Discussion: My wife (58) had a six-month battle with quitting smoking. She gained a little weight and was nervous and tense, but it was worth it all. (True story)

China has some of the highest smoking rates in the world. Alixin, my wife, started smoking at a relatively old age after being solicited to smoke. She smoked 10-15 cigarettes daily but was addicted in every way. We had to stop suddenly for a cigarette break. Otherwise, she wouldn't have functioned! Alixin's brother got lung cancer (after smoking for about 30 years), and she suffers from worsening dental problems. The trigger for quitting smoking was a fall from the scooter that caused her severe injury, with pain that lasted about three months, luckily, without fractures. With my encouragement, she underwent rehab that lasted about 6 months. If she is offered cigarettes today (very common in China), she refuses; I support her, knowing she is nervous and stressed about the lengthy withdrawal process. She finally returned to her previous weight, and I am happy for her. Now, a year after she quit smoking, she can refuse when offered a cigarette.