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I?m New; I must quit smoking before next Spring


4 years ago 0 11213 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Welcome markwarrior,

Congrats on taking the first steps towards quitting. Just thinking about quitting is a step forward. It sounds like you really want to quit; but, you have a lot of triggers in your life currently. Stress is a huge trigger for many and care giving is one of the biggest stressors you can have. Is it possible to have another person buy cigarettes for your Mom? The less triggers you can have in your life, the better. Also, have you talked to your doctor about possible quit aids? Your doctor would be the best person to offer suggestions. There are lots over very helpful, evidence based quit aids out right now.

Oh, and you do not have to worry about being bullied here. In me experience, everyone has almost always been very kind and supportive. You have found the right place. Keep us posted.


Ashley, Health Educator
4 years ago 0 796 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Mark,
 Welcome to the website. I see that you have went through most of the "my program" program. Finish that up and then read through these forums. Read, read read. The more you understand about what to expect and how to deal with it, the better off you'll be and the better your chances of making this quit a success. There is a lot of great information in here to help you prepare for your quit journey, and a lot of great hints and tips to help you out  too.  Its best if you have a plan in place, all your ducks in a row so to say. The less you have to think about at the start of your journey the better. That's what the plan is for, so you don't really have to think much. Sorry to hear about all your medical issues, and your moms too. We are always going to have difficulties in life, we just need to learn how to deal with them without falling back on the cigarettes. Since you are reaching out for help before your started your journey, hopefully you will be better prepared for it when you start. Have you picked a date to start yet? "I have to quit but don't know where to start." This is a great place to start. There are a lot of friendly people here that have gone through what you are preparing to go through, that understands what's happening to you. It's different for everybody, but the end result of actually quitting is what this is all about. I wish you the best on your journey, and here's hoping good karma is headed your way! 
Stay strong.
 
Not One Puff Ever
 
  • Quit Meter

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4 years ago 0 175 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Mark
I just re-read what you wrote about quitters being bitter. I have run into similar attitudes on smoking and illness forums. It seems when theres a new-comer people like to get on their high-horse and tell you that you are making a big deal from nothing. You wont find that here. The people here are so kind and understanding.
Also l noticed you love art. Thats a fantastic hobby to engage in while youre quitting. Maybe you could learn a new type of art or paint feelings of your quitting journey. All the best!
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    Days: 100 Hours: 23

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    34,540

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4 years ago 0 175 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Mark
Welcome to SSC. Im glad to hear that you want to give up smoking and its good that you are trying to prepare yourself. Im sorry to hear that you are going through so much physically, mentally and emotionally. Life can be really cruel sometimes cant it. Its unfortunate and unfair that your mum encouraged you to smoke again but it doesnt mean you cant stop again. The good news is that 10yrs is not that long in the smoking world. You can readjust to being a non-smoker with some effort and determination. Journaling is a great idea. You can write down all the reasons you want to stop, how you will benefit, how you will reward yourself etc. Thats what l did when l was mentally preparing myself to quit. Also at the top of this page under "my program" there are questions to answer in preparation. Id also read lots about quitting including on this forum which can be really helpful. 
Im sorry you are going through such a rough time. It sounds like things are mounting up for you and becoming quite hard to bear. You can still quit even though it feels so hard. I quit when things were rough in life because smoking was an added stress l just didnt need. I think you should find some things that help you destress....things you enjoy....maybe a hobby, watching funny movies or long walks are good. Another thing you could try is meditation. It takes some practice but its worth it. Try to balance the negative in your life with something positive. Relaxing music and laying on my bed zoning out works for me. Also walks in nature always cheers me up, even looking at nature on youtube.
I hope you can find some ways to help you through these tough times. I wish you all the best for your surgery. Keep us posted on your quitting progress and other things. Best wishes  
  • Quit Meter

    $13,816.00

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    Days: 100 Hours: 23

    Minutes: 19 Seconds: 59

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    1727

    Smoke Free Days

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    34,540

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4 years ago 0 2 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello, I don't know where to start. Well, I guess I'll start here: I've been smoking for about 10 years. I'm going to be 35 soon and I must quit smoking before next Spring. I've had Lumbar Spinal Fusion surgery, and next Spring I'm going to have to have Cervical Spinal Fusion surgery. I have Degenerative Disc Disease, among a plethora of other things. I feel like I'm beating my head against a brick wall. I've tried to quit in the past and mom talked me back into smoking because she wanted to smoke. Well she's in her 60's now and I live with her, and she gets HIGHLY AGGRESSIVE when she don't have cigs. She'll stress me out to the point of self injury, which is another thing I've dealt with in the past but have almost come to beat. Mom's getting signs of Alzheimer's disease too, which makes it all the more difficult. I feel like I'm going nuts. My doctor has jumped my case pretty heavy about smoking, as my brother does too. I have to quit but don't know where to start. I quit for 3 days last year.... I need a quit-buddy. Anyone available? Anyway, I'm sorry this isn't much of an introduction. I'm stressed at this moment, too, so I'm not sure exactly what to put in my intro. Other than quitting is difficult, but I know it's possible. Please, do not send me "tough love" messages. It doesn't work and makes the stress even worse; bullying me will just lead to worse things for me. I do not need touch love or bullying. That's all I've run into in the past of looking for help to quit smoking online. A lot of people who have quit already seem very bitter. I do not get along with bitter people. So if you're a bully, bitter, or attempting to send me a hate message of "tough love", I won't reply. Help someone? I need a quit buddy. Thank you.
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    Days: 259 Hours: 21

    Minutes: 1 Seconds: 32

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    35,380

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