niks,
I know this can be disturbing at times... when I started the ex-smoker jokers, there were over 60 of us... now, there's only me that is still smoke free and checks in frequently. I know of at least one other person who still checks in from time to time who is still quit, but that's it. Did the rest go back to smoking? I don't know. I hope not. I like to think that they just got comfortable with their quits and so they all quit coming here. However, there are other groups like the Smobers, the Unsmokeables, the Fresh Air Freaks and the Ash Kickers who have tons of members who are still active and smoke free. It just depends on the group, I guess.
Cyberduke gave some good stats, and from what I have read, they are true, but I also want to add one thing... the success rate for people who quit by using a support group is 40%. That's pretty good, if you ask me. The best way to keep focused on your quit and not get relaxed and fall back into your addiction is to come here. I still check in every single day to be reminded of why I quit and where I am now and where I don't want to be again (back at day 1).
Don't worry too much about the success rate of others. It may be true that only 5% of people who try to quit actually succeed, but I know for a fact that there's a 100% chance of staying quit if you don't light that next cigarette... the ones before don't matter and the ones after it don't matter... only the next one matters. So, just concentrate on YOUR quit. There are times that will be tough, yes, but you can and will make it through them a non-smoker! Just keep up the good work and check in here to remember why you quit and you'll be fine!
Crave the Quit!
Pam
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/28/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 234
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,859
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $966.42
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 17 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 16 [B]Seconds:[/B] 43
