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Experiment?


17 years ago 0 2631 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Well..having completed 2 weeks of not smoking, I am entering my first "test" this weekend. We are going to a family gathering followed my bonding time with my sister-in-law's (which usually involves wine) I know that alcohol is a trigger for me. However, I rarely drink alcohol (given that I am getting old and boring and my party days are far behind me). I probably don't drink alcohol more than once a month. Today, I went out and bought a bottle of red wine (given that I rarely drink red wine except occasionally with a meal). I decided to pour myself a glass in my own home rather than trying to resist cravings in a social situation. So I am sitting here still sipping on the same glass that I poured over an hour ago. I was actually kinda thinking that a glass of red wine might turn into something to look forward to at the end of the day. Well - so far it certainly doesn't activate the same triggers that stress does. (Thought I would drink a glass of wine every once in a while at the end of the day) However, I wonder if it is kind of a stupid experiment. Alcohol has never been something I crave or am addicted to. However, does an addict ever to try to replace one addiction with another? On the other hand, drinking a glass of wine at home does kinda take away it's power as a trigger. Kinda wondering what other people think. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/11/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 15 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 318 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 10 [B]Seconds:[/B] 23
17 years ago 0 2631 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi folks...Lady...I do appreciate the reply. I agree that I don't want to replace a bad habit with another. However, I have enjoyed having drinks every once in awhile. I know that I am addicted to cigarettes and I know that I am not addicted alcohol. (But I have seen people replace one addiction with another and would not want to run that risk) On the other hand, I do want to be able to enjoy drinks with friends again. I thought that dealing with the "trigger" at home vs in a social situation might be better. I guess the experiment was okay. Did not feel like running out and buying smokes. Do not feel like having another glass of wine...however...having big craves for my "relaxing" green tea and sour candies! I really did want to hear what other people think so appreciate your thoughts/opinions. Windy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/11/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 15 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 318 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 13 [B]Seconds:[/B] 31
17 years ago 0 2830 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Windy, No, I certainly do not think that [b]"A"[/b] glass of wine after dinner is going to hurt you... in fact, many red wines, when drank in moderation, can have some medicinal benefits for the heart and the digestive system. Yes, replacing one addiction for another is dangerous, but ONE glass of wine after dinner is hardly considered an addiction... just make sure that it stays at that. The only problem that I see with this is the lowered inhibitions that often come with imbibing. You can have one or two drinks and usually be fine, but if you decide to drink more than that when you are, say with your sister-in-laws, you might find that alcohol IS a trigger, and if you're not strong enough, or are too drunk to combat the junkie talk when you're less than sober, then you might find yourself in a situation that you don't want to be in... e.g. - smoking. So be careful when you go out drinking... limit your drinking to no more than 2 drinks for the entire night until you are more secure in your quit. Have fun and don't worry about becoming an alcoholic off of one glass of wine. Crave the Quit! Pam [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/28/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 333 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 8,347 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1375.29 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 24 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 34 [B]Seconds:[/B] 9
17 years ago 0 3131 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Windy, smart, you tried it at home in preparation of the party. Now I suggest you bring your tea and sour candies with you also, you'll probably have more fun that way, :)Marie [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/13/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 105 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,588 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $420 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 13 [B]Hrs:[/B] 23 [B]Mins:[/B] 13 [B]Seconds:[/B] 50
17 years ago 0 2838 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Well...I am kind of like you. Never been much of a drinker and I have never really associated drinking with smoking. Since I have quit smoking, I do have a drink in the late evening with my husband before bed and I find this relaxing. I do know that drinking lowers your inhibitions, like BFS said, so I would be careful in over-doing it. That is where you will find yourself more likely to light up. I suppose moderation is the key...You can still have a good time and not be blitzed. If all else fails, take Duckie along---I have a feeling she's the life of the party sober! ;)
17 years ago 0 3368 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I found that drinks taste so much better when not masked by smoking. I can actually taste the difference flavors in wine and beer now. It is wonderful that I can appreciate the differences now. I am not a big drinker, but when I feel like a drink I don't worry about it causing me a trigger or crave. Why would I want to smoke and rob myself of being able to really enjoy the full embodiment of the drink. I think enjoying 'A' drink or 'some' drinks with friends on occasion is wonderful. I take care to make sure it does not become a habit though. [b]I don't think I would call anything that could potentially become an unhealthy addiction a reward.[/b] I'm a strong believer that what we tell our subconscious is very important) That does not however mean you should not be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage if you choose to do so, imo. Cheers, Free [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/12/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 138 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,154 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $552 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 11 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 35 [B]Seconds:[/B] 26
  • Quit Meter

    $54,514.80

    Amount Saved

  • Quit Meter

    Days: 5957 Hours: 13

    Minutes: 41 Seconds: 42

    Life Gained

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    45429

    Smoke Free Days

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    136,287

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

17 years ago 0 5195 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Windy, I may get a lot of flack for this post but you asked for opinions. Let me start by saying I am not a drinker; however, was married to an alcoholic for many years. The life of an alcoholic is not one I recommend to anyone. Why not replace the unhealthy addiction of smoking with a healthy addiction? Couldn't you find something more satisfying than a drink to reward yourself with for not smoking? I have replaced my smoking addiction with an addiction for living life. Is there some kind of hobby you could start? Maybe something you have always thought of doing but never had the time. I have been learning to play golf since I quit. There is a world of things that are positive that you can do. Besides drinking is a depressant. This is just my opinion. Take what you want and leave the rest. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 7/1/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 452 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 9,058 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1582 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 39 [B]Hrs:[/B] 21 [B]Mins:[/B] 54 [B]Seconds:[/B] 9
17 years ago 0 189 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Good for you...you bought your self that bottle of wine that we were talking about??? How are we doing??? [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/10/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 16 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 338 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $88 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 25 [B]Seconds:[/B] 45
  • Quit Meter

    $39,753.44

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  • Quit Meter

    Days: 566 Hours: 1

    Minutes: 3 Seconds: 32

    Life Gained

  • Quit Meter

    5345

    Smoke Free Days

  • Quit Meter

    133,625

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

17 years ago 0 12049 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Windy, Thanks for the insightful question.We do not recommend that people drink alcohol for the first few weeks into their quit because it often triggers a craving. Alcohol also reduces one's ability to say no to others who may offer you a cigarette. However, it is different for everyone and some may not see alcohol as a trigger. If you are replacing one addiction with another, make it a good one :) Use water, veggies, gum or candy, exercise or even stretches to help you cope. Always have your coping mechanisms with you, the experiment may have worked at home, but other factors may introduce themselves, so be ready :) Keep Strong, Josie _____________________ The SSC Support Team.

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