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11 years and counting

Timbo637

2024-10-31 6:49 AM

Quit Smoking Community

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Feels like hell week all over!!

Timbo637

2024-10-30 9:38 AM

Quit Smoking Community

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Roller Coaster Withdrawal

Timbo637

2024-10-14 12:28 PM

Quit Smoking Community

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Smile....and don't shoot the messenger

Timbo637

2024-09-27 3:17 PM

Quit Smoking Community

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Something Aloha Said


13 years ago 0 1985 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Welcome to you the class of 2011,
 
Let's get started, do it, and it.
13 years ago 0 1985 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
What to do and how to, add on your advice
13 years ago 0 97 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Time is the only way to get past the psychological part.  It takes time for the brain to rebuild itself, to recover from the physical damage done by tobacco, and to extinguish the memory associations with smoking.
 
During that time there were various levels of wanting to smoke; none that I could actually call craves, but more like warm memories and nudges.  Those, I believe, were the results of the memory associations.  Their frequency and urgency diminished over the years.  They still arise weakly from time to time, especially if I'm in violation of any aspect of H.A.L.T. 
 
The technique I used is the knowing that it was all in my head.  I maintained awareness that what I was feeling was, in fact, good; that I was not being harmed; and the fact that I was feeling them indicated I was doing the right things.  I literally embraced them as the signs of healing that they truly were.
 
Your conscious brain is far more intelligent than your lizard brain (the limbic system).  Let it run your life.
13 years ago 0 11226 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Great point sticking to it.
 
Members, how did you or are you getting over the psychological aspect of quitting?
 
 

Ashley, Health Educator
13 years ago 0 1985 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0

Getting through the addictive part of smoking is the easier of the two; the longer and sometimes prolonged psychological aspect of smoking takes more time.  However it can be done and distractions of all types are key.  For a while there is going to be a need to channel your new found energies into something you find enjoyable and constructed.   A personal example that worked for me was working out with weights.  You cannot enjoy smoking when you are out of breath and when your body is thrilled and thanking you for the lift.  Once you are well and over the addictive part, step back, take a look and see that smoking is a thinky used to occupy your time, energy and waste your money.  You can forget about it completely. I am the very last person in my lifelong group of friends who quit smoking.  Every single one of them quit smoking at least 5 years prior to me, most 20 to 25 years prior. No one ever, ever brings of smoking, it is foreign to all of us.  That’s the sweet spot and that’s where you want to be.  You friends are deserving and are no different than my lifelong friends.  Like Aloha has said, "Can't remember the last time I actually thought about, or imagined, smoking a cigarette. I'll throw it out there to see what my smoking friends or family will say, but I haven't actually imagined it."

 

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