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Quitting after 43 years

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Quitting after 43 years

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2778

Hey Lynda!!!

Congrats on getting those first few days under your belt!

I used Chantix, too, and luckily found the SSC the same time I started on the drug! It was the combination that worked for me after smoking for over 37 years and many failed attempts at quitting! Use the Program and Tools here to gain the knowledge you need! Also, stick close to the Forums and yell when you need a hand! It's also great to read and learn from others here on the Forums! There is a wealth of information here that has helped many new quitters! You CAN do this!

Jim

Quit Meter

$44,280.00

Amount Saved
Quit Meter

Days: 1059 Hours: 17

Minutes: 56 Seconds: 15

Life Gained
Quit Meter

5904

Smoke Free Days
Quit Meter

177,120

Cigarettes Not Smoked

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1140

Hello lindawsf, and congratulations on your decision to quit. It sounds like the medication you are using is working well for you. (My first day off nicotine was a bit more---ahem--traumatic

than what you are describing.)

I do also remember that "something missing" feeling. It was almost like I'd forgotten to put on clothes or something. I remember having to come up with little rituals to replace the cigarette rituals at certain points in the day. For instance, used to walk across the street by my work and squat by a bush to smoke. (No smoking allowed on the property at my work and I didn't want to be seen by certain people.) When I started giving up the cigarettes I smoked at work, I continued to take my little walk around by the bush for while. It gave me a little de-stress break form the work day and allowed me to recollect myself--just as a cigarette had done for me in the past. My need to do that eventually wore off, and my old bush has been lonely for some time now. But still, it gave me a little security blanket for the while that I needed it.

I also used mints. Breathing in through my mouth with a cool mint seems to replace my need for the sensation of inhaling smoke after a meal. I still keep those around and use them a few times a day.

I'm sure you will find a few replacement behaviors as you settle into this quit.

Once again, welcome to the boards. If you need ideas or a pep talk, there are lots of folks here who can do it. I look forward to hearing of your progress.

Quit Meter

$22,551.85

Amount Saved
Quit Meter

Days: 602 Hours: 19

Minutes: 40 Seconds: 11

Life Gained
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4379

Smoke Free Days
Quit Meter

87,580

Cigarettes Not Smoked

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 3307

Welcome to SSC; the best place to quit smoking!!! Congrats on day 1. As long as you don't smoke you never have to day one over again

. I have had way to many day ones and believe me it is so not worth it. One puff ruins it every time

. Read old post, work the program and come here and share. You will find it not only helps you but will help the rest. We love to celebrate each milestone. So come join us and remember N.O.P.E. (not one puff ever) Glad you are here.

Keep the Quit

Sparky

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11214

Welcome Lyndawsf,

Congratulations on day 1! We can help you through this. Start by reading through the program and doing a keyword search in the support group. The more information you can arm yourself with the better. Also, post often in the support group - many members attribute their quit to the support they have received here.

Quitting is a physical, emotional and behavioural process. We will help you understand it and take control of it. Feeling like something is missing is completely normal. Smoking has been a big part of your life for a long time. Finding healthy replacements can help with this. For example, many quitters crave a cigerette when they are stressed. Instead of smoking they may practice meditation, deep breathing or go for a walk.

When do you feel something is missing and what do you think you could do instead of smoking as a replacement?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

Thank you and well done for 5 years

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 816

Hello lyndawsf and welcome. I smoked for 43 years as well. Things seem strange and like something is missing because you're learning to do everything all over again but this time without the cigarettes. I remember the self talk and feeling of OK now what do I do ? You say that you can not imagine your life without a cigarette well I say start imagining yourself as a non-smoker. I never thought that I would be able to stop either but here I am nearly five years later smoke free. Yes there is life after cigarettes and more life than can be imagined now. Go through the program here , drink plenty of ice water when craving and don't forget to reward yourself for not smoking. We're here to support you. You're the most important person here. Excellent for you for not smoking today. breather

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

OK so I have finally bitten the bullet and am attempting to quit smoking. I have smoked for 43 years and I cannot imaging my life without a cigarette. I am taking Champix and had my last cigarette yesterday morning and so far so good - it's a bit strange like something is missing but not really strong cravings or mood swings as I have had in the past. Would love some support thhrough this though

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Quitting after 43 years