So, I've stopped smoking again... I started smoking at 13 and am 35 now. Over the past 10 years, I've attempted to stop smoking 7 or 8 times, each time using a Nicotine Replacement Therapy. My longest quit using an NRT was 58 days.
On December 22nd, 2005, I decided to go one day without a cigarette, in the hopes that I could be smoke free by my 35th birthday on January 22nd.
As of now, I'm 104 days nicotine free... I have my up days and my down days, but with each day, the craving keeps getting smaller and smaller. I'm just here looking for support as I continue this roller coaster.
Every day I tell myself that statistically someone dies from a tobacco related illness every 8 seconds, and I don't want to be one of those casualties.
So, I guess, I'm here to rant, seek support and friends.
Wishing you all peace,
Jackey
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 104
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,093
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $434.72
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 19 [B]Seconds:[/B] 59
Hi Parola,
The way I find I can keep the nicodemon in control is simply by counting. I start out 1001... 1002... 1003... all the way to 1008 then I stop, take a deep breath and realize that someone in the world has just died from a tobacco related illness. I use this as a way to shock myself back into to the now, and to remind myself why I'm quitting.
CONGRATULATIONS on staying the course so far. It gets easier. Cravings can hit at any time, but it DOES get easier.
Jackey
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 105
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,102
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $438.9
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 49 [B]Seconds:[/B] 28
It's horrible... I have a widget on my computer that keeps a count that includes the number of world deaths related to tobacco... at my quit time 104 days 19 hours 37 minutes and 15 seconds there were 1,148,800 people (worldwide) that have *statistically* died since I've quit. That's a sobering thought.
Jackey
I completely agree with Lady.... I don't ever have to go through that 30 day craving again if I never buy another pack of cigarettes. That's a wonderful thought. It even gets easier and easier. On my 100th day, I was able to go into the store that I usually bought my butts (the local gas station) and pick up a bottle of water and pack of gum without the first craving.
Hang in there Alexa. It gets better with each clean breath of air.
Jackey
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 105
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,109
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $438.9
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 10 [B]Seconds:[/B] 20
Minnie,
During one of my prior quits I tried Wellbutrin, but couldn't handle the drug... It made me gain weight, which it never does... (I'm special :o})
That said, you will want to work closely with your doctor to come off of the medication, because you can have withdrawal problems, as Wellbutrin is a powerful anti-depressant, as well as a NRT.
Your MD should set you up on a simple step-down schedule to wean you from the drug, and you'll be fine.
CONGRATULATIONS on your quit.
Jackey
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 105
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,118
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $438.9
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 24 [B]Seconds:[/B] 19
CONGRATULATIONS on 9 days Mich.
Some things that work for me... Guided meditation. It's a wonder how 25 - 30 minutes listening to a cd in a darkened room can transport (and quieten) the mind (If you can find the time)
I've posted this one before: When I'm really going crazy, I count, 1001, 1002, 1003... all the way to 1008... a full 8 seconds and then remind myself that somewhere, someone has just died from a tobacco related illness. That always brings me back to focus.
I've actually just read a new statistic that says the real number may be a death every 6.5 seconds. How scary is that?
Hot Herbal Tea or Ice Water can also be a great sorce of comfort.
And if you just can't handle being in the house, because you can smoke there, get out. Go for a walk. Go to a Park/Zoo/the Shops/a movie, any place that diverts your mind.
You can do this.
Peace,
Jackey
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 106
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,129
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $443.08
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 25 [B]Seconds:[/B] 54
Good Morning Kaiser,
First, Congratulations on your next quit. Second, it takes a big person to admit when they've made a mistake, take some pride in your inner-strength. I smoked for years, telling my partner of 13 years that I had quit, (having to shower as soon as I came in from work and making sure I always had a stick of gum in my mouth to mask the horrbile smell of tobacco smoke) so I know your shame. All the same, you're dealing with something bigger than you. You're dealing with an addiction that is said to be stronger than the addiction to heroin!
Now, the biggest thing is to make sure you've learned your lessons from your lumps, and get right back on the bandwagon.
Best of Luck to you.
Peace,
Jackey
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 106
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,129
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $443.08
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 24 [B]Seconds:[/B] 24
Congratulations DD...
Oh man... One day and you've made it to the gas station... It took me 100 days before I could go back to my "regular" gas station to fill up. I'm amazed at your strength.
Happy Travels as a Non-Smoker
Jackey
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/22/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 105
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,118
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $438.9
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 25 [B]Seconds:[/B] 9
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