WEEK FOUR IMPRESSIONS

Name: Frieda Bush.

Age: 43.

Smoking history: Smoked since 18. Quit multiple times.

Method: The Free & Clear program which combines nicotine fading and group support. Also using Zyban.

Wednesday: I was glad to see my support group on Tuesday. They're a tough bunch, gutting it out despite insomnia, skin that itches from nicotine patches and the urge to eat everything in sight. I feel more confident about this go-around because I can talk to them. They are relative strangers who understand the gnaw of this addiction. Though the nicotine is flushed from my body, it's the habits that hang on. A smoke after a meal, a smoke for a free moment, a smoke late at night under the stars -- I miss them all. But mostly I miss a smoke in the morning. That jump-start to the day that shook me out of grogginess and made my head swim a bit. Our group leader talks about smoking as a "friend." This friend was trying to kill me, but I still miss her sometimes.

Friday: It's the end of another long week. I'm still testy and tired. My daughter knows firsthand how irritable I can be, but she's patient. I sleep well, but only for about six-and-a-half hours a night. I am getting more exercise though. I walk to work, home for lunch and back to work again. It's only three blocks, but it feels good not to strain for breath. I'm coming down with a cough though. It reminds me that smoking wasn't any fun. I'm grateful.

Name: Jim Carlile.

Age: 24.

Smoking history: Smoked since 14. Quit twice.

Method: Hypnotherapy.

Tuesday: I really did try to eat better for a few days. All the healthy stuff I bought, though, was eaten by 11 a.m. on the days I bought them. A lack of cigarettes has given me a healthy appetite for cheeseburgers and Cheetos. I think I'm also developing an unhealthy addiction to Coke. My hypnotherapist said to avoid ingesting more sugar than usual, but I've started drinking several Cokes a day in addition to the pot of coffee I drink in the morning.

When I quit smoking for a few months in college, I went on a strict diet of cookies and ice cream. In three months, I gained between 15 and 20 pounds.

Because we don't have a scale in the house, I can tell myself I haven't been gaining weight. I've just got to remember not to dry my clothes with hot air anymore. It seems to be shrinking my pants.

Thursday: I don't think nonsmokers really understand what it means to be smoke-free for one month. When the one-month mark hits, you're unbelievably proud and want to reward yourself. The only way you can think of, though, is to smoke a cigarette. I didn't, though. I celebrated with cheeseburgers.

Friday: I'm considering getting off the Cheetos, but I think it's going to be tough.

Maybe I could wean myself from them with Oreos.

Monday: At a party this weekend where several people were smoking and I was drinking, I wanted a cigarette. Badly. Looking at the people outside tapping one out of their pack and lighting it, I remembered the ritual and how much I missed it. Everyone smoking looked beautiful and content.

Luckily, Frieda and Amy were there. I told them I wanted to go outside and smoke and they reminded me that, in fact, I didn't want to.

Name: Amy Uptmor.

Age: 26.

Smoking history: Smoked since 21. Quit once before.

Method: Nicotine patch.

Friday: Quitting smoking is becoming a classic Amy situation: I've had a prescription for Zyban burning a hole in my purse for more than a week, but for some reason I can't get myself to get it. I feel better than I did when I was prescribed the Zyban, but I know that the extra help it will provide me certainly won't hurt. Why am I making this harder on myself than it should be? Otherwise this week has been OK, certainly better than last week. My energy level is still high, and I still feel great.

The Olympian Copyright 2000

back to main Features index