So I quit smoking cigarettes yesterday after nearly nine years addicted to the stuff. Today will be harder than yesterday, but I am determined to do this.
It is time to be healthy. I am young enough that in a few years it will be as if I never smoked at all. (At least that's what I've read.) The inside of my mouth already feels better.
Wish me luck! I may use this post as an outlet for withdrawal crankiness. I also might just cry for a couple of days. <sigh>
IT'S FOR MY OWN GOOD!!!
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Good luck with that. Are you trying any quit-smoking aides? Use of nicotine gums, patches and lozenges as well as support groups can boost your chances of success.
Anyway, the good thing about quiting is that if at first you don't succeed, you can always give it another try until you do.
I'm rooting for you!
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I'd wish you luck, but this is really all up to sheer will power. Hope you can stay the course! Posted by theamazeeaz (Member # 6970) on :
Good luck. Just keep thinking about how nice you will smell.
Posted by King of Men (Member # 6684) on :
It is not difficult to quit smoking. One of my friends quits every day!
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
I'm waiting for the anti-smoking pile-on.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Smoking is evil, and bad for you, and gross. And if you smoke, you're ugly and can't read good.
Posted by Avadaru (Member # 3026) on :
Congrats on quitting, hope it's not too hard on you. Wish I had the willpower to quit.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:Smoking is evil, and bad for you, and gross. And if you smoke, you're ugly and can't read good.
*cries about it*
*goes for a smoke*
*remembers he's at work and can't*
*wash, rinse, repeat*
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Congratulations!!! I'm very happy for you - this is wonderful. I'm impressed. Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
quote:I'm waiting for the anti-smoking pile-on.
That's odd, Glynn, since there's little that anti-smoking people (such as myself) like to hear more than a smoker saying that they are committed to quitting.
Congratulations . My advice is to keep confident. Consider yourself already to have quit. You've decided you will never smoke again, so you won't. Your will is stronger than any craving.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
quote:Originally posted by Xavier:
quote:I'm waiting for the anti-smoking pile-on.
That's odd, Glynn, since there's little that anti-smoking people (such as myself) like to hear more than a smoker saying that they are committed to quitting.
I understand that perspective, but I also know that some people around here like to find any platform to rant about whatever it is that gives them their self-righteous jollies.
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
Thanks y'all for the support. I'm trying to look at it like it's a bad relationship that needs to end. Would I stay with a boyfriend who was slowly poisoning me and would eventually kill me? No, I wouldn't. I would flee in a minute.
I'm also not going to turn into one of those ridiculous anti-smoking proselytizers. I know too much of how good it can feel to smoke. Nicotine is a drug that makes you feel pretty calm. To those who are anti-smoking, but have never smoked: How could you understand how it feels? To those of you who smoke: It's hard, but not impossible to quit. If you want to you can, if you don't, I don't care. Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
*waves big foam finger that says "You're #1*
You can do it!! Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
Tante: The only aid I am going to use is my own will power and drinking a whole lot of water. I have no interest in replacing my oral fixation on cigarettes with an oral fixation on food, for instance. (Water, I'm okay with.) I have tried nicotine gum before and it is probably one of the most disgusting things I've ever had.
One of my best friends is also going to quit, so I do have a quitting buddy. Thank goodness for that; it will be much easier with him than by myself.
Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
I think that the quiting buddy is a great idea. It's trashy habit and awfully hard to break. I'm glad you are quiting. Stay strong.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Luet, all I have to say is good for you! I'm glad you've taken this step and I wish you luck in what will undoubtedly be a tough journey. Just think about the rewards in the end, though. Your health is worth it. Keep us updated on your progress.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
quote:I'm also not going to turn into one of those ridiculous anti-smoking proselytizers. I know too much of how good it can feel to smoke. Nicotine is a drug that makes you feel pretty calm. To those who are anti-smoking, but have never smoked: How could you understand how it feels?
I don't have to have tried heroin in order to encourage people not to shoot it.
But I don't want to turn this into a debate, as that would belittle your accomplishment .
Posted by Celaeno (Member # 8562) on :
Just out of curiosity, Luet, have you tried quitting before?
I don't smoke, but I hear it's a terribly difficult habit to break. I think it's really admirable that you've decided to quit. Best of luck to you!
Posted by dawnmaria (Member # 4142) on :
I am pulling for you! It was SO HARD for me to stop! I quit in '97. It killed me would-have-been mother-in-law and the Hubby said if I didn't quit he'd leave. I never did it around him because I knew he hated it but now he was really against it. I couldn't blame him so I quit. I still want one but I want him more. ANd now I've got my little girl to think of so it keeps me in check. About 3 years ago, I gave in and took a drag off a friends. It was awful! I don't know why I miss it!
Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
Good luck in quitting.
I smoked my first cigarette a couple weeks ago, but I haven't thought about smoking another one since and I don't plan on turning it into a habit. I didn't see what was so good about it.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Luet, you can do it! It takes only 100 times of saying "no" to a craving to quit smoking totally. You are stronger than any addiction! We're all rooting for you!
You are doing such a smart thing by quitting now. You're being good to yourself. You're so right that nicotine is an evil boyfriend who is using you for money, and destroying your health. Not a nice guy. You deserve far better. Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
quote:Originally posted by Luet13: I'm also not going to turn into one of those ridiculous anti-smoking proselytizers. I know too much of how good it can feel to smoke. Nicotine is a drug that makes you feel pretty calm. To those who are anti-smoking, but have never smoked: How could you understand how it feels?
You know I heard that about a year ago from an uncle who smokes. I decided to take the next opportunity and smoke a cigarette when offered. I have since smoked 3 cigarettes, and the third one I enjoyed the most. I am a 3 times a year smoker I guess. I still think it is a bit gross, but I do understand what it feels like.
Btw- I am SO not the type of person to smoke, so don't worry, but it is an interesting experience if you have never smoked at all. Worth actually trying? Maybe, maybe not.
Posted by Juxtapose (Member # 8837) on :
The whole, "one and you're hooked" thing wasn't my experience at all, nor was it with anyone I can think of. I suppose it's possible with someone who has a particularly addictive personality, but even people I know who I consider to be pretty addiction-prone haven't gotten addicted after one cig.
quote: You are doing such a smart thing by quitting now. You're being good to yourself. You're so right that nicotine is an evil boyfriend who is using you for money, and destroying your health. Not a nice guy. You deserve far better.
But...but..he said he loves me..
Seriously though, Luet, good luck with quitting.
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
You can do it! Let us know how it goes, I'm really curious in the day-to-day ordeals of Quitting.
Posted by Dav (Member # 8217) on :
It may be true that people don't become literally "addicted" after just one. But every cigarette smoker in the world started with one. And everyone who has smoked zero cigarettes is not a cigarette smoker.
Because of that I think it's risky to try it even once. The only surefire way not to be a smoker is to never start.
But anyway, best wishes to Luet13! I've heard it's tough, but it can be done. Even if requires more than one attempt. Good luck!
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
DAY 3:
Well I actually got to go to work today. That was a bit hard because I had to wait for the bus (a favorite smoking place) and do more traveling than the past 2 days. I also had to figure out what to do with breaks. I decided that today I would stay inside.
It was kind of funny and sad when I realized my coat still smelled like cigarettes, and I began to voraciously inhale stale smoke. Now I'm at home, and am going to wash the d*** thing and all my other coats. No surprises when the weather changes.
I haven't really wanted a cigarette, but I've been feeling very, very twitchy and somewhat on edge.
P.S. For those who asked: This is probably my fourth or fifth time quitting. Longest I lasted was 3 years ago for about 3 months. This is the final one though, I can feel it! Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Luet, I'm very proud of you. Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
Luet, you can do it!
Posted by Juxtapose (Member # 8837) on :
Have you ever tried carrying around a pen or pencil with you, Luet? I hear having something roughly cigarette shaped to fiddle with when you have cravings, or in locations you usually smoke (like at that bus stop) can help ease the process. Especially if you are a more tactilely attuned person.
Stay strong!
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
quote:Originally posted by Luet13: I have tried nicotine gum before and it is probably one of the most disgusting things I've ever had.
I've heard that from other people, too. I, however, ADORE the nicotine gum. And I am not a smoker.
If they made a kosher version, I'd be at risk for picking up the nicotine habit with the gum.
Posted by human_2.0 (Member # 6006) on :
I studied some orkshops on knocking the habit and the things I remember is to have healthy snacks handy like fruit or rasins (mmm, rasins & peanuts... mmmm). Another cool trick is to exhale all of your air slowly, then inhale all the way slowly, and repeat that 3 times. You have to be careful if you've never done it before because you could have a severe coughing fit because you end up recycling air in parts of the lungs that aren't use to it or something. And it also sends a rush of oxygen to the brain. Or something.
Good luck!
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
I've heard that one of the things that helps a lot is to keep pretzel sticks around...sometimes people just get so used to the motion of smoking that it helps them to have the big pretzel sticks to substitute, I guess.
My mom had to quit smoking before she could have me, but my dad has been smoking for probably more than fifty years.
Best of luck!
-pH
Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :
quote:To those who are anti-smoking, but have never smoked: How could you understand how it feels?
I understand how it makes me feel- nauseous. I'm a little amazed at the determination it apparently takes to start smoking.
At any rate, conratulations Luet, good luck, and hang in there.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
quote:To those who are anti-smoking, but have never smoked: How could you understand how it feels?
I know how it feels to live with a smoker...but my mom is a former smoker, and she's never seemed tempted at all...and as I said, she only quit so that she could have children, so it's not like she was cigarette-free for that long before I was born.
I've gotta say, though...my dad has stayed a smoker even through my elementary school "Daddy don't smoke; I don't want you to die" phase...so it's gotta be hard to quit.
-pH
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
DAY 4:
Thank you, everyone for your suggestions and support! I am very grateful to have this outlet to vent in.
Today has been pretty darn easy. The greatest feeling was waking up and having my mouth feel clean and it's felt clean all day! I forgot that there was a different state of being for the inside of my mouth. I know that sounds silly, but it's true!
Also, it was raining in Chicago today, and instead of my hoodie smelling like a wet ashtray, it just smelled like a wet hoodie. I'm beginning to be able to smell again, and it's a good feeling.
To those who are suggesting food (even the healthy stuff), I am trying to not replace my oral fixation with more oral fixation. The only thing I'm doing is drinking water whenever I get the urge to smoke. I spend an inordinate amount of time in the restroom, but it has the added benefit of cleaning out my system without adding unwanted weight.
BRING IT ON, DAY 5!!!! <punches the air fiercely>
Posted by Enigmatic (Member # 7785) on :
Awesome, Luet! I'm glad it's going well for you.
Vent all you want here, and keep us updated!
--Enigmatic
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Awesome! I'm so proud of you! You can do it!
Don't be disappointed if your cravings go away for a few days, then you get hit with a big one. That's how it happens. Be ready for it, and have plenty of water on hand, and perseverance too. You will feel so much better!
Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dav: It may be true that people don't become literally "addicted" after just one. But every cigarette smoker in the world started with one. And everyone who has smoked zero cigarettes is not a cigarette smoker.
Because of that I think it's risky to try it even once. The only surefire way not to be a smoker is to never start.
I agree with you, but common. Every addiction to anything starts by doing that thing. Since you can get addicted to perfectly benign things, you can't mean we shouldn't do anything that can lead to addiction- many natural behaviors for some grow into addictions for others- Food, sex, excercise, you name it and its a source of addiction for someone, somewhere. Personally I'd rather try something if I knew it wasn't going to hurt me or anyone else to try it. (But there are alot of exceptions to that statement to be sure).
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
How did day 5 go?
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
DAY 5:
Thanks for asking, Tatiana.
No work today or tomorrow, so I'm power cleaning my room. I just baked some chocolate chip cookies. I haven't been craving cigarettes constantly, but once in a while I get a strong urge to have one.
Tomorrow night will be a challenge. I'm starting the night at a benefit for my friend's theater company, Silent Theatre. I'll be playing some piano, eating, and most likely drinking. Later, another friend is having a party with DJs and so forth. I've been drinking less, but I'm still unsure of how drinking and not smoking will go together.
Ooh, and the Crosstown is this weekend! GO WHITE SOX!
(Sorry, that had nothing to do with anything. It just popped in there...) Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Ooooh, I hope you decide not to drink. To let this night be a night you say no thanks and stick to diet coke or something. Drinking will definitely take a big big hit on your willpower. The two work together.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:I've been drinking less, but I'm still unsure of how drinking and not smoking will go together.
They don't.
Don't drink. Even if your willpower is astounding, it can drop into the negatives with alcohol. Combined with the fact that the desire to restart smoking is greatest when you're around others who are doing so (as may be likely in a party situation), you're asking for trouble.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I'm fascinated by this and rooting for you so much! Let us know how it goes tonight.
Posted by Krankykat (Member # 2410) on :
"Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times." Mark Twain
[ May 19, 2006, 10:36 PM: Message edited by: Krankykat ]
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Just checking to see how it's going.
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
Okay.
This is what happened Friday night: Of course I drank, there was no question that I wouldn't. And I did end up smoking 4 or 5 cigarettes.
HOWEVER: I was riding my bike across the city, and then back. (Probably a grand total of 8-10 miles). Also the next day I felt AWFUL. When I was smoking, I had a feeling that was how I would feel the next morning. And believe me I did. My throat hurt and I felt stinky.
Consequently, I haven't had ANY cigarettes since Friday night. I haven't even had the desire for any. And last week, I definitely was craving smokes. These past two days, nothing.
No one said this would be easy, and I think I'm doing pretty good so far. I'm allowed to have moments of weakness, as long as I don't lose sight of my goal.
The oddysey continues...
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Keep going! Everyone has big setbacks when they drink. I will warn you against the thought that you can have one or two from time to time without it really messing you up, though. That idea is one of the ways your brain will lie to you to get you to let it keep smoking.
It's hilarious how many ways your brain and body will have of tricking you.
But you totally can win this battle. Your will is exceedingly strong. It has tremendous power. All you have to do is make up your mind to apply it.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
quote:This is what happened Friday night: Of course I drank, there was no question that I wouldn't. And I did end up smoking 4 or 5 cigarettes.
Luet, seriously, do not rule out the possibility that you may have to quit social drinking - at least as long as you're trying to quit, and possibly forever.
There are NUMEROUS accounts of smokers who cannot quit because the social aspect of drinking & smoking (especially around others doing the same) is simply unbreakable.
When I quit (and admittedly, it was for a whopping seven months), I had to do just that. I was completely dry for that entire time - and a good amount of time thereafter, too.
Not that that's a bad thing. Saves you a bunch of money and a lot of headaches.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
And being designated driver is fun! You can tease your friends by hinting at all the silly stuff they did while under the influence. Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
I wish my husband would quit. He started smoking at the age of 5 years. (that's not the only thing I blame his parents for, but it's a biggie)
Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a seris of changes that continue for years. See poster text below. Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years.
20 Minutes After Quitting Your heart rate drops.
12 hours After Quitting Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting Your heart attack risk begins to drop. Your lung function begins to improve.
1 to 9 Months After Quitting Your Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
1 Year After Quitting Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
5 Years After Quitting Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s 5-15 years after quitting.
10 Years After Quitting Your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
15 Years After Quitting Your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker’s.
I had seen that information before and this was the first place I found it just now when I was looking. Anyway, my point is that you will have health benefits from quitting that you don't even think of and they will improve your life from this point on. Good luck!
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
If you don't want to chew on food, how about one of those flavored toothpicks? I've heard the cinamon ones are really, really good.
Good luck. my mom's a smoker, and I hate it. Even MY clothes stink, and we've been begging her to stop for years. It's hard to see my mom wasting away(she's already had skin cancer removed once). Think about all the years you're adding to your life, and all the happiness you're adding to the lives of those who care about you!
Posted by Elmer's Glue (Member # 9313) on :
Smokers smell bad.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
My mom smokes too, and smoked around all of us kids when we were growing up. We all got bronchitis a lot, and had cough and allergy problems.
She still won't quit, and every time I go to visit her my head gets totally closed up and my eyes get all itchy. It's so nasty. She doesn't seem to realize the effect it has on those around her. She gets angry at any hint that the smoke is bothersome, even if she puffs it right in your face. It certainly makes it harder for people to visit her.
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
Cay, I've seen that list before. Actually, a few years ago there was an ad campaign on the CTA that had those facts in it.
My dad smoked until I was about 6 or so. He was only allowed to smoke in the basement or outside. I remember being so proud of him that he quit, and he smoked for 17 years. He's been quit of cigs for 17 years. Now that I've had my nearly 9 years, it's my turn to stop.
I've been feeling pretty good these past few days. No cravings. I'm going out tomorrow night and will be riding my bike many, many miles. Posted by Samuel Bush (Member # 460) on :
I went ice-skating with a bunch of friends a bunch of years ago, and after about a half hour I met up with one of my good friends. I asked him how many times he had fallen down. He said to me with great dignity, “Bush, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall down. What matters is how many times you pick yourself up. I’ve picked myself up about eleven time now.”
(Hey, I’m not making this up.)
Anyway, I admit that I don’t know what you are going through, because I never got the habit. But for what it is worth I did get addicted to coffee a bunch of years ago and managed to quit that. It was tough. But from what I’ve heard, caffeine is sissy stuff compared to tobacco. So I only experienced a small fraction of what it is like.
I have friends at work who have quit, and it was not easy for them but they tell me it was way worth it. And they are a lot more fun to be around now. Even though they were a lot fun back then too. Anyway, I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.
If the going gets tough you might try eating a live toad first thing each morning, and nothing worse will happen to you all day.
Ok, sorry for being flippant. But hang in there anyway.
And keep your sense of humor.
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
Hmm, toad....maybe that's all I need!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I'm cheering for you, Luet. Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :
quote:20 Minutes After Quitting Your heart rate drops.
12 hours After Quitting Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
How does your body know the difference between quitting smoking permanently and just taking a 20 minute break from a cigarette? Or sleeping late one day? Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Let us know how it's going. Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
Update: This has been a difficult couple of weeks. I'm not smoking every day, and I haven't even bought any cigarettes, but I have smoked occasionally. I'm still committed to stopping, it's just not going as smoothly as planned.
I'm starting to ride my bike more, and that aids me in not wanting to smoke. When I don't smoke and ride I can breathe better and don't need as much water.
It's a struggle mainly when I'm around my friends who still smoke. And that's all my friends. I'm not giving up though. Even if I smoke once a week for months before I stop for good, I'm not going to give up the fight. I'm also not going to turn into a hermit just because my friends still smoke.
<sigh> I just wish there was a magic button in my brain that I could push that would stop all desire for cigarettes. Posted by Samuel Bush (Member # 460) on :
Don’t give up!
Well, er, that didn’t come out quite right. Yes, DO give up - the smoking, that is. What I meant to say was don’t give up on your giving up.
Or : Hang in there!
Whatever.
Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
quote:Originally posted by GaalDornick: Good luck in quitting.
I smoked my first cigarette a couple weeks ago, but I haven't thought about smoking another one since and I don't plan on turning it into a habit. I didn't see what was so good about it.
That's what's dangerous about smoking. Because there's nothing good about it, you think that you'd never become addicted. It always starts like that. Don't feel safe because you didn't like it. No one does. Not even smoker's themselves.
Nicotine is probably one of the most underestimated drugs ever. It's so SUBTLE, and the cigarettes taste awful. No one would ever think that he might get addicted to THAT. In addition to that, there are still quite a lot of people who call smoking a bad habit instead of addiction. Like "I stopped biting nails, so I can stop smoking, too." They're sooo mistaken.
Posted by Juxtapose (Member # 8837) on :
It's good that you can have a cig occaisionally without getting discouraged, Luet. I've known people who tried to quit, and when they smoked once, decided that effort was over. Keep it up!
Pinky, I don't want this to turn into a debate about smoking, but I'll thank you not to speak on what I do or don't like.
Posted by Pinky (Member # 9161) on :
quote:Originally posted by GaalDornick:
quote:20 Minutes After Quitting Your heart rate drops.
12 hours After Quitting Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
How does your body know the difference between quitting smoking permanently and just taking a 20 minute break from a cigarette? Or sleeping late one day?
It doesn't. Or do you expect the body to say: "Either you stop smoking or I stop cleaning up the mess?"
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
It's good that you haven't quit quitting. I applaud you for that. I will say, however, that having a cig every now and then is a route that will lead you straight back to regular smoking. You have to, at some point, decide that you don't want to have one again ever, and stick to that. That is what is known as "quitting". All those other exercises and evolutions, on the other hand, are known as "still smoking".
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
Yeah, my friends that have 'quite smoking' tend to bum more smokes off of me than the ones that haven't 'quit.' I think that they just quit buying cigarettes.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Checking to see how it's going. You posted this so you would be accountable, right? (I hope so.) Good luck, and let us know!
Posted by Jeesh (Member # 9163) on :
Good going! Keep it up!
I don't mind it that much when people smoke around me, but for their own good, I want them to stop! My aunt smokes, and so does my friends mom, I hope they quit.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
I fear our friend Luet has fallen off the wagon, alas!
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
Yes, it's true I fell off the wagon.
I had a bit of a set back these last two weeks, but I'm quitting again. Yes I know that sounds silly, but so be it. I had some stressful issues arise, and so I jumped right back knowing full well that it was a bad idea, yet unable to muster up the willpower to stop myself.
The way I figure it, as long as I don't give up and keep on quitting, even if I have to quit 20 times I'm making some sort of progress.
On Monday I start riding my bike from the far North Side of Chicago to Downtown. Every day. If riding my bike every day for many miles doesn't beat it into my brain that I need to breathe, I don't know what will.
Wish me luck with this endeavor! I don't feel that I've failed completely, so I'd appreciate it if ya'll don't attack my weakness. Thanks especially to Tatiana for the encouragement and reminders to stop. Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
I have to admit, I've been keeping an eye on this thread with the same interest that I watch Nascar and hockey games.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
quote: Yes I know that sounds silly, but so be it. I had some stressful issues arise, and so I jumped right back knowing full well that it was a bad idea, yet unable to muster up the willpower to stop myself.
I think that people have exactly as much willpower as they think they have.
If you fully believe that you have the willpower to overcome a craving, then you do. You need to truly believe that you are completely through with smoking. If you can convince yourself of this, then you've already won.
Posted by SenojRetep (Member # 8614) on :
Good luck, Luet. Keep in mind Bush's story (or the million other more inspirational ones) about getting up each time you fall.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
You're so welcome! You will live longer and be healthier when you quit, your life begins improving the moment you quit, and continues to improve for years, you are strong and can do it!
Do you believe in God? If so, do not hesitate to call on a power greater than your own for help and inspiration. He will help your cravings go away, or he will go away and leave you alone and let you smoke in peace, if that's what you want from him. It's totally your choice.
(The same is true of me, by the way... if you would rather I quit pestering you, I will!)
You did a very smart thing by making this choice. Now you are going to carry through and do the even smarter (though difficult) thing of actually changing your habits. You have everything you need to do it.
It's SUCH a great feeling, to know that you are free of the addiction, that you are no longer enslaved to it. It's great, too, just knowing about yourself that you are strong enough to do it. It feels so good to know that you can truly do anything you set your mind to do. You can overcome it! 95% of everything is mental. This is a great mental exercise, and training, for becoming the person you want to be.
Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :
One of my old family friends has emphysema from smoking. She lives in a tall house, and getting around it without oxygen has become virtually impossible.
I'd really prefer no one else have to live like that.
Keep trying, Luet. We're all pulling for you.
Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
Keep trying, Luet.
My boyfriend quit the first of this month as motivation for me to quit procrastinating and start work on my undergrad thesis.
He's tripped a couple of times. But four cigarettes in the last month as opposed to 3-4 a day is certainly progress. He celebrated when our state recently passed a bill which would remove smoking sections from restuarants and now we look forward to dining without raising his anxiety. He misses going to hear live New Orleans music, but can't yet stand to be around that much bar smoke and so he's avoiding it for now and keeping strong around his smoking-friends.
I'm very proud of his efforts especially since I lost my grandfather to smoking-related cancer.
Keep working at it. We're all cheering for you. You're giving your body, your future, and your loved ones a great gift.
Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
*BUMP*
Okay, it's been a few months since my relapse, and I'm trying again. I haven't had a cigarette since Wednesday night. I've been sick the past few days, so I figured this was as good a time as any to try again.
For weeks, I've been buying my "last pack." Oddly, it never was the last. I kept coming up with excuses of why it would be too hard to quit now. I'd wait for a better time. I think it finally sunk in that there is NEVER a good time to quit. Something will always come up.
And you know what? I'm sick of it. I'm tired of not being in control of my own actions. Everything in my life has revolved around smoking for so long. It has been involved in every hour of my life for over 9 years. I'm 23. That means I've been smoking for nearly half of my life. That is so disgusting, it's killing me.
Also, one of my best friends in the whole world was recently diagnosed with cancer. He's only a year older than me. He had to quit smoking because of chemo. I promised him I would quit, and I really don't want to let him down. If he can do it, and go through this awful experience with cancer and come out okay, then there is no reason I can't quit. NO REASON!
I know I failed before (at least 8 times) but this time, THIS TIME, dammit, I will do this! I will be strong! I will NEVER GO BACK!
Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :
Hurray for not giving up Luet! Here's some more strength if you need some Posted by Luet13 (Member # 9274) on :
*Rebump*
Oh, yes. I am doing it again. I figure if I just keep at it, one of these times is going to work.
So far it's been one week and one day since my last cigarette. I have been hibernating in my house to avoid any temptations. Last night I went out for the first time in a week to see a movie. My friend had two cigarettes. I had none!!! Or any desire to.
Also, I decided this time to quit drinking for at least four months or until I'm feeling really solid about not smoking. I know that drinking has always been my biggest trigger. Plus I think I'm an alcoholic, and quitting drinking won't hurt.
Thanks Hatrack for letting me tell you about my addiction issues. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Good luck!
Have you considered trying something to help you quit? Cold turkey is not nearly as effective as when you use a nicotine patch, one of the various prescriptions, or join a support group.
You can do this, but it's ok to need a little help!
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
I have several friends that quit by going to the local medical center and signing up for the next case study on cigarette smoking. Well, they quit by attending and completing the case study, not just by signing up. And they got free experimental drugs!
That's how I plan to quit. If I ever plan to quit, that is.
Good luck!
Posted by B34N (Member # 9597) on :
congrats! Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
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I also might just cry for a couple of days. ![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
<sigh> ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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