Isn't this amazing? You're in Australia, I'm in Arizona, USA, and here we are "talking". Ain't modern technology wonderful?
I smoked for about 39 years, pack a day for most of the time. Only tried to quit once, 25 years ago. Lasted about an hour. This time I quit with Wellbutrin (Zyban) and a lot of determination.
I don't know why you've lost all confidence in giving up smoking. Was it because you've had unsuccessful attempts in the past? IMO, as long as you continue to try, you have not failed. You have simply learned what doesn't work. If Zyban + Nicorette doesn't work, then you try something else. Whatever it takes.
Quitting isn't easy. If it was, nobody would smoke, there would be no Zyban or Nicorette or SSC, and I'd be in bed right now (LOL).
This could very well be the hardest thing you've ever done. I will not lie to you or sugar coat it. Nicotine is the most addictive drug there is; more so that heroin or cocaine. Plus it's legal so that stigma isn't there either.
But quitting is possible. I'm just one of many who are proof of that. It takes determination, attitude, and committment. Everything else are just helpers.
Coping methods:
Deep breathing: Deep breaths from the diaphragm. Inhale slow, hold a second, exhale slow, hold a second, repeat. Concentrate on the feeling of the air moving in and out, ignore all else.
Distraction: keep busy, keep moving if necessary, exercise is very good for killing a crave.
Eating: shell and eat sunflower seeds one at a time. Lots of activity, very little intake. Sugar-free candy, nuts, etc. Green tea is supposed to help (I don't know, can't stand it).
Pseudo-eating: Chew on straws, toothpicks, whatever to keep your mouth busy. If you take a straw that's about the diameter of a cig, cut it to about 3 inches long, fold and crimp (bite) one end ("fire" end) until it feels like a cig when you suck on it. Makes a great prosthetic and you can "smoke" anywhere.
Positive self-talk: Never was big on this myself, but others say it works for them.
When the mood swings bad, punch pillows, scream at them (unless the neighbors will call the cops), cry if you want (it's expected), and get on this site and post. You can come here and vent all you want, nobody will be offend
