I Quit Smoking!...Need a bit of encougragement (I'm jonesing!!!)

**Cat** · 3rd May 08, 04:50 PM

So I haven't posted here in a while, I've been really busy trying to get ready to go back to school as a 30-year-old freshman (among other things.) Anyway, I decided about two months ago that I was going to give up smoking for good...I've tried a dozen times to quit, but I finally just realised that I was done with it. I've smoked for about fifteen years, and luckily never had any health problems (aside from the usual diminished stamina, not being able to walk up a flight of stairs without stopping, that sort of thing.) Today was my quit day.

Anyway, I'd just like to talk to some people here that have successfully quit and get some ideas on how to stay occupied or deal with it without losing my mind. Today's only my first day, so I know the next couple days are going to be the worst. Luckily, my state has a program where I get free nicotine patches as well as get to talk to a counselor for free, and all sorts of other stuff. The patch is definitely helping, although there's still that craving and oral fixation...and if I eat any more candy or anything, I'm going to throw up!

I keep reminding myself why I'm doing this (mostly for myself, for my daughter and for a very special girl in my life...today's her birthday and so I figured it was a good day to quit, especially since she's always bugging me about it!) I know it's for the best, and I know I'll save nearly $2000 a year! But still, that stuff has a way of making you just want to stab the nearest person for no apparent reason! I know if I can make it through the next three days or so, I'll be okay as far as the really bad cravings go (trust me, I've tried to quit many times, and the first three or four days are the absolute worst for me!)

Anyway, if there are any ex-smokers (or even people who just want to cheer me on), I could use the company!

**Mike1** · 3rd May 08, 04:55 PM

Tell me this - are you bigger than the cigarettes, or are they bigger than you? Are you going to allow your life to be ruled by something as trivial as a cigarette?

You can beat it. Don't think you can, you need to KNOW you can.

People always wonder how I can remember 14 May 1984 as the day I quit. I tell them I remember because it really is that important.

Change your routines a bit, so you are not always finding yourself in situations where you would be tempted. Take it one hour at a time. Then one day at a time. Let the days become weeks and so on. After the first 6 or 7 years, it gets pretty easy.

**Eujeankilt** · 3rd May 08, 05:03 PM

Congratulations. Like Mike said, take it a hour at a time, a day at a time. The first three days are the worst. I used Werther's Toffee to satisfy the oral craving. I quit in October of 1995 -both chew and cigarettes. If other people can quit, you can too. You'll make it. Keep your resolve. Think of how much money you will save. Put away half of what you would have spent on smokes and save up for a kilt!

You can make it.

Dale

**Cat** · 3rd May 08, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mowgli

Put away half of what you would have spent on smokes and save up for a kilt!

That's funny you should mention that...I decided that I would do exactly that about a week ago!

Anyway, thanks guys! I've tried this a dozen times in the past, but this is first time that I KNOW I want to do it!

**PaulX608** · 3rd May 08, 05:37 PM

I quit it October 1997, after 12 years of nicotine addiction. I was a 2½ to 3 pack a day nonfilter smoker. Mostly Camel and Lucky Strike. The amazing thing is that now, more than 10 years later, I can't even remember what it was like. Be strong, it gets easier as the years go by. The first few days were rough, but it was very worth it.

**Mike1** · 3rd May 08, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by PaulX608

The amazing thing is that now, more than 10 years later, I can't even remember what it was like.

If I mindlessly put my hands in my pockets, I will usually come to the sudden realization I've misplaced my lighter. Even now, after almost 24 years.

I sure don't miss the doggone thing leaking lighter fluid whilst in my pocket, leaving me with the chemical burns on my leg!

**McMurdo** · 3rd May 08, 05:42 PM

I too tried a few times to quit and always went back to them, however it's been close to 4 years now for me and honestly I could not see myself going back this time. You can beat this addiction, use the resources available, if you have to talk to someone try the counselors if you feel you have to I am sure they have helped out many in the same situation.
If I can do it, Mike can do it, and so on, well then so can you.

**7 miles** · 3rd May 08, 06:24 PM

TO be honest with you it has been two years this memorial day. I felt like a big pile of dog feces for about seven months. After that i lost forty pounds look better and feel better than i ever have. I know that i can never go back take it one hour at time . May you be succesful.

**ChattanCat** · 3rd May 08, 06:40 PM

Wow, fantastic.
I used to work for Smokenders. They had a process. Most importantly is you. It is all up to you. Try this, next time you have the urge for a butt (and I mean a BUTT) take a walk up some stairs. If you are in a high rise, all the better. Set a goal like I can make it up X steps. Count them, set the mark. Next time you have the urge, take the steps. Did you equal or beat your last record? It works, try it. You will be amazed at how quickly you will be able to beat that first mark.

Good luck,
W Cat.

**Coinneach** · 3rd May 08, 07:06 PM

This is really huge, so good for you!

I haven't had the addiction, but my other half has struggled with it for years and has hopefully beaten it this time. You know all the reasons for doing it, so I'll just say include your family in this...make sure they know to praise you and celebrate this with you. And if you slide, don't hide...have them help you get back on track.

Bravo!