No smoking in London
Trying to give up smoking in London is not easy.
Yes, for those readers from the States, people still smoke in London. I’m a smoker. And you can still smoke in pubs, restaurants and other such public places. I know, it’s hard to believe. But that’s England for you.
A visitor from the States told me last week how noticable it is – the fact that people smoke in public places – and how many people are actually smoking.
This is despite months of strong ad campaigns which range from informational to completely disgusting. Most of the times, if these come on the TV or radio, I either mute the TV/Radio or switch channels. Especially when they have so-and-so on that is trying to tell you to quit smoking using a computer or very breezy voice since their vocal cords had to be removed as a result of smoking. Nice.
About a year ago I was determined to quit. In fact, 2 years before that I was on the verge of quitting as well, coming to think of it, but then I moved to London. And being down in the pub after work with a few mates, it’s hard not to smoke. Back to about a year ago, when I went to see a hypnotherapist about the matter. I was quite convinced it was a con trick, and that I was not really being hypnothised. But low and behold, I left his practice feeling rather good about myself and with a strange sensation that I don’t want a ciggie. This lasted for about a week, till I found myself hosting a conference in Geneva and my nerves were rattling. I was standing back-stage a few minutes before I was due on and the technician was puffing away. I still owe him his ciggarette back. Sigh.
This week will see me give it another go. A good friend of mine turned 30 over the weekend and he quit smoking. For a present, me and a few others got him a session at the mentioned hypnotherapist down in Harley Street. We started talking about doing it together and now I find myself in the position of committing to it again, this Thursday hopefully, if we can get an appointment.
If I’ll be able to sustain a smoke-free rest of my life remains to be seen, but at the current price of just over £5 (yes, £5) a packet, it’s worth a try. Here’s hoping I won’t be spending that on booze or sweets instead.
– Riaan
London
Actually, giving up smoking, IS easy. However, you will only achieve it if you want to. i was a confirmed puffer of 20 a day for about 15 years until nearly a year ago when i just decided that enough was enough and i wasn’t enjoying it anymore.
until you can say that to yourself you’re not giving up for the right reason and you’ll find it hell.
if you think many people smoke in london, come over to vienna. 45% of the people here smoke, and except for obvious places like hospitals and the subway, you can smoke pretty much everywhere. prices are moderate at ~3 euros per pack.
and, like the anonymous being above said, you can only stop smoking if you want to. if you lost your interest, or the fun, in smoking, quitting is rather easy. but as long as you enjoy it, stopping is just self-torture.
Hey, i’m the guy that’s going to the hypnotherapist next week with Riaan in Harley Street. I am already on patches and doing pretty well. I had two cigarettes last night with said person and they tasted disgusting. So I am quite hopeful that I will succeed. I hope the hypno will give that extra push to quit the cancer sticks. As many have said before me, at the end of the day it will only work if you want it to. You must not be allowed to crumble under pressure or after a few drinks in the pub. That’s what I fear most. Will keep you posted…
why should giving up smoking in London be harder than any other place in the UK?