Great post, Ashley. Thanks for pointing out that quitting smoking is not a contest. There is no such thing as cheating. Either we are smoking or we are not.
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 5/1/2009 Smoke-Free Days: 163 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 4,564 Amount Saved: $1,768.55 Life Gained: Days: 17 Hrs: 20 Mins: 55 Seconds: 35
Many often ask why cut down? Is cutting down is a good strategy?
This is a great question. However, most quitters can’t just cut down because the power of nicotine addiction convinces them to have “just one more drag” and they end up smoking more.
Also, what you really need to focus on when you quit is adjusting to a new life without the nicotine product that you’re used to having around.
We strongly suggest that when you quit, you get rid of ALL ashtrays, lighters, matches ANYTHING that has to do with your habit. We mean everything. If you have an old fashion "smoking jacket" - dump it (or sell it on eBay)! Although it may be hard to get rid of these items, why keep them around? After you quit you'll never need them again.
Some people feel that using an NRT is “cheating” because even though nicotine is not being absorbed into your body from smoking a cigarette, you‘re still having nicotine absorbed into your body through the NRT. For some people all nicotine use is bad.
What’s important to realize is that while small amounts of nicotine may be entering your bloodstream through NRT use, you're not smoking. Many quitters attribute their success to the use of NRTs. They feel that, especially during the first few weeks of quitting, that NRTs really help them focus on getting used to their quit program and changing their behaviour. Once they’re used to their quit program, they can then focus on gradually stopping their use of NRT.
We suggest that you talk to your doctor, pharmacist and other quitters if you’re not sure if you want to use an NRT. It’s really a personal choice, and we suggest that you make a personal decision.
What’s most important is that you learn to quit, teach your body to live without nicotine, and you do it as comfortably as possible.
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