Annie,
Congratulations on your decision to quit and welcome to the SSC.
I quit by using the patch. The whole point of the patch is to make the transition to being an ex-smoker as easy as possible by reducing the cravings. The patch feeds you a measured dose of nicotine to keep your addiction on the happy side. Smokers are simply nicotine addicts. Never forget that.
The patch does not replace a persons Strength, Determination, Commitment and Positive Attitude. You stll need all of those things to effectively quit. Quitting smoking is more than just not smoking anymore. It's about a lifestye change and changing the way you cope with life. You will no longer have your cancer crutches to help you along with decisions. You will be living life just like a never smoker does.. by dealing with life head on.
They don't call the first week of a quit "Hell Week" for nothing. Your body wants you to smoke, yet your mind knows you shouldn't. The difference between someone who doesn't stay quit verus someone who does stay quit is as simple as ones personal commitment to their quit. A quit gets much better and much easier as time passes. Don't forget you spent years as a smoker.. it will take more than a few weeks to relearn how to deal with life as an ex-smoker. Give yourself that chance. Be patient. Read and learn about the quit process. Have some healthy snacks on hand. Exercise a bit. I chewed on straws early on and sipped on ice water. Just hang in there. It does get better.
Best wishes.
[b][color=Purple]Be Strong. Be Smart. Be Quit[/color]
[color=black]Joe[/color]
[size=3][color=Blue]Knowledge Replaces Fear[/color][/size]
[size=2][color=black]Illegitimus non carborundum est[/color][/size][/b]
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/15/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 258
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,469
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $632.1
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 45 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 52 [B]Seconds:[/B] 48
-
Quit Meter
$36,332.00
Amount Saved
-
Quit Meter
Days: 9768
Hours: 0
Minutes: 51
Seconds: 45
Life Gained
-
Quit Meter
45415
Smoke Free Days
-
Quit Meter
363,320
Cigarettes Not Smoked
