Dear Working On It - Let me start by saying Congrats to you on your 6 months...you give me hope that it is possible. And secondly, thanks for the book recommendation. I love to read and think this will be one of my saving graces. I also just ordered Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking, although I sure think the last thing it is going to be is easy! Thanks again, Shannon
I think I just answered another post of yours, but I'll say "welcome" here, too. I'm glad you are seeking support during your quit process. This board has been very helpful to me.
I can totally relate to the anxiety that you are describing. I just want to tell you up front that I no longer feel that anxiety. It does end.
If you want some intensive reading, you can check out the free online ebook Freedom From Nicotine by John Polito. (You can google it up.) One of the valuable things I found in the book was his approach to the quitting anxiety. he explains that the physical withdrawal will be completed after 3 days. After that time, your sense of internal calm will go way up. He also provides some points of view to help you to manage that anxiety when it is happening. I read a lot of that book when I was doing my first three days without nicotine. It kept my mind occupied and positively focused.
You might also want to check out some of the information on quit aids--either the medications or the nicotine replacement methods. Sometimes easing into the process can alleviate some of the anxiety. I also used nicotine lozenges for quite some time before finally letting go.
Basically, I had A LOT of anxiety, and needed everything I could get to help me. But I have been clean for a little over 6 months now, and I'm very happy that I did it.
They always say, you will quit when you are ready, I finally think that I am ready. My name is Shannon and I have been smoking for half my life now (I am 32). I have not gone one day in those 16 years without a cigarette and I am tired of being controlled. Also, I want a baby and I know I have to quit before that happens. I have been mentally preparing myself for a couple weeks now...cutting down, purposely not smoking when I usually do to feel the anxiety...In the past couple days, I have been feeling an intense amount of anxiety just thinking about NOT smoking. I am dreading it, but looking forward to it at the same time...I appreciate the support.
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