, but it's time to get serious. You say you don't need a cigarette… but then you smoke. You say that smoking sometimes makes you feel sick – listen to your body, your body is rejecting the cigarettes. If you do get cravings to smoke try eating something sweet as it can sometimes help ease cravings.

Marta - you've been in many tempting situations and for the most part have stayed strong and chosen not to smoke. Like you say - it's your choice - you are the one in control. You've gone from 40 cigarettes a day to none most days! You're inspirational! Be careful with choosing to have the odd cigarette. It's a fine line to decide whether you are choosing it or whether your body is craving it. Remember, you don't need a cigarettes anymore.

Marton - I'm so glad that you're finding the e-coaching programme a big help. You deserve a big reward for doing so well! Just watch that you don't fall into the trap of thinking ‘just the one cigarette won't hurt'. I'm sure you won't, but for some people this can be dangerous as it can set off the cravings again. All in all, you're doing amazing!

Jan - seems like something has clicked into place for you and you are on a bit of a roll! You've really begun to understand your smoking patterns and with the help from your hypnotherapist, it feels like you are not really missing cigarettes. It's great that you're also keeping fit! Keep it up – don't be tempted to have just the one now you are smoke free.

Siv - you've done brilliant cutting down so much. You've had a tough ride recently, but you're now beginning to see a bright future. From now on, really try not having any cigarettes at all. At some point, to quit for good you have to stop smoking those last few cigarettes. Remember not to buy any cigarettes, throw away ashtrays, lighters and anything else that reminds you of smoking...

Rachel - you're on a roll! Your energy levels are beginning to rise - resulting in you generally feeling very positive about yourself. It's fantastic that you've got to this point just in time for your return to university. Be careful of having the odd ‘pull' on a cigarette. You did well not to smoke the whole thing, and like you said - it did nothing for you so remember this next time you are tempted to smoke.

Kalle - I think nicotine replacement therapy would help you cope with your strong cravings. Like Phil, smoking when you're out seems to be your problem. I would love to tell you that you can ‘quit' but still be a ‘party smoker'. Unfortunately, you end up just wanting cigarettes the next day because you wake up all those nicotine receptors in your brain. When you're out partying, maybe it would help if you told people around you not to let you smoke and also try to remember how much you want to be smoke free.

Phil - smoking when you're out and about seems to be your Achilles heel. Just remember you managed all those days without smoking so you can definitely do it! It's brilliant that you've been able to go to Wales with the money you've saved from not smoking. Just imagine what you could buy after a month or even a year of not smoking...

Jerry - you've fought your nicotine addiction really bravely, but at the moment the weekend is your problem. Like you say though, you are learning and every week you will be more prepared. It takes time but if you really want to quit - you will. Hopefully the acupuncture will give you added support over the weekend. Remember all the nicotine is out of your body after 48 hours of not smoking, so if you can go through the week without smoking, you can do it at the weekend.