Hello capetowngirl!
Welcome. I don't have a miracle answer for you, but I just thought I would share my story. Maybe it will help.
I am only 34, and I smoked for 18 yrs. I was a pack and a half a day smoker. My hubby was a 2 pack a day smoker. Our prior attempts at quitting lasted all but 6 hours. I smoked through both of my pregnacies, and surgeries. What a dedicated smoker huh?
I just thought I "loved" smoking, and that since I smoked through my pregnancies, (people said cant you quit for your baby?) I thought there was no hope for me. If I couldnt do it when I was preg, then I'll never quit!!
Well, I know now why I failed. I had no plan. I had no insight as to what was happening to my body. I didn't have a clue what to do with myself when I wanted that cig. So, it is clear. Without knowledge and a plan, there is no hope in sucess.
I was 2 or 3 days into my quit when I stumbled across this site. What a lifesaver! Without this site, I probably would have caved in.
Please, take a while and go through the steps. I promise it helps. Take your time and really think about your steps and answers. Then, just go for it! You will be prepared, and you can do it!
The first week is hard. But I invested in Lifesavers and gum. I still do. My cravings have almost gone away. Now and then, I get a wave of "what do I do now... I wish I could have that feeling of aaahhhh that a cig provided." But it quickly passes.
My hubby and I saw a hypnotist. It has helped keep us calm when cravings hit. It made us think about the nasty taste. That is what I remember. It was well worth the money. Cold turkey is hard, but the hypnosis helped.
Anyhow, keep posting. The people here are wonderful! We are all here voting for you!
Stay strong.......
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/5/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 11
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 230
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $35.97
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 22 [B]Mins:[/B] 13 [B]Seconds:[/B] 20
