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How to let go of the NRTs???

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How to let go of the NRTs???

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1853

Hi dori,

Sounds like you're off to a great start. Being gentle on yourself through the quit and taking time for yourself to exercise, get fresh air, think positively and posting on the forums are all excellent strategies to keep you focused and strong.

What are some health benefits you have noticed since quitting?

Vincenza, Health Educator

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 153

Thanks Jim for the suggestions. I've cut out 1 of my 2 inhalers starting yesterday and plan to slowly start reducing the gum. I know I never want to smoke again and the smoking cessation counsellor I was referred to gave me a good bit of enciuragement too. She reminded me that these products essentially do no harm so not to pressure myself too much to let go of them too soon. She said that most people take 3 to 6 months to completely get off of them. I guess I'm just being impatient but with the support and feedback I've recieved, I have a better attitude towards the whole thing today. Afterall, I've been smoking for 30 years, I can't expect to just drop it overnight with no problems. I keep reminding myself of everything I've gained already by not smoking and will persevere with the battle. I excercise every morning before work and that's a huge mood booster too.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2778

Hey Dori!!!

Hang tough and slowly ween off the gum after you've gotten used to not using the inhaler. You're smoke free now and that is one BIG step! Several here have been very successful in going through the weening process and you can follow in their footsteps. You might consider eliminating one piece a day for a week at a time to see how your tolerance is or you may just try to use them as needed without going over your "limit". What ever you decide, just don't smoke!

We've got your back!

Jim

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11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11215

Amazing! It will only get better from here. Enjoy the ride

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 153

Extremely liberating! I can enjoy a nice dinner out without racing for the door after my last bite to go out and smoke, or worse still, sometimes between courses. I'm not clock watching at work during meetings. Believe it or not sometimes I would have a cigarette at the transition station between events during my duathalons! How addiction controlled is that!!Now I can focus on the event rather than wanting to smoke.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11215

Hi Dori,

Sounds like you got some good advice from your pharmacist. Stick with it. It may be a bit tough but in the long run it will be worth it. I notice you are into dualathalons and going to the gym, these are great activities to partake in while you are cutting back on the nicotine. The exercise will help you with the withdrawal and the mood swings so exercise as much as you can. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water and be easy on yourself. If you feel down one day take it easy and do something to lift your spirits; remind yourself that the down feeling is just due to the withdrawal and it will pass. Try to keep an eye on you mind chatter and don't engage with negative thoughts.

We will be here for you whenever you need us so please post if you ever feel down and need to chat.

Having no desire to smoke is an amazing leap forward. How does it feel to have already accomplished that?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 153

Thanks for the feedback. I am working with a pharmacist who is a smoking cessation counseller at my doctor's clinic. She is suggesting to gradually reduce every 4 or 5 days starting 1st with getting rid of the inhaler in order to eliminate the hand to mouth association. I guess I'm like Working On It, I tend to be stubborn and contrary and want to get it over with. When I had to stop the patch because I developed a reaction to it and was left with the gum and inhaler only, I got the withdrawls for about 2 days so I have had a small taste of how lousy it is. I too did everything wrong 3 years ago when I quit drinking. I went cold turkey even though you really shouldn't do that because of the medical risks. However, luckily I've been sober for 3 years now. The only thing about going cold turkey with the smoking that I'm afraid of is caving to buying cigarettes. I definitely have no desire to smoke anymore but physically I still really crave the nicotine and when I have the gum or inhaler it instantly improves my mood which crashes into depressiveness and irritability when my nicotine levels get really low, much like when I was smoking. I guess I'm tired of the roller coaster and want to get it over with.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11215

Hi Dori,

Working on it is right your best bet is to talk to your Doctor or pharmacist about weaning off the medication. Let us know what you find out.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1140

Are you doing your quit with medical supervision? I think your doctor could recommend a schedule for weaning off. I ended up going cold turkey with the NRTs at the end, so I got all the physical withdrawal symptoms. However, I had already dealt with a lot of the psychological attachment to cigarettes already. It made the physical withdrawal a bit more bearable, more like having a bad flu and knowing that it will end. On the other hand, I did everything the wrong way in my quit, since I am a difficuly and contrary person. ;) I think it is really what you and your doctor decide. I think it aldo depends on how much nicotine you are needing right now.

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How to let go of the NRTs???