Smoked for 12 years from the age of 15. Today, it’s day 294 I’m smoke free. How I did it? Cold Turkey. If you’re watching this and desperately want to kick the habit, all I can say is you have to be ready for it. Mentally. 100%. I’ve tried and failed multiple times. So what was different this time? My intention was serious. It was a “I’m done with this and I am going to go the distance No matter how hard it gets!”. I read Allen Carr’s book, I watched KZfaq videos on personal experiences, I weighed out all the pros and cons in my mind. Remember, nothing’s a magic pill, all you really need is the heart and mind of a champ! Every day more is a day easier and it will get easier and easier till you don’t even think about it anymore!!! YOU GOT THIS. 💪🏼

7 weeks off smoking. is it just me or does anybody come onto these type of videos to remind ourselves of why we quit

It took me seven attempts over the span of a few years to actually quit. It's been two years as of yesterday!

I'm on day 2, and it is horrible now. Had a lot of cravings today. I almost gave up, but i didn't. wish me luck!

I watched this video 7 years ago and quit that evening and never smoked again. Thank you. Now I am recommending this video to everyone.

Nearly 27 and smoked for over half my life. Just finishing my 4th day without a smoke. Good luck to everyone else doing it too :)

I stopped smoking 33 years ago, after having smoked for 18 years. Best thing I ever did in my life. Now I can jog and do other forms of exercises, which would never have been possible if I would not have quit. Take my advice: DO NOT SMOKE. Save your life-giving lungs....one day you will also say 'it was the best thing I ever did in my life'.

i smoked for 15 years and i stopped cold turkey, thank god i did not have to cut down or go through a process, if i can do it then you can do it, its all in the head! you will feel so much better physically and mentally... people think its so hard to quit but its just the opposite, the key is to want to quit...good luck to all the smokers out there.

136 days in and i still watch these videos from time to time. Its a long journey, stay strong everyone

I hope my journey will inspire some of you to quit smoking. I've been a smoker since I was 16, and have been for the last 24 years. For me, quitting was like breaking a toxic relationship. I find that quitting smoking and a bad relationship (friend of partner) requires the same level of emotional and mental fortitude. I got married 3 years ago, and I feel like my relationship with cigarettes was harming my family physically and emotionally, so I though I'd give quitting another shot. This is when I realized something that changed everything that cigarettes, like all the other toxic people I cut from my life was a part of my past and doesn't have to be a part of my future, it's like a self serving, abusive family member, friend, ex or mistress. I think most people tend to underestimate what it really takes to quit smoking, and I think that mindset adds a level of difficulty to it. For as long as we see cigarettes as an object, we'll always feel like we're in control, so the trick is to change your perspective, and start looking at the habit as an actual person. What would you do if you're in a relationship with someone; who’s manipulating you, putting a heavy burden on your health, burning your money and your years, and someone who puts a strain on your relationship with the people you love and those around you, it only makes sense to break that relationship, don't you think? Quitting a habit or a person are technically the same thing, people tend to stay in a toxic relationship because of the habits we developed, it becomes a very unhealthy co-dependent bond. People are usually hesitant to walkout of a relationship no matter how toxic it is because we're afraid to change or quit some of the habits we grew accustomed to, and honestly it is not as easy as it sounds. Once I change my outlook, is when I started to negotiate with myself, it became clear that she was doing more harm than good, and so, I started visualizing certain daily routines without smoking. I started seeing her (cigarette) less and less, until it came to a point that I feel like I was just keeping her for certain things, things that I can do without smoking. I was so surprised that I can actually finish a cup coffee or tea without a cigarette. I began to feel very different physically, emotionally and mentally. I started feeling nauseated, dizzy after smoking, I couldn't even finish a stick because of how bitter and disgusting it suddenly taste, until one day I just walked away from her and never looked back. Quitting smoking is easily one of the best decisions I made in my life, my wife and I even conceived our first baby a few months after quitting. I hope that some of you will find this comment helpful in your journey to quit smoking. I wish you all the best, and I promise you that you won't regret it!

After 46 years, I have been a non smoker for 6 days, I know I will always be a recovering addict one day at a time:)

My contemplation and action phases were only two days apart. I had a dentist visit coming up and had to have my remaining three wisdom teeth extracted. I knew he was going to tell me not to smoke for at least a few days, so I decided to just quit. I was a 20+ year smoker at about 1 1/2 packs a day. That was January 30, 2001 and I was 36. I'm 56 now and still tobacco free. So happy to be done with it! If I can do it so can you!

Brilliant video. I'm on day 2 of quitting after a 13 year smoking habit and this video explained so much and gave me a good idea of what to expect in the next few days, months and years. Good luck to anyone else out there who is trying to stop. WE CAN ALL DO IT!!!!

I am 30, started around 20. Tried quitting about five times. This weekend I had a moment and decided I will really stop this time. 3rd day the cravings are rough, went for a walk and a beer. Watching this to go through the detox.

4 weeks for me I feel good I been a smoker for 13years now at the age of 30 I felt this was the right time in my life to quit

I've smoked since 13 yet never considered myself a smoker. Now at 31, I'm realising just how powerful denial can be. Fessing up to the problem was the first step. Never smoking again means the problem no longer exists.

Thank you. I'm on day 5 and it's the hardest thing I've ever done

Most Docs irritate the shit out of me with their non smoking quit smoking BS, but you! You were great thanks!

I’m so young yet I’ve smoked for 15 year before quitting 6 months ago. I feel young again. It’s great to be free tbh.

I'm working in addiction science, and I think this clip is simply brilliant; it is evidence based and conveys al lot of relevant information in such an insightful manner in such a short time. I tip my hat to Dr Evans!

After 20 years of smoking and 1 year of gradual reduction, I am now at my 8th day without. It feels extremely beneficial, like lungs were cut in half and now are growing back ... breathing becomes deeper and easier every next day. Even when I had reduced it to 3 super light cigarettes of 0.1, it was nothing compared to no-smoking. Smoking 3 cigarettes a day was closer to smoking 20 a day than smoking none. But adjusting to 3 per day did help to reduce the cravings over time.

Literally, everything that this man has said, I went through it as an ex-smoker. I made a video about my experience. Hopefully, you can all quit this addiction and live a happier life.

Great video, I gave up about a month ago and it was easier than I had expected, I've smoked for about 20 years

Quitted nearby 4 years ago after smoking for 30 years. I took a cold turkey. What helped me was to drink lots of unsweetened herbal or fruit tea or water when the craving was there.. and to tell myself: “It’s all in your head”. You have to really be strong minded the first couple of days. After 5 days the craving was getting less and I occasionally forgot about cigarettes and smoking. ♥️ Be strong, you can do it, too!!! ♥️

I quit 8 years and 4 months ago. OCT 5, 2011. I tried many times but Joel's MP3's audio downloaded onto a player and played over and over and over. I hardly ever think of smoking today except when I smell one. I find them disgusting now, and you will too, eventually. I can smell them even when driving on the interstate. I will look at a car ahead of me and see a person smoking. Stick with it, follow Joel's advice. You will win.

June 2014, while attending a "learn to quit" class, I was shown this video. Really helped things click for me. I have been smoke free for 7 months. This video opened up the possibilities for me in terms of better planning for my quit (ie, my method or quit plan) as well as mentally preparing me for all of the fall out from quitting. If you are in the quitting process, have hope and persevere...you can do it.

As a young man on the night before the first day of this journey begins I cannot thank you enough for the meticulous devotion to breaking down the trials and tribulations of this life changing journey I've been struggling with. But as a fine artist/Illustrator, I applaud whomever drew all of these displays, even more if it's the Dr himself who drew them in addition to speaking. Though I wouldn't be surprised as many many Doctors and fellow professionals in the medical industry are often closely affiliated with the arts in some way. Thanks for taking the time to make this video I almost guarantee you've helped many in some way myself included.

Just hit my 3-days-mark! Cautiously optimistic.. Great vid and illustration work! Keep strong babes

I found this really helpful. I have failed to quit several times in the past and wish to keep on trying.

I really struggled to quit smoking. (I had thought I wasn't addicted but suddenly, I realized I totally was!) How I quit was by taking the prescribed limit of Nicorette gum BUT not in the way they recommended: I would bite off just half or a third of each piece when cravings struck and chew down to release the nicotine just every few minutes. I was able to have relief most of my waking day. Another weird thing I did was this (but it worked!) When my bf or pals were going to a dark club & invited me along, I did not want to miss out. SO I went with them but after a while, when second-hand smoke wafted by, instead of longing to smoke I brought out a large apple and took tiny bites of it for over an hour & then danced. I'd heard that alcohol does not help at that stressful time so I ordered cranberry juice with soda-water (spritzer). It tasted tart and fooled my taste buds and had the added effect of making me a popular designated driver. Once several months went by, I tackled my dependence on the gum and now I'm smoke-free, nicotine-free, and I feel so GOOD and genuinely DON'T miss it at all. YaY.

this is in my opinion the most accurate description of quitting Journey , Thank you

Thank you for making this great video. I'v smoked for 16 years, before quiting 6 weeks ago. This video helped me alot, watching it for the third time and doing great.

Only video that makes me feel optimistic about quiting

Thank you for posting this. I am 38, on Day 31 right now and am still having occasional cravings so I decided to do some research on lung regeneration after quitting. I've always been a coffee/cocktail/before or after work smoker. LOVED the fact that I didn't feel patronized by this video and voicing that we already know what the risks are. WE DO... But the nicotine addiction is what made me feel chained and helpless. Again, THANK YOU for posting the video and making a very matter-of-fact view of the reality of what we are going through without the shaming. I get enough of that from my mother! Most of all... I beat myself up more than anyone ever could over the fact that I felt I couldn't quit. My friends an family are my biggest support group right now. Sharing my success with all of my friends via Facebook has also been helpful because I feel that to a certain extent that I don't want to let them (or myself down). If you are thinking about quitting - Good for you!!! You can do this! If you are looking at this after relapsing and smoking again... Practice makes perfect... We smokers know this cycle all too well so may as well give it another go!!! Proud of you... :)

To this day this video always manages to calm me down from cravings, every attempt I make I watch this video and it always gives me a better outlook.

Been smoking for fifteen years. My mom died in March from it, her mom died in 96 from it and now it’s my turn. Quitting smoking is the hardest challenge I’ve ever had

Excellent video to watch over and over! Thank you!

I am watching this before my last cigarette on a cold turkey quit. I am in China during the Coronavirus crisis, so I am mostly confined to my house with no work, and finding my brand of cigarettes is basically impossible. Seems like fate is telling me to go for it.

It's been 6 weeks since my last cigarette, watching this video every once in a while has helped me so much. Thank you :)

Thank you for this video. Been saying and trying to quit for years now. TODAY starts a new journey. My husband and I will achieve it this time! Congratulations to those who have succeeded and are succeeding and to those also taking that step. Our minds are made and we have a plan. Let's do it! 💪🙌🙏🙋‍♀️

Thanks for this amazing video which educate me and other that it is simple to quit smoking. I used to frumist electronic cigarettes to quit smoking and soon live a life without smoking.

Finally! Some information that I can actually use! Thank you, this was very helpful.

wonderful graphical representation !!!!!! keep up the good work doc.

One very important point... You have to figure out all triggers (avoid them) and also figure out *trigger buster* ..(try to be with them).

Thanks for the great advice and not showing pictures of real cigarettes. The sight really drives me nuts, since I just quit 3 days ago. I've been smoking for 20+ years and cant believe I've do it so long and I know its time and I can do it. Thanks again for the great video.

quit cold turkey. on my 2nd week

This is by far the best video I have watched.

Thanks for the video. I like your approach. I’ve been smoking since I was 11. It was a way to comfort, control, and take adult action over my dysfunctional home life. I’ve quit about 100 times. I am 63 now. Healthy, happy and bored as always. But I haven’t given up. I want to breathe better. Thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks for helpful advice. For me is 24 hours away from smoking. I am feeling anxiety & looking for something good..

This was amazing :) this is the 24 day of me not smoking,and the cravings are horrible.but this shoved me that i have to be strong :) thanks

Thank you for your lighthearted video. I’m on day 14 (using the patch) one again on my journey. Quit for 2.5 years and know I can do it again!

A real boost for keeping the process in mind. I needed the reminder that it’s a journey, to find what works. Ty

Awesome video !! If your nicotine addiction is in your head, the solution is in there as well.

I'm on my day 8. It gets easier day by day. When I stop counting, I'll know I quit but not yet because I got through this way before. I think I'm gonna make it this time

loved this and so relate, I have been quitting and smoking for the past 3 years. and this just described my journey, I have learn't something every time, and this time I feel more determined and PREPARED to quite for good (or get to maintenance). thank you

Thanks to all involved who made this video. Honestly felt more encouragement and optimism than from my doctor who I've been really trying to get to help me.

Hope all is well! I’m on the same path as we speak quitting both alcohol and nicotine. I went 45 days without alcohol which was a great feeling but I was smoking a lot more during that journey of my 45 days. I went back to binge drinking and smoking eventually. I’m on day 3 getting rid of both smoking and alcohol! Let’s get it

I love this video!!!! its the best i have ever seen on youtube. Thank you very much:)))

This is a well thought out video, and should help many. Thanks so much for posting.

Started Smoking since 16, and it had been ard 14 years. Tried to quit for a handful of times, and now on my 4th day. Came for a little tips to my own quitting journey. Video was nice, but the comment section here is gold! Wish all you people a smooth transition to you healthier habits. Lots of Love & Support

Thank you for this video. My wife was already pregnant with my second kid. And thankfully shes a girl. And now im quitting for my them. Wish me luck.

Nicely stated your entire presentation - thank you!

Thanks for the great efforts both in thecontent and the graphics.

Old but gold this video! I’m 41 years old, smoked for 20 years and vaped for another 7. Currently on day 12 of quitting. I’m using nicotine patches to ease the urge, but already cutting down on those too. Wish me luck!

You sir just helped me through a potential slip up. One week today and I'm ready to keep this train rolling :)

I have target date of quitting 26th Jan 2014. I will try to incorporate ideas shared in video . Thanks a lot !!

This is the best video on quitting nicotine on KZfaq. And I’ve watched a lot of them during my three quits.

Im 23 years old, just moved out and moved to a different city. Started a new job and im still doing uni. Ive been doing a lots of ,,drugs” in the past couple of years and i wanted to let them all go, just because i know these things dont help me reach my ultimate goals. Havent drank any alcohol for a month, havent smoked weed for more than a month, and now i havent smoked ciggarettes for 8 days. I hope i can carry on, and reach my dreams, and i hope you all will be able to!

This will be my day one, let’s see how this goes!

I watched this video in 2017. After 6 attempts going cold turkey for about a period of 2 years, I have finally quit smoking.

This video made 1 month smoke free and still counting after been smoking for 9 years. Its not easy but once u pass the 2 weeks mark ur cravings decrease. Thanks man u saved my life, much love ❤❤❤

1 and 1/2 years in a week and about to go nic free in two weeks. What helped me was figuring out why I smoked, then figuring out a better why to deal with those problems. Counseling, exercising, and learning an instrument helped me and makes quitting much easier.

thanks for the video...fml I am on day 2...this is the farthest I have gone to quit...

Great video! I didn't know that my insomnia is caused by quitting smoking.

Thank you for the kind voice and information.

Very nice video. Thanks for posting !

112h without any smoke, feeling fine, I started smoking around 2 years ago and actively became a smoker for a year. I’m only 20 but I already see some damage that smoking has done to me, I hope it’s reversible. There is no amount of justification that makes smoking worth it. It’s a substance that you only want because it is programming your brain to want it. Habits and dopamine is what comes down to. You don’t need to smoke to socialize, you don’t need to smoke to relax, you don’t need to smoke to reduce anxiety, you don’t need to smoke to focus, it’s all a trap to trick your brain into smoking more.

Thank you so much! This has been so encouraging and I feel guilt free. I quit for most of a year and now I pick up occasionaly. I can feel the strain on my body when I wake up in the morning after smoking the night before. I quit before by throwing them away. Sometimes I would only smoke two from the pack before throwing it out, by doing this I got really really tired of wasting my money. It's a battle b/t the responsible side and the irresponsible side and when it comes to finances and health benifits for a single mother which side do you think will win? I'm going to throw away my smokes right now. I will come back to see you to build more self support.

Excellent video. It was well explained, very thoughtful, and I appreciated the kind approach. I will follow this approach when helping people along their "journey" as I see them in pulmonary rehab. Thanks for sharing this!

Excellent presentation/graphics. Marking for regular review. Thanks!

Thank you so much, i also pray to Lord Jesus for guidance

Three weeks smoke free. I'm done forever.

I started smoking when i was 12years old. I quit 2009 cold turkey. It was the best years of my life. I started smoking again last January 2024 i smoke 10 to 15 cigarettes a day. Was so bad and feel guilty why did i go back smoking. On My 2nd day of qutting for real, cold turkey. Having a lot of cravings and kick backs but i want to quit for real to show people they can do it too. Please pray for me. Its difficult but i know i can do it again!! Stay strong everyone!

I’ve smoked for 45 years. Chantix would have worked but I forced myself to smoke that first week. Then it didn’t work. I’m going to bed tonight a smoker. Tomorrow I’ll wake up a non-smoker. It’s also my 20th wedding anniversary. This was a really helpful video.

I’m on day 5 and happy to be on the journey. Hoping this time will be my final quit.

For a lot of things, it isn't about stopping smoking, but not starting it in the first place.

This video is quite good..and covered almost every aspect of Quitting smoking (which is a complex process..)

Awesome illustration very helpful content. Thank you

I quit cold turkey 1 year and 5 months ago but I still dream about smoking and I wake up wanting one :(

I have completed 2 week after quitting cigarette.

Awesome vid, one month here since I’ve stop and i feel great 🙏

Great video!! I used patches in the past, they gave me a dead arm at first. I didn't want to touch a cigarette whilst the patch was on. However it gave me dreams and nightmares when I left it on overnight. Detox tea, saunas, walk, pray, avoid the smokers.... spend time in nature... its a journey as you say. ✨️

i smoked for 7 years. but now im free for about 3 month. this is how it worked for me. day 1: 20 cig. day 2: 19 cig. day 3: 18 cig, 17, 16, 15, 14 ..........., 3 and than i smoked only 2 cig. a day for about 9 or 10 days. after that, i quit.

Quitting smoking is NOT a journey. Its a choice. Plain and simple....i quit..end of story. No more thinking about it. No more crying and boo hooing about it. You people are so puppetted

I had smoked cigarettes for 25 years. The best thing that had happened to me was when I developed bronchitis 13 years ago while addicted to cigarettes. My bronchitis made the cigarettes taste terrible along with just feeling a general malaise I slept for 3 days with out smoking. Once I began to feel better I challenged myself to not smoke for a 4th day. Than a 5th day and so on until I had gone 10 days with out a cigarette! I began to walk and exercise. After 21 days I hadn't even thought about (or wanted) to smoke. I now do not erupt in a spasm of coughing. I don't remember the last time I could inhale so deeply with out a "rattle" or wheeze emanating from my chest. And I no longer suffer from bronchitis. Exercising made it quitting so much easier. Good luck to all of you trying to stop. It helped me to remember that for every day I didn't smoke the tobacco companies were losing a profit.

This is the best video I have ever watched ❤ just flawless

as usual you people always tend to make things more complicated.

this need more views, most complete guide on quitting on YT ever!

wow, very encouraging, the way he speaks and conveys the message actually gets through 2 you

I love this video and use it regularly in my QuittersWin classes. DocMikeEvans ROCKS!