I smoked a pack and a half a day for six years. The last time I tried quitting I made it five days. My last cigarette was six months ago. I thought I’d be tempted if I went to my local bar, where I used to smoke a half pack over drinks with friends. I was wrong; no temptation, no nagging pang even with my best friends lighting up around me. Those desperate feelings I had during previous attempts were all in my mind, I now realize, and the three week period it takes to get rid of nicotine was actually pleasant.
There is no loss in trying the book. It costs two packs of cigarettes and you don’t have to quit while reading it. In fact, Carr’s first instruction is to smoke your regular allotment and make the decision to quit at the end. I decided to quit well before then. By the time I reached page 120 I was choking and feeling nauseous with each drag.
It’s not a brainwashing or hypnosis. It won’t turn you into a communist (if you’re not one now) and there’s no expensive nicotine replacements or seminars to go to. Carr apparently does run clinics around the country, but the book is not merely a ploy to get more patients. Reading this book will give the motivation to stop.
Look at it this way: you don’t quit, you’re out two packs. You do quit, 8 bucks is mighty cheap compared to the gum or the patch or whatever, and it certainly saves you money in the long run. My addiction cost 120 a month.
My guess is if you follow the directions and keep an open mind, this will work. Regaining my self-respect is the best reward.