JoJo,

I smoked for approximately 15 years and quit last July (5 months before I was diagnosed with tongue cancer.) My advise: JUST QUIT! Let the love you have for you children be your inspiration. When I decided to quit smoking, I soon found that my physical addiction to cigarettes was not nearly as strong as I had thought. In fact, my body no longer craved the stuff after a week or so. The mental addiction, of course, was another matter. My mental addiction to smoking was based on associations I would make. For example, when I read, drove, or even drank a cold soda, I needed a cigarette. Breaking from these associations seemed impossible, but I succeeded. Today, I sip green tea when I read.

Another thing that helped was telling everyone I cared about (my family, friends, colleagues) that I had quit smoking. I was raised to keep my word, and hence I refused to be branded as some weak-minded individual who talks a lot of crap and can't be taken seriously.

If you hang in there long enough, you will notice that your cravings (along with your mood swings) will disappear altogether. In fact, it is possible (perhaps even likely) that you will develop an aversion to your current addiction. That is, you might one day see someone chewing, feel repulsed, and ask yourself, "WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING"?

Joanna, it's interesting that you posted that link. I actually saw that picture soon after I decided to quit smoking and it definitely solidified my determination to stay smoke free. Of course, I also find it bitterly ironic that I was diagnosed with cancer soon after I quit smoking--i.e., soon after I decided to not take my health for granted any longer.

JoJo, I wish you all the best. Be strong!

Gino