How I Stay Smoke-Free, Even with Schizoaffective Disorder

I've been smoke-free since March of 2012—13 years after I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and 10 years after I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. It was really hard and sometimes, even six years later, it is hard to remain smoke-free with schizoaffective disorder. But I’ve been able to do it. Here’s how.

Slips in Staying Smoke-Free with Schizoaffective Disorder

I did have a slip-up in October of 2012. I don’t remember how I got my hands on those few cigarettes—maybe I bummed a few from a friend. But when I went to the store to buy some, they cost $10 a pack. I was lucky. That’s what really made me decide to stay the course of being smoke-free.

I had tried to quit smoking in 2005. That was when I was in graduate school and still living with my parents. About six months in, I had insomnia one night and felt alone and scared. I needed my old, trusted friend—nicotine. I went out and bought a pack. And suddenly, I was a smoker again—until 2012 (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder and Smoking Cigarettes).

You see, when I was living with my parents, I didn’t really have to worry about money: no rent, no groceries, and no electricity bill. Since 2008, I’ve been married and my husband and I have our own apartment. I’ve had to learn to budget—which is why the cost of cigarettes in 2012 made such a big difference as compared to 2005.

How this Person with Schizoaffective Disorder Finally Stayed Smoke-Free

One thing this time around that’s really helped me stay smoke-free is that I have a charm bracelet for quitting smoking. This month, I get to put a number six charm on the bracelet. I also have charms that just remind me of staying smoke-free—lots of pink and green. Pink for pink lungs and green because I quit smoking in the spring. Also, green makes me think of new beginnings and new life. The joy this charm bracelet gives me actually helps me stay away from cigarettes.

One tip I would give any schizophrenic or schizoaffective who wants to be smoke-free: don’t worry about weight gain. I know this is really, really hard, especially because we’re already on medications that make us gain weight. I also know it’s unhealthy to be overweight. But smoking is so bad for your health that I would prioritize quitting smoking over your weight. I was already overweight when I quit smoking in 2012. But cherry Coke and mentholated cherry flavored cough drops are what initially helped me quit. I also used the patch.

I am so glad I quit smoking and not just for my health. It’s a major achievement that makes me feel very proud. On those days when I feel incapable, I can look back and say that I quit smoking and stayed smoke-free, even with schizoaffective disorder.