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Set a Quit Smoking Date: Smoke a Paper Clip

by Fritz Dygert

Eugene, Oregon
United States

Set a Quit date. I'd been smoking for 13 yrs. The last few between 3-4 packs per day. I was 30 yrs old and had a gurgle in my chest. It was suggested, so I set a date about 2 months in advance of my quitting (becoming smoke free). Then I set about figuring out what I would do with my "free" time. When cravings came I ate sugar free candy, but then I found out about the side effect of eating too much sugar free candy. I found a non-caloric substance to put in my mouth, a paper clip. I could play with it in my hand or I could put it in my mouth. I found the larger ones worked much better. I've been smoke free now for over 20 years. I never did pick up another smoke after I quit. By the way, my spouse at the time continued to smoke in the car and in our 2 bedroom appartment. My co-workers also smoked at their desks. I was not a "nice" person to be around for a while, but then the tension all around wore off. All I can say is that it was worth the effort.