Get free personalized support right now.

QuitNow is a customized program designed to support you. It uses evidence-based strategies that have helped thousands of British Columbians. Your journey to a nicotine-free life starts here.

Need an account?

Our support services are proven to increase the chances of quitting for good. Register for a Quit Plan to get the support you need, when you need it.

 

Join now

Connect with the QuitNow community

Find peer support and help from our Quit Coaches. Share celebrations and frustrations, swap tips and advice, and make new friends.

Note: If you are new to the forum, please take a minute to refer to the forum guidelines.


Posts

Search by topic or browse posts below:

Profile picture for user QuitNowTeam
QuitNowTeam
Quit 1 year 9 months ago
posted 11 months 3 weeks ago

Welcome! 

We know quitting tobacco and nicotine is a challenging process, and we’re incredibly proud of each of you for taking this step. We’d like to remind everyone to follow our community guidelines: https://quitnow.ca/find-support/forum-guidelines to keep this forum a safe and welcoming space for all. Please be mindful that your words have an impact—kindness and respect go a long way in helping others stay motivated. If a comment does not align with our guidelines, it will be removed to ensure this space remains positive and helpful for everyone. We truly appreciate your understanding and your contributions to making this community such a valuable resource. 

Thank you for being here and supporting one another. We're in this together. 

Warm regards, 

~ QuitNow Team.

...
3 Comments last reply 3 weeks ago
Log in or register to post comments
Barbie9975
Quit 9 months 1 week ago
Commented 11 months 1 week ago
Awe thank you so much and I promise not to write anything that will harm anybody and their quitting cigarettes or vaping.
Log in or register to post comments
tlfowler
Quit 4 weeks 1 day ago
Commented 3 weeks 6 days ago
Hi my name is TL,
Today is my quit day so day 1. I know I do not want to be a smoker & have health concerns from smoking. I have lost family members to it. Keeping distracted has helped me with the cutting down period so hopefully that will continue.


Log in or register to post comments
Doris
Quit 2 months 2 weeks ago
Commented 3 weeks 1 day ago
Hi tlfowler! you can totally do this. I am behind you as well as the whole community here. Come here to vent or update us on whatever is going on. We all understand because we have been there as well :)
Statsman6e9
Quit 1 month 1 week ago
posted 16 hours 3 min ago

After my sister's celebration of life, it was right then I wanted to quit(or stop) smoking again.
have support & help with quiting this time, looking forward to a healthy rest of my life.

2 Comments last reply 11 sec ago
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 12 hours 24 min ago
Welcome aboard Statsman6e9 😊. I am sorry about losing your sister. 😞
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Emilie
QuitCoach Emilie
Quit 1 year 5 months ago
Commented 11 sec ago
Hi Statsman6e9,

I am so sorry for your loss. Moments like that can really shift something inside us, and it’s powerful that you chose your health right then and there. Having support this time around will make a huge difference, and the fact that you’re already looking toward a healthier future says so much about your strength. One day at a time, you deserve to feel proud of this step. We’re here with you and believe in you!
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Arielle
QuitCoach Arielle
Quit 3 years 8 months ago
posted 18 hours 23 min ago

Your Future Self Is waiting for You: The journey Toward the Life You Deserve!

There is a version of you that exists beyond the challenges of today. A version who is stronger, healthier, more grounded, more peaceful, and free from the habits that once held you captive. This version of you is not imaginary or unrealistic. They are not a dream reserved for "better people" or "luckier circumstances." They are simply the result of the choices you make today. And whether you realize it or not, your future self is waiting for you. They are cheering for you. They are hoping you keep moving, even when the road feels long, uncertain, or overwhelming. 

We often talk about change as if it's something external, a plan, a strategy, a goal to chase. But real transformation starts internally. It begins the moment you decide that who you are becoming matters more than what you are trying to leave behind. It begins when you recognize that every choice you make today directly shapes the you that will wake up tomorrow, next month, or next year. And that future version of you is shaped not by perfection, but by persistence. 

Your future self is the culmination of every moment you choose growth over comfort. When you choose to pause instead of giving in to old habits, you are building them. When you reach out for support instead of isolating yourself in shame, you are strengthening them. When you show up to a coaching session even on your hardest day, you are investing in them. When you resist the "just one more" temptation and remind yourself why you started, you are honoring them.  These are the moments that create the version of you who is free, not controlled by addiction, fear, or doubt. 

It's important to remember that your future self is not built through grand, dramatic changes. They are built through small, consistency  decisions. Progress often looks quiet. 

  • It looks like choosing patience when you want quick results.
  • It looks like sitting with discomfort instead of escaping it.
  • It looks like trying again after a slip instead of giving up.
  • It looks like forgiving yourself for being human while still pushing yourself to grow.
  • It looks like showing up for yourself, again and again, even when no one else sees the effort you're putting in. 

Your future self is not a distant dream, you can picture them right now. They wake up breathing deeply, without coughing or craving, moving through the day with lightness, clarity, and pride. They enjoy life without planning the next smoke break, save money and energy, reconnect with loved ones, and live with intention. They look in the mirror and see someone who kept going even when it was hard. And the truth is: this version of you isn't far away. They're waiting at the ends of a single choice, the choice to keep moving forward. 

What keeps most people from reaching that version of themselves isn't weakness or lack of motivation, but the belief that they don't deserve a better future. Shame, guilt, past failures, and fear of slipping again can convince you that change isn't possible; but it is. Your future self already knows you're stronger than your cravings, wiser than your mistakes, and more resilient than any habit. They are waiting for you to see what they see: your strength, your capacity to grow, and your ability to rise again. 

Keep walking, keep choosing, keep believing. Your future self is waiting and they are worth every step. 

...
oscarbuck03
Quit 1 week 2 days ago
posted 1 day 12 hours ago

1 week!!!!! very proud of myself i must say especially when being around vapers quite often, including today i was hanging with my friend who vapes but despite the temptation i made it through because i kept telling myself the bigger reward will be saying i'm one week vape free :)

3 Comments last reply 18 hours ago
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 1 day 3 hours ago
Congratulations oscarbuck03 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Getting through the first week is definitely something to celebrate. I am super proud of you 🤗
Log in or register to post comments
GregD
Quit 6 years ago
Commented 1 day 1 hour ago
Great attitude Oscar, one craving, minute, morning, day and week and you'll have two notches in your journey back to freedom!!!!! Retake what has been stolen from you. Keep us updated please.
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Arielle
QuitCoach Arielle
Quit 3 years 8 months ago
Commented 18 hours 16 min ago
Hey Oscarbuck03,

That's amazing and you should be proud of yourself! One full week is a huge milestones, and the fact that you stayed strong even while being around someone who vapes shows real commitment and inner strength. Temptations will always pop up, but you proved to yourself today that you can face them and still choose your freedom.

Keep reminding yourself of that bigger reward, just like you did. Every time you say "no," you're saying "yes" to your health, your peace, and your future. Celebrate this win, you earned it! Keep going, you're building something powerful.
Our Live Chat is easy to use and supports more than 100 languages! Watch this video to learn how it works.
Doris
Quit 2 months 2 weeks ago
posted 1 day 13 hours ago

Hi everyone :)
still going strong but tempted every day.. inner head thoughts of "just one" still going on but I'm trying to ignore it.
Family away taking care of elderly family member so I am on my own, which is a big test again because "come on just one no one will know" thinking.
I have 1 more pack to give away (have been placing them each weekend in spots I'd smoke while shopping) but since I'm on my own I've left it at work so the pack is not at home with me. I'll donate that one in the future. don't need the temptation here at home.
I do feel a lot better since I quit!
But my mind is still playing games with me I think that will endure for a long time.
I hope everyone here has a great, smoke-free (!) weekend!

...
4 Comments last reply 6 hours ago
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Elke
QuitCoach Elke
Quit 31 years 7 months ago
Commented 1 day 12 hours ago
Hi Doris, it's great that you are still going strong since 2 months and 2 weeks. You were able to resist temptation during all that time and come up with alternatives. Remember that it is the addiction that is trying to pull you back in, and the best way to avoid it, it to keep your foot down: remind yourself how important that smoke free life is for you. Changing your self talk from thinking to "just having one" to "I no longer need that cigarette" or "the cravings will pass" or "Smoking is no longer an option for me" or "I am stronger than the addiction" or anything else that make you feel empowered can help you to manage through the cravings. The more you focus on the desire the stronger it gets. So keep focusing on the benefits and find something else to do. Keep going strong Doris!
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 1 day 3 hours ago
Hi Doris 🤗. Three days, three weeks, three months. I remember reading that these are tender periods during a quit. I also recall feeling a bit on edge at those times as well. You are heading towards your three months (holy cow what an accomplishment) so maybe that’s why the thoughts are coming up so much. I’m glad that you are getting rid of the cigarettes you have on hand. Maybe knowing you have easy access adds to the thoughts as well? I just know that one won’t fix it and you have worked so darn hard to get this far. I am really proud of you for sharing it all here. We all know what you are up against, and I know that I am cheering for you over here. Keep your strength up Doris 🎉🎉🎉🎉. Sending a big hug your way!
Log in or register to post comments
GregD
Quit 6 years ago
Commented 1 day 1 hour ago
After 10 WEEKS you get the task at hand. You have battled and made it this far with the tools you've been using. Maybe pick up new tools along the way with different interests or particular foods you enjoy as treats or rewards.
One of my favorites was good old green salads. YUMMY! Or a walk through pine trees or cedar or whatever trees are in your area. That beautiful smell OMG.
Take pride in what you've accomplished to this point in your quit....you are awesome Doris.
Log in or register to post comments
Felic
Quit 1 month ago
Commented 6 hours 9 min ago
You are doing great Dorris. 10 weeks is amazing... hoping I can get to where you are and still be here hanging on. I know what you mean by the 'ah just the one, no one will know'.. but trust me.. as someone who got to 6 months before and fell for the 'just the one' trick... I was disgusted with myself and was right back into the clutches of the addiction before I knew it. The one.. I didnt enjoy it but still went for a second and third and then a pack.. you know the story. Its trying to get you back but dont let it win.

Keep fighting and hold onto all the positives. You are winning... or should I say WE are winning. We can do this.
Felic
Quit 1 month ago
posted 2 days 7 hours ago

1 month milestone met and my flag is on top of it joining all the other flags of those gone before. Day 32 now. This is working... and I'm using past experiences to help spur me onwards. Few urges over the past few days but I got through them.

I think the milestones are great.. something to look forward to and hold yourself accountable. Month 2 now the next challenge. I can do this :)

5 Comments last reply 1 day ago
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Emilie
QuitCoach Emilie
Quit 1 year 5 months ago
Commented 2 days 3 hours ago
Hi Felic,
Congratulations on hitting your 1-month milestone! Seeing your flag up there with everyone else’s is such a powerful reminder of how far you’ve already come. Day 32 and still going strong that’s incredible.

It’s amazing how you’re using your past experiences to fuel your progress instead of letting them hold you back. That’s real strength. The urges popping up and you getting through them just prove you’ve built tools and confidence that are working.

Milestones do matter, they give you something to reach for and celebrate, and you deserve every bit of this win! On to Month 2 now… and you absolutely can do this. One step, one day, one proud moment at a time. Keep going, you’re doing amazing.
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 2 days 2 hours ago
Yes you can Felic! One day at a time 🤗
Log in or register to post comments
Doris
Quit 2 months 2 weeks ago
Commented 2 days 1 hour ago
Great job Felic! Congratulations on 1 month!
Log in or register to post comments
Stanley
Quit 4 years 6 months ago
Commented 1 day 13 hours ago
Hi Felic,

Good to know, step into month 2. Keep up your great work. Finally, you will be free from nicotine addiction.

Cheer you up and Keep NOPE not one puff ever
Log in or register to post comments
Wimsomnia
Quit 4 weeks ago
Commented 1 day 11 hours ago
Congratz on your 1 month!! I'm almost at that "milestone"(the 19th). But what do you mean by "putting" your flag? Is this some expression or a reward system?
Tui
Quit 1 day 9 hours ago
posted 3 days 1 hour ago

Well I came undone after 10 months. Starting again. I don't want to look at a cigarette. Try for next year anniversary right here for me instead of relapse. Watch this space.

3 Comments last reply 2 days ago
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 3 days ago
10 months is incredible Tui! Great job getting back on the horse while the successful memory of quitting is still fresh. You will do this!
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Emilie
QuitCoach Emilie
Quit 1 year 5 months ago
Commented 3 days ago
Hi Tui,

Thank you so much for sharing! You’ve got this! Ten months shows you can do it that strength and determination are still in you. What matters most is that you’re starting again instead of giving up. Each time we restart, we learn something new about what we need. Next year’s anniversary will be that much sweeter because of the effort you’re putting in today. One day at a time, we’re with you all the way!
Log in or register to post comments
GregD
Quit 6 years ago
Commented 2 days 22 hours ago
Hi friend, I love a story book ending. You know the one where the hero gets up after getting put down hard. The one who perseveres against all odds and makes it happen. Whatever happened to make you start smoking again last time will be an invaluable lesson in what to avoid / fix this time. Full on respect and support as you begin your journey to freedom.
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Emilie
QuitCoach Emilie
Quit 1 year 5 months ago
posted 3 days 2 hours ago

Building Yourself Up, One Goal at a Time 

Quitting isn’t just about stopping something , it’s about starting something new. Every smoke-free day is a step toward the stronger, healthier version of you that you’re building through hard work, patience, and self-belief.

Set small goals and celebrate them:
Day 1 – You showed courage.
Week 1 – You built momentum.
Month 1 – You proved your strength.

Each goal achieved is proof that you can do hard things. Some days will test you, but remember growth happens when you push through the challenge, not when things are easy.

Stay focused on why you started, lean on your supports, and remind yourself: you’re not just quitting , you’re becoming.

Keep going. You’re building something amazing which is YOU! 

...
natasel85
Quit 3 weeks 4 days ago
posted 3 days 21 hours ago

It is 3 weeks today! Last 2 days were super hard for some reason. I think last 2 days were the hardest out of all other days! I wanted to smoke (well my addiction wanted me to smoke) all 48 hours , no brakes, except for sleep. I was mad and frustrated. I expected that at the beginning, but not after 19 days being smoke and nicotine free! But it is so much better today! I am so proud of myself! I didn't cave, even though I wanted to so bad!
Good luck to everybody and don't give up!
Natasha

...
3 Comments last reply 2 days ago
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 3 days 15 hours ago
I am so proud of you too Natasha 🤗. You will be tested here and there, and you have proven that you can beat this! Happy 3 weeks 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Elke
QuitCoach Elke
Quit 31 years 7 months ago
Commented 3 days 14 hours ago
Congratulations on your 3 week milestone Natasha! Around that 3 week milestone, you might experience more mental cravings. Often this can be related to certain triggers that were linked with smoking, such as stress, other smokers, or maybe celebrations. As Liz said, there will be moments when cravings suddenly become stronger. This is especially the case the more a person focuses on the desire to smoke, as cravings become stronger then. Ask yourself, what you might need right now. You can also distract yourself, by keeping busy. And remember why it is important for you to stay smoke free. It is all about staying on course and not giving into the temptation. You have shown you can manage those difficult situations, so next time, remind yourself how strong you are. Well done!
Log in or register to post comments
Felic
Quit 1 month ago
Commented 2 days 4 hours ago
Well done for standing strong and holding your ground. Just keep reminding yourself how rotten a smoke would be now that you have gotten so far. You wouldn't enjoy it at all.
Momomo
Quit 1 week 5 days ago
posted 4 days 19 hours ago

Just quite sep 6 everyday is willpower strength achieved. Its very hard.
One day at a time.one hour at a time

3 Comments last reply 4 days ago
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 4 days 14 hours ago
Stay strong Momomo 🤗 one hour at a time is exactly how this needs to be tackled. I believe in you 🤗
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user Quit Coach Linda
Quit Coach Linda
Quit 10 years 9 months ago
Commented 4 days 14 hours ago
Hi Momomo, huge congratulations on your quit - that’s such an amazing accomplishment! September 6th is a powerful milestone! You’ve already shown so much courage and strength by taking this step. You’re absolutely right: it is hard. But by facing each day and each hour as it comes, you’re proving to yourself that you can do this. Keep moving forward. It will get easier with time. Every craving resisted, every moment you choose not to smoke, is another step toward freedom and healing. Even when it feels tough, remind yourself that your body is already working hard to repair itself: your lungs, your circulation, your energy, your sense of taste and smell… all of it is improving little by little. You might not feel it right away, but it’s happening. Keep going one hour, one day at a time. You’re building something powerful: a life where you’re free from cigarettes, stronger, and more in control than ever. You’ve got this, and we’re all right here cheering you on!
Log in or register to post comments
GregD
Quit 6 years ago
Commented 4 days 2 hours ago
Keep going forward my friend. Do healthy things (almost anything:) to replace your cravings at this moment in your quit. We understand what you are experiencing and know that if we can quit, so can YOU!!! Stay determined, fight.
Momomo
Quit 1 week 5 days ago
posted 4 days 19 hours ago

I dontvhave a story. For health reasons I was advised to quit. That was sept 6 and battling one day at atme.

1 Comment last reply 4 days ago
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Emilie
QuitCoach Emilie
Quit 1 year 5 months ago
Commented 4 days 2 hours ago
Hi,

That’s totally okay, not everyone has a big story behind quitting. What matters is that you made the decision and are sticking with it, one day at a time. That’s real strength right there. Every single day you stay smoke-free is a win for your health and your future. You’ve already made it this far since September 6! Keep going, you’re doing great!
Image
Couple of women looking a phone in the street, image for QuitNow social media promotion
For more motivational content, follow QuitNow on social media!
Momomo
Quit 1 week 5 days ago
posted 4 days 19 hours ago

Just quite sep 6 everyday is willpower strength achieved. Its very hard

3 Comments last reply 4 days ago
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user Quit Coach Linda
Quit Coach Linda
Quit 10 years 9 months ago
Commented 4 days 17 hours ago
Hi Momomo, welcome and congratulations on your quit! You’ve already come so far since September 6th! Keep going strong. Every hour you stay smoke-free is proof of your strength and determination, even when it feels hard. You don’t need a big story: your reason, your health, is more than enough. Wanting to take care of yourself and choosing to fight for your well-being is one of the most powerful motivations there is. And the fact that you’re doing it, even when it’s tough, shows incredible courage. It’s completely normal to feel like you’re relying on willpower right now, but with each day that passes, you’re building habits and healing, both physically and mentally. Over time, it gets easier, and the sense of freedom grows stronger. Keep taking it one step at a time, just like you’re doing. You’re already proving that you can do this: hour by hour, day by day. You’re stronger than the cravings, and you’re moving toward a healthier, freer you. You’ve got this, Momomo!
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 4 days 16 hours ago
Congratulations Momomo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Log in or register to post comments
Momomo
Quit 1 week 5 days ago
Commented 4 days 15 hours ago
Thankyou your words are powerful. It helps to be part of a group going through the same.thing. the doctor changed my file from smoker to non smoker
KtP
Quitting in 2 weeks 1 day
posted 4 days 20 hours ago

My late mother was a smoker, I never thought I would. I grew up with it and eventually tried it and turn to smoking for stress. No, it does not help and it costs a lot of money and my teeth are falling apart because of cigarettes and an injury. I just need to stop.

3 Comments last reply 4 days ago
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 4 days 19 hours ago
You can join us anytime you are ready KtP. It looks like you have set a date, and that’s a huge step forward. We will be ready to support you when you make the leap 🤗
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user Quit Coach Linda
Quit Coach Linda
Quit 10 years 9 months ago
Commented 4 days 17 hours ago
Hi KtP, welcome and thank you so much for sharing with us today. It sounds like you’ve reached a real turning point: one where you’re seeing smoking for what it truly is and recognizing how much better life can be without it. That awareness is powerful. You’ve already taken one of the hardest steps: deciding that you need to stop. It’s understandable how stress led you to smoke; so many of us started that way, but you’re absolutely right; it doesn’t help in the end. What’s great is that now you can start finding new, healthier ways to cope with stress before your quit day arrives. Things like short walks, deep breathing, journaling, or even just stepping away for a moment can really help. The fact that you’ve set a quit date gives you time to prepare, that’s wonderful! Maybe you can use these two weeks to plan ahead: remove smoking triggers, think of your reasons for quitting, and build a little “toolbox” of things that help when cravings hit. You’re taking back your power, one choice at a time. Keep going strong. You’re not alone in this, and we’ll be all here cheering you on every step of the way. You can do this!
Log in or register to post comments
Doris
Quit 2 months 2 weeks ago
Commented 4 days 16 hours ago
Hi KtP,
I can relate about the teeth. Over the past number of years I've had so much dental work & I'm sure a lot of it was due to my smoking. I've noticed since I quit that my gums feel a lot better already. I hope you will feel that soon too.
Like Quit Coach Linda said, use this time before your quit date to prepare--stocking up on nicotine replacement therapy, noticing your smoking schedule & start to plan what to do during those times.
You can do this! Everyone here is supportive.
oscarbuck03
Quit 1 week 2 days ago
posted 5 days 12 hours ago

I'm on day 3 and today's been the hardest as it was back to school after the weekend which is when i'd usually vape the most, but miraculously i made it through. It's kinda crazy to think i started vaping (on and off for the most part) 7 years ago when i was only 15. I got close to slipping today but what made me feel a whole lot better was when i admitted to a professor of mine that i've not been doing great cuz i'm trying to quit vaping she made a joke about how the only thing that gets her through stuff a lot of the time now is nicorette lozenges and that she was sucking on one right in that moment. Made me feel a whole lot less embarrassed about the fact that i was even doing it in the first place and that even people who are in a superiority position know the struggle.

...
4 Comments last reply 4 days ago
Log in or register to post comments
Felic
Quit 1 month ago
Commented 5 days 7 hours ago
Well done on getting to day 3.. and you are definitely not alone. We all have had those close calls and all you can do is grit your teeth and hang on for dear life. Distraction is key... mints, candys or drink water... pause think of the reasons you quit and count to 10. Then the cravings go away. You live to fight another battle. Keep up the effort. You're doing great.
Log in or register to post comments
Liz S
Quit 5 years ago
Commented 5 days 3 hours ago
Stay strong and focussed on the prize of freedom oscarbuck03. So very proud of you and I am cheering you on today 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Log in or register to post comments
Profile picture for user QuitCoach Emilie
QuitCoach Emilie
Quit 1 year 5 months ago
Commented 5 days 3 hours ago
Hi oscarbuck03,

That’s such a real and relatable post! Huge congrats on making it through Day 3, especially on a tough day like that! Going back to your usual routine can be one of the hardest tests, and you still managed to stay strong. It’s amazing how a little moment of honesty and connection, like the one you had with your professor, can make such a big difference. You’re absolutely right, it helps to remember that addiction doesn’t discriminate, and even people we look up to can understand that struggle. You’re doing something really brave and positive for yourself. Keep going! All the changes your making will continue to be so rewarding! Keep it up!!
Log in or register to post comments
GregD
Quit 6 years ago
Commented 4 days 2 hours ago
Yes inspiration is all around you my friend, we must learn to recognize it. Your professor is an inspiration as well for her honesty, integrity and determination to quit. Let her wisdom be your guide!