RallyPoint Survey: Tobacco Use

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:00:51 -0400

Just trying to see what people do!? Especially if you have quit, please share your success story.

Did you know that tobacco cessation can be used on the 2166-8-1 NCO counseling form?

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jun 10 at 2014 7:19 AM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:19:17 -0400

Not me.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jun 10 at 2014 7:24 AM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:24:31 -0400

Meaning I don't do either. Just answering the question.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 7:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:30:41 -0400

I smoke a pipe

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jun 10 at 2014 7:37 AM

SFC A.M. Drake — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:37:18 -0400

I don't do either, however if I had a choice, I prefer Docsecles ! (I can't spell it...lol)

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jun 10 at 2014 7:42 AM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:42:03 -0400

There is a huge difference between cigarettes and cigars. I have a doctor that gave me a Rx for cigars and my blood pressure dropped by 20 points. ALso cigarettes are only 32% tobacco and the rest chemicals. That is what keeps them burning.
Cigars ( other than Machine made) are 100% tobacco non treated and have no chemicals added to them. Last Study I was involved with found a 5 to 7 cigars smoker had the same life expectancy as a non smoker.
Since further study has shown it to be the chemicals in cigarettes that are causing the cancers and other health issues.
Also then people say oral cancer from cigars since you do not inhale, well the is .001 percent in the latest study.

That is why I object to Cigars and cigarettes use in the same categories.

E cigars and E cigarettes are now being found to have more possible cancers because it is pure chemicals at higher levels being inhaled.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 7:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:43:19 -0400

I do this in a social manner...

I used to be a habitual smoker for about 10yrs. Now I'll have the occasional cigarette or cigar when out with friends who smoke

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 7:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:50:10 -0400

Never have and never will. Never even tried ANY of it either.

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 10 at 2014 7:54 AM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:54:41 -0400

No I have never smoked or chewed

Response by SSgt Tim Ricci made Jun 10 at 2014 7:55 AM

SSgt Tim Ricci — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 07:55:22 -0400

Prior to my service time. Dipping worked good for me in the Army certainly being in the field seems like all the time. Just never got into smoking!

Response by MSG(P) Michael Warrick made Jun 10 at 2014 8:03 AM

MSG(P) Michael Warrick — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:03:09 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 8:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:46:45 -0400

Found out I am allergic to some of the ingredients used in cigarettes.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 10 at 2014 8:48 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:48:11 -0400

Guess IAW this posting I am "That Guy".....

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 8:52 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:52:12 -0400

I haven't smoked or chewed in over 5 years now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 8:53 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 08:53:03 -0400

I do currently smoke I would like to quit but it is harder then you may think and you do get irritable and set off easily

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 10 at 2014 9:12 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:12:16 -0400

I will smoke a cigar only at special occasions -- like once per year. I have never consistently smoked, dipped, or otherwise used tobacco.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 10 at 2014 9:20 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:20:49 -0400

The only time I ever smoked was when I was hooked in wrong rappeling from a helicopter...I still have the scars on my hands to prove it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 9:32 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:32:51 -0400

Got into cigars down range. Switched to e-cigs for the $$ savings.

Response by Maj Ahron Oddman made Jun 10 at 2014 9:35 AM

Maj Ahron Oddman — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:35:09 -0400

I occasionally used tobacco, especially when in the field or on deployment. I'm not opposed to having a cigar once or twice a year. I luckily never fell chemically dependent on them. My father smokes. It pains me to see those I love want to quit, but fall short. We have reason to remain optimistic though. Smoking is down 50% in the past 30 years.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jun 10 at 2014 9:36 AM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 09:36:26 -0400

Chewed for a little while when I was in college, but never really took to it.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 10:33 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:33:54 -0400

I used to dip but my at the time gf/now wife made me quit. I tried to take it back up but ever since I quit, I can't stomach the smell of it. I've used snus instead but it just isn't the same. There are some days that I miss that tingling in my lip but I can do without it.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 10:44 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:44:24 -0400

Quiting tobacco use was pretty difficult and there were a few setbacks; however, I am glad I kicked the bad habit!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 10:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 10:53:38 -0400

I havent smoked since I met my wfie 14 years ago. She told me either the newports or her. She was to dam fine to let someone else have her. So i let her throw my last pack of newports out the car window and havent touched them since.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 11:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 11:02:55 -0400

Copenhagen and I have been together for over 20 years. You have to have a vice, especially in this line of work.

Response by SSG Chris Cherry made Jun 10 at 2014 11:52 AM

SSG Chris Cherry — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 11:52:27 -0400

I chew, but I still smoke when I drink which is probably a little too often (recently was counseled for having too much booze in the bees

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 12:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 12:22:34 -0400

Ya Unfortuatly a bad habbit but I could die of lead poisoning too...... just hasards of the proffesion ;)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 12:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 12:42:02 -0400

I smoke cigars on special occasions (2-3 times a year; IE birthdays/births/weddings). I have smoked (cigarettes) and dipped a few times throughout my time in service. I have never felted addicted to any tobacco source, which I guess is a good thing...

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jun 10 at 2014 1:28 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:28:15 -0400

Trying to quit, but work related stress prevents me at this time.

Response by SFC Timothy Riser made Jun 10 at 2014 1:29 PM

SFC Timothy Riser — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:29:59 -0400

Cigars

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Jun 10 at 2014 1:34 PM

MSG Cameron Davis — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:34:33 -0400

10 years this Sept!

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Jun 10 at 2014 1:50 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:50:01 -0400

Can't say I have quit but I am hoping to be there soon.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 1:54 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 13:54:15 -0400

When i joined the service I had not used and tobacco since high school. However being around so many smokers I went back to smoking and being that the mind is a strong thing I gave up smoking before my first son was born and haven't smoked since it has been almost 4 years now.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 10 at 2014 2:10 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:10:05 -0400

I smoke but it is very difficult to quit. I learned during my stay in the hospital several months ago that the patches do work. I do want to quit but with the stress of a lengthy separation it is difficult to do. Since my stay in the hospital was from a suicide attempt, I want to wait until my stress level is considerably lower before I try to quit.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 10 at 2014 2:57 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 14:57:31 -0400

Horrible, Horrible, Cancerous Drug, I gave it up the day I Retired from the Navy and I'm clean 17 years now.

Response by CPO Mark Rodriguez made Jun 10 at 2014 3:41 PM

CPO Mark Rodriguez — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:41:18 -0400

no one likes a quiter.. enjoy who you are and be happy with that. but if you want to stop doing an activity such as smoking or dipping, then stop. Dont talk about it... be about it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 4:30 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 16:30:15 -0400

Not even one time

Response by COL John Rosnow made Jun 10 at 2014 5:20 PM

COL John Rosnow — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 17:20:44 -0400

I average a cigar once a year or two, usually within a social military setting. I never tried cigarettes, and the last time I chewed was once in high school. That was enough to make me sick and I never tried it again.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 5:37 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 17:37:21 -0400

I smoke occasionally, mostly when I drink. I try not to.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 7:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 19:15:52 -0400

Started smoking at age 13 and quit cold turkey at age 19. It took three months of mentally and physically deciding to quit before I attempted. Once I did, I never smoked again. It has been 25 years since I smoked my last.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 8:21 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 20:21:24 -0400

However, when I am in a field training exercise I occassionally dip (as in one and done).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 8:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 20:22:45 -0400

No tobacco but energy drinks are my downfall

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 10:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:02:05 -0400

It seems to become a summertime thing for me. I quit two years before I joined and stayed clean until summer comes around. Quit before labor day but usually the week after Memorial Day I pick it up again. Usually only one or two cigarettes a day.

Response by CPT Catherine R. made Jun 10 at 2014 10:03 PM

CPT Catherine R. — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:03:54 -0400

Happy to say I quit cold turkey about 3 months ago.

I did wait until I was in between jobs to take away temptation; the former coworkers weren't there to corrupt me, and most of the new coworkers didn't know I smoked (so didn't corrupt me) until I'd been there a while.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 12:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 00:01:24 -0400

I would like to say I am smoke free, but I have had one cigarette a month since I "quit" back in October 2013. I did it cold turkey. Every time I have quit I do it that way. I smoke for about 8-12 months and then I quit for 2-3 years. I have a trigger that gets me smoking again, but I don't know exactly what it is.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 7:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 07:17:32 -0400

I've been an on and off smoker for 10 yrs. I had recently quit for 5 months but started smoking again a week ago (not full time just here and there at work). It's a terribly addictive and stupid habit. I quit once for two years but picked it back up in Afghanistan. Even after two years I still craved them to some degree (everyone is different though). Working in a maintenance unit doesn't help either. Everyone smokes at the damn motor pool! I used an E-cig for about a month last time I quit and it helped but there are more chemicals in cigarettes than just nicotine that your body craves. I plan to quit again soon, hopefully for good this time. It's a dumb habit and I'm sure my wife and kids would like me alive and healthy, not dying of emphysema at 50.

Response by SFC Rich Carey made Jun 11 at 2014 9:11 AM

SFC Rich Carey — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:11:18 -0400

Cigars, cigarettes, & e-cigs don't fit in the same category

Cigars are typically not smoked daily, more often a social activitiy. Plus preiunm hand rolled cigars are natural

Cigarettes are smoked daily, made up of variable items of the tobacco plant, including stems and 599 additives the goverment approved chemicals which can be added

AS CWO2 Shannon stated YOU, If you are not on board 110%, then you will not succeed. As in most things......

Response by SGT Chad Odom made Jun 11 at 2014 1:12 PM

SGT Chad Odom — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 13:12:19 -0400

I quit smoking 7 months ago after smoking for 17 years

Response by SSG Richard Stevens made Jun 11 at 2014 6:26 PM

SSG Richard Stevens — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 18:26:12 -0400

When I was in back in the 1980s I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day, smoked a pipe, and cigars. When I got out in 1989, I quit. I haven't smoked. For thirty years.

Response by Cpl Danielle Magno made Jun 12 at 2014 12:27 AM

Cpl Danielle Magno — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:27:54 -0400

I quit when I found out I was pregnant. It's officially been a year since I've quit!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 6:49 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 06:49:22 -0400

I dipped for about 3 years and the one thing that finally ended it was when I went to Kuwait, when its 125 outside I was always dehydrated no how much water you drink and I hated always going outside.

Response by SSG Scott McFaulds made Jun 12 at 2014 6:59 AM

SSG Scott McFaulds — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 06:59:30 -0400

I used Chantrix but it made me so sick, I just quit on my own. A promise I made to my grandson.

Response by SSG Clint Browning made Jun 12 at 2014 12:19 PM

SSG Clint Browning — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 12:19:24 -0400

Started smoking about a pack a day when I was about 16 (1984) because it was "cool". Smoked cigars occasionally up till about 2007, then I got into them seriously. In late 2011 my father (smoked a pack a day from when HE was 16 or so) was diagnosed with throat cancer. On 4 Nov 2011 my wife and I quit cold turkey. Haven't had any tobacco since, although the cravings hit occasionally. Quitting can only be done when YOU want to quit. Now that my father is cancer free, he picked cigarettes up again. The only person who can make you quit is you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2014 12:57 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 12:57:28 -0400

I am very impressed with the amount of people that we have on here that have quit and want to tell you all congratulations. I too use to smoke and know that it is a hard habit to kick.

For any that want to quit please use this thread as an inspiration, and ask some of us that have quit for tips that might help you.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 8:46 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 08:46:57 -0400

I quit! It was hard but the price and long term effects are not worth the 10 minute euphoria. I had tried before with all kinds of gum, patches and e-cigs but in the end it was all about focusing on the benefits of quitting. My kids hated it and I'm always on them about their education, health, and general kindness and courtesy to people despite differnces and a lack of cultural understanding. My quitting gave them a great example of making a choice to make myself better and showed them their young opinions matter to me and validated the value of their thought process.

Response by MAJ Mark Murray, MBA, MA made Jun 13 at 2014 10:20 AM

MAJ Mark Murray, MBA, MA — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 10:20:11 -0400

Was dipping a can a day and smoking a pack a day. Used nicorette gum and followed the directions. Been tobacco free since, 2001.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 10:26 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 10:26:03 -0400

Never smoked, nor tried any form of tobacco even once. I watched my grandfather die because of his smoking and that was enough motivation for me to never start. I don't have a problem with anyone that does smoke but its just not my thing.

Response by PO3 Kelly Crossland made Jun 13 at 2014 4:27 PM

PO3 Kelly Crossland — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 16:27:19 -0400

I was a pack to a pack and a half a day smoker for a long time. I tried quitting a few times while active duty but always ended up relapsing between one and three months. What it all came down to was situational circumstances. I havent smoked since October and i don't really have a desire or need to. If you are planning on quitting you have to change a lot of other habits too. It means giving up those quick breaks during the day, and giving up some of that social interaction. (as a green side corpsman in garrison sometimes the smoke pit was the only time i got to interact with some of my marines) You need to find out what makes you want to smoke and find new things to occupy your time. Hanging out with other non smokers makes thing a lot easier and for me avoiding alcohol was absolutely essential until i was over the brunt of my withdrawals.

Good luck to any of you thinking about quitting!

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jun 16 at 2014 2:49 PM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:49:24 -0400

TOBACCO AS MEDICINE:

For thousands of years, tobacco [occasionally mixed with hallucinogens and/or herbs] has played a curative and religious role in Caribbean, Aztec, Mayan, Incan and other indigenous American populations.

North, South, and Central American Indians used tobacco for:

· Religious and ceremonial purposes (smoke was believed to help communicate with the gods).

· Healing open wounds with tobacco leaves.

· Chewing to relieve toothaches and application to the brow for headaches.

· Europeans discovered that tobacco reduced hunger and increased mental alertness and physical stamina.

Modern science tells us that nicotine is an alkaloid which produces certain physiological effects in humans and animals. Nicotine (more info) is found in tobacco plants, and to a lesser degree in tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, and eggplant. The general effects of nicotine are biphasic: initially it is mentally invigorating, and then it leads to a relaxing effect. In small doses, nicotine increases alertness, concentration, and enhances mental performance. Today we know that nicotine protects against Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s, and can help treat Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and possibly rheumatoid arthritis and colorectal cancer. New discoveries are being made every year about the beneficial effects of nicotine, but these benefits are usually overshadowed in the public domain by Smokerism and anti-smoke hysteria. Fortunately, we know that "stress kills", and the greatest benefit from luxury tobacco comes from its relaxing effects!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 5:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 17:19:04 -0400

I quit back in 2008 after not being able to go up a flight of stairs to my apartment, that pissed me off so bad that I threw out all the smokes I had left and haven't touched one ever since

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 7:03 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 19:03:25 -0400

I quit about 8 months ago after I developed a swollen salivary gland that was excised and found to be benign. Now did you hear about baseball hall of famer Tony Gwynn's death due to mouth cancer? He specifically had cancer of the salivary glands in his mouth!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 10:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 22:04:33 -0400

Nasty. Never could figure out the attraction.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 10:24 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:24:49 -0400

Smoked for 10 years, but I quit 120 days ago and going strong!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 10:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 10:40:15 -0400

Back in the day, I would smoke a cigar or two when we had a SQUADEX, PLTEX, CO/BN Eval (ARTEP for us older guys) out in the field, I used to chew Red Man, if I didn't have a stogie handy. On a special occasion in garrison, I might have one or during the holidays. Other than that, I never been a true tobacco user.

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Jun 18 at 2014 3:19 PM

SSgt Robert Clark — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:19:03 -0400

I started out using dip and chewing tobaco and when I found I was going through a can/pouch a day I decided to switch to smokes since I could get them for $1 a carton in the commissary. After 20 years of smoking and waking up in the middle of the night unable to breath I decided it MIGHT be time to quite. I tried patches and gum but they never worked so my doctor prescribed wellbutrin which is packaged as a mild anti depressant. He did that so insurance would cover is since it usually does not cover smoking cessation, it has the same active ingredient. Long story short, I have been smoke free for around 13 years and am glad I quit. I would like to try a QUALITY cigar, but I'm afraid I'd get hooked on smoking again so I don't open that door.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 6:31 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:31:45 -0400

Lot's of great success stories thus far! Thanks for sharing your story and let's hope that maybe it will motivate others to do the same.

Response by SSG David Hollingshead made Jun 18 at 2014 7:07 PM

SSG David Hollingshead — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 19:07:11 -0400

E- cigs, off the leaf for 11 months and counting

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 10:21 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 22:21:19 -0400

I have been smoking 3 things all my life: chicken, turkeys, and salmon. Bon appetit

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Jun 19 at 2014 9:52 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 09:52:03 -0400

Never started, never will. Stuff is too nasty and my health is too important.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 3:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 15:54:01 -0400

I quit more than a year ago

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2014 4:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:24:50 -0400

I personally started smoking the first time at 16 and quit less than a year later. I started again after basic and AIT and quit the second and final time about 4-5 years ago. I feel so much better not smoking and food tastes 10 times better.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jun 23 at 2014 3:03 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 15:03:00 -0400

I smoked from about 12 years old until I was 26 years old, never was a heavy smoker, I quit during boot camp, started up again when I was stationed in Japan but after running the best PRT of my career I thought I had a heart attack, got my bathroom door busted down by the base fire department, taken to the ER and the doctor told me I had only hyperventilated, still that day I quit and never looked back.
I know its not easy for some people to quit, but if they really want to quit they will find a way, just having people around you yammering in your ears about how bad it is does not help. If you really want to quit you will find a way to do it.

Response by TSgt Michael Miller made Jun 24 at 2014 10:41 AM

TSgt Michael Miller — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:41:54 -0400

I quit cigarettes over 3 years ago. I first tried prescription but got too nauseous, then tried eCigs, but didn't help. Then found something more desirable, and moved to WV mountains, and back to a healthier lifestyle. Packed up everything and moved here, but left the cigarettes behind. Cold turkey works when you have a desire to really change your life for the better. I have smoked regularly since I was 14.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 8:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 20:15:30 -0400

1SG Private RallyPoint Member - My dad one day reflected on his smoking and felt sad that he was subjecting his children to his habit and quit right there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 7:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 19:26:42 -0400

I don't know that this is an accurate reflection. Everywhere that I've been in the Army, tobacco users have outnumbered non-users.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 5 at 2014 7:41 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 07:41:34 -0400

The number one cause of smoking related cancers is lung, the second is bladder according to what I've read.

My parents were both smokers, not even that heavy of smokers.

Lung cancer took my mom at 47, she collapsed 30 minutes after I graduated high school.

Bladder/prostate took my dad at 79.

Thats why I don't smoke.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 8:42 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 08:42:05 -0400

I quit smoking cigarettes 3 months ago "cold turkey". I occasionally smoke an Ecig but I plan on stopping that as well. I feel so much better and have gained some weight finally, lol.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 3 at 2014 12:14 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 12:14:31 -0400

The inhaling stopped in 1988 only to come back with lead flying in 2002 to be permanently quit in 2007 in Bangor, Maine retrograding out of Iraq. However, 2011 the cigar (no inhaling) had become a once a month tradition with fellow warrants on the porch of the BIG GREEN MONSTER in the NO SMOKING area on Kandahar. So when there is a functional WOPD session with a cigar, I attend and submit to the cigar.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 3 at 2014 12:27 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 12:27:20 -0400

I quit SMOKING CIGARETTES AND THEM ONES WITH NO NAME ON IT HEHEHEHEHEHE 4 nov 1980...I also quit drinking alcohol in 1985...

Response by SSG Jacob Wiley made Oct 3 at 2014 12:34 PM

SSG Jacob Wiley — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 12:34:16 -0400

Been dipping Copenhagen since I was 12..it's still just as delicious.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 8:53 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 20:53:00 -0400

I smoked cigarettes for about the first ten years of my Army career. And quitting was tough, but I did it by slowly cutting the number of cigarettes I smoked per day, until I got down to one a day. And after a few one-a-days, I just stopped altogether. That was 28 years ago. That was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 3 at 2014 9:45 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:45:26 -0400

Smoke free for 14 years.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 3 at 2014 9:50 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:50:54 -0400

Not a big drinker either.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Oct 4 at 2014 12:56 AM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 00:56:40 -0400

I am a complete nicotine junkie.
I have tried every form of cessation made with limited success.(quit twice for a year each)
I believe the only way that I will quit is if I am placed in a chemical coma for six months.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Oct 4 at 2014 1:43 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 13:43:01 -0400

Never used it with any degree of regularity. A cigar once a year on the Birthday of the Marine Corps.

Scotch is a different story..........and its "smokey."

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Dec 13 at 2014 8:54 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 20:54:59 -0500

For whatever reason, I've never smoked except for about a week in Basic. In those days, they'd give you smoke breaks but that's all you could do. Stand there and smoke. My mom and dad both smoked when I was young and that's probably what killed my dad. My wife does not smoke and our son does. Go figure.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 13 at 2014 9:00 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:00:13 -0500

1SG Private RallyPoint Member , I've never had a cigarette in my mouth, or dipped or chewed or whatever else you can call the various uses of tobacco.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 9:00 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:00:40 -0500

Never in my life but I never think bad unless they blow the smoke in my face. We are all good.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 9:05 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:05:19 -0500

One thing I really respect dad for was realizing that the smoke smell affected us five kids and he quit. Determinedly and resolutely. That is a truly admirable act. The valuation of his children to the habit of smoking. Again, no problem with smokers I just chose a different place to be.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Jan 29 at 2015 8:22 PM

CW5 Jim Steddum — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 20:22:20 -0500

I am a anti-smoker activist. One parent died from cancer, another is a cancer survivor with a poor quality of life--because of smoking.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 29 at 2015 8:28 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 20:28:15 -0500

I smoked for 20 years and after a battle with bronchitis and sleepless nights I chose to quit. I went to a local Vape Store called Vapelife in Fayetteville, NC. I started with 24mg of nicotine and aggressively forced myself off the nicotine and within six months I was at 0mg and stopped. Do I still crave cigarettes yes but with will power I have overcome it. My last cigarette was July 20,2013 at 2330HRS. I use an app called Time to Quit Smoke which tracks various stats for example to date I have saved 2119.92 by not smoking.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 8:37 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 20:37:13 -0500

After a decade, I quit chewing tobacco on 1 Feb 11, while deployed to Iraq. I am nearly 4 years quit. I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 11:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 23:31:37 -0500

I applaud those that have quit 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, but to put it on an evaluation?

I can see where it could be justified I guess but what if the Soldier / Leader starts again? Would the rater have to re engage the bullet with a needs improvement then?

I mean I used to drink and now I choose not to and inform my troops that they can call me at any time day or night before the law gets involved and I will assist them in making the correct decision.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 11:49 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 23:49:57 -0500

Having smoked for 20 + years the cost was going up and I had always said, if it goes to $0.50 a pack, I am done. On base the cost went for the generic regular smokes to $6.00 a carton, that was December of 1990. I came home from the base and took 4 cartons out of my drawer and put them into the wood stove and watched as they burned. All 4 cartons burned up, I got my teeth cleaned and we shampooed the carpets at home. Put out lots of fruit and vegetable sticks in the fridge for munchies.
It was about 6 months later it hit me, I am actually a non-smoker!!!! Never touched another and never will.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2015 8:22 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:22:41 -0500

I quit twice while in, but relapsed quickly, then I quit again about a year out of the service when I met my wife and haven't gone back. It was way easier to quit when you spend all your time with someone that doesn't smoke. As far as aids go, I liked the cinnamon gum the best. The spice of the cinnamon covered the taste of the nicotine better than mint or the god awful fruit.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Jun 9 at 2015 10:04 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 22:04:59 -0400

Started smoking at 8 quit for 10 weeks in boot camp and like a dumbass I bought a pack of smokes at the airport right out of boot camp and been smoking ever since

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 20 at 2015 7:45 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 07:45:53 -0400

I quit because I am afraid of fire. (I am actually paranoid of fire.) Then I found the expense of the 'Nicorette gum' to be prohibitive; so I quit that too.
I certainly have never regretted quitting smoking.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 1:40 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:40:10 -0400

I haven't smoked In 18 years

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 4:02 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 16:02:06 -0400

I've never done it, but I hear all the time people who use E-cigs and vape are getting away from tobacco and even nicotine. I actually vape just for the pleasure, the stuff smells and tastes really good.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 10 at 2015 3:15 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 03:15:49 -0400

I used to give up smoking for Lent but would light up after Easter Sunday Mass. Then finally after smoking for 16 years I quit completely but it took numerous attempts.