Korean Job Discussion Forums

[yingwenlaoshi]

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[sojourner1]

[yingwenlaoshi]

[JMO]

I quit smoking everything when I turned 21. Seems early but I was smoking since I was 14 and a pack and a half-2 packs a day since I was 15/16. I also was a pretty heavy hash smoker in Uni but quit that also.

I got hypnotized when I quit but it was still tough. I came to korea shortly after that so when I go home guys at the bar still think I smoke and people are still surprised. When I drank I basically chain smoked. When I was on pills I had started a new one before the old one was finished. I havn't done them since, so I guess thats the final frontier to see if I really am a non smoker.

[Fresh Prince]

For me, a large part of smoking for me was the ever-present financial issues and the other stressors. Smoking ended up as a way to deal with it all. Stress doesn't really go away so waiting for a stress free period to quit smoking typically doesn't work. I remember putting off the challenge many times. There was always a better time to start the quiting process, sometime in the future but somehow when that time came, it was never the ideal situation.

Luckily, after about a week the cravings subside enough where they aren't an ever-present thought. After two weeks, it's much easier to find something else to do instead; working out, studying Korean, etc. The first week is the hardest though as smoking seems to be the only thing people think about during that time.

[Thunndarr]

I ended up quitting in stages. It was kinda hard at first, but it got easier. I slipped up occasionally, but slipping up doesn't set you back to square one. I eventually had fewer and fewer, then turned into a social (drinking) smoker, and then finally stopped altogether. It's not impossible as long as you don't regard a relapse as being complete failure.

[demaratus]

Quitting smoking is about the hardest thing you can do. But it is also very rewarding. Screw the nicorette gum, try chewing regular sugarfree gum when you want a smoke. It helped me quit. If you wanna try medication, Zyban apperently also has a fairly high success rate, it also apperently make women using it quite horny. Added benefit!

[CentralCali]

If you're in or near Seoul, you can go to the International Clinic in Itaeweon and consult with the doctor there regarding a smoking cessation program tailored for you.

If that's too far out of the way for you, find a clinic or hospital with an English-speaking doctor (unless you're fluent enough in Korean) and consult with a doctor there regarding a smoking cessation program.

My suggestion to you, in addition to whatever the doctor tells you, is to avoid "hang outs" such as bars while you're attempting to quit. For one thing, it's a smoke pit. For another, you'll be lowering your inhibitions against smoking the more you drink.

The issue of cessation drugs vs. cold turkey is a personal one. It's different for each person. That's one very good reason you should consult with a doctor about a medical issue. And addictions are medical issues.

[DaeguKid]

Yeah...this is a funny one...im two days in and doing alright. I got some Zanex to take the edge off but have not used it yet. I figure it will be cracked open if I am having trouble sleeping. Actually that is a lie, I popped a tab an hour ago!

A good buddy of mine who absolutely hates smoking has been super cool about it...he knows its hard, and with that in mind it helps me get through the craves and itches....

I hate smelling like butts. Enough said. To the OP, someone else here mentioned it, its one day at a time. Simple as that. When you go to bed at night and you dont smoke, you made it through that day. Another buddy who is a recovering alcoholic said that to me. You make it through the day without a drink, you won that day. Deal with tomorrow when you wake up....
Good luck, we can do it!
DK

[sojourner1]

How do you get some zanex here? That would rock in helping me relax and sleep. I asked for sleeping aid last week and they gave me only 3 pills prescription for 3,000 Won and they were not good like Lunesta or Ambien. The doctor had to call the pharmacy next door to explain for several minutes to get me a prescription. What ultra strict drug control here outside of ciggies and booze. Going to Korea is a drug starvation diet, yet it's very polluted and stressful here, at least in my experience. Health care is a ridiculous rip off here, because you can't hardly get anything and when you do, it's too small of a quantity worth your lunch break and going back to work hungry. I am paying $50 a month of my income for almost nothing since they don't produce adequate prescriptions while employers won't hardly let you off the hook should you need to visit a doctor.

[ChopChaeJoe]

Quitting smoking isn't hard at all. I've done it dozens of times.

[DaeguKid]

[yingwenlaoshi]

Do you guys got any?

[browneyedgirl]