Thanks Tim

Sorry for not replying in a long time. I have been going through a hard time at work and everyone has been drinking around me now that people are vaccinated. I haven't been drinking alcohol. That is one positive.but I have been smoking more. Some days more then I normally do. I was doing so good cutting back but I am learning I used alcohol to cope with stress and I use smoking to cope with stress. It also like to keep me busy while I'm social situations. I have been feeling really down about it but my gf keeps reminding me how good I am doing by not drinking. I am so lucky to have her.

I still haven't set my quit date. I am not sure when I will.

Your post was really helpful tim. I think I might be scared to fail as well. I am scared I am going to start drinking again if I quit smoking. I really need to work in my head space more I think. Posting here is helpful. It helps to just write things out sometimes.

I will try to at least smoke less today...

Grape..

Hey Grape,

I too tried cutting back before I quit. It was hard for me. Always looking at the clock and counting down when I'd be able to have the "next" one. Counting down the minutes each and EVERY hour. I eventually gave up and went back to smoking like I used to, like you, a pack+ a day.

This quit I'm on now is actually my first REAL attempt at quitting. I mean, I used to say every night when I went to bed that I was going to quit tomorrow, but first thing in the morning I'd light one up. I never really tried in earnest to quit before. I think was scared I would fail and didn't want to really try. I'm the type of person that doesn't like to fail at anything. I'm kind of stubborn too. ? So when I finally decided FOR REAL to try and quit, I started surfing the net learning all I could about what to expect. Then I stumbled on this site. At the time it was it's own website called the Stop Smoking Center. "SSC" The people on her were nice and seemed helpful. (I was a lurker at 1st and just read everything and didn't participate) Finally started participating, and 8 years later here I am. I don't do Facebook, Twitter or any other "social" interactions, just this website.

Enough about me, lets get back to you. You say you've tried quitting multiple times. Each time that you slipped, did you learn from it? Where you able to not let the same thing happen again? Kept your guard up so to say? I hope so. We're all humans and we usually learn from our mistakes.... well most of the time. ?

Enjoy your weekend Grape and keep learning all you can. One day you'll do it, I just know it!

Stay safe, and stay strong!

Thanks for the reply Tim

I haven't set a quit date yet. I am cutting back. I am currently to a half pack. I used to smoke a pack or more a day.

Thank is really impressive that you are 8 years quit. Was it your first time trying to quit? I have attempted quitting multiple times. I am worried this will be another failed attempt but I am trying to stay positive. The fact that I am not drinking will be a big help I think.

Well, I am going to take your advice and read through the group here. Thanks for responding. It means a lot to me.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Hey Grapeseed,

There are a ton of good tips in these forums for you to discover. What works for one person may not work for another, but as long as you really want to quit, you will find your path to freedom from this addiction. I really hope that you get a quit buddy or two. It really would help. It's kind of quiet around here now though. Use the search feature in the messages to help find some tips. And be sure and READ, READ, READ. The more you know about what to expect, the easier it should be for you.

I've been quit going on eight years this October, and I'll try and give you all the support you want. I sort of understand what you will be going through, but like I said, no two quits are the same. What worked for me may not apply to your journey, but then again, maybe somethings will work for you.

Tip number 1, do this with a POSITVE attitude. You need to believe in yourself. It's probably not going to be easy, but you can do this. Slips happen, and if it does, don't beat yourself up over it just get back on your journey and learn from the mistake(s).

It's good to hear that you have stopped drinking too. Alcohol has ruined so many quit journeys. You drop your defenses, or you are less defensive if you're not sober. You gotta keep your guard up at all times, that NicoDemon is VERY tricky and does not give up.

Have you chosen a quit date yet? That was kind of scary for me, especially the night before when it came. It's really going to be a whole new life for you. So many things are going to change, but the change is good. Keep a journal of your quit too. That will help you out if you have any slips, and down the road months or years from now you will probably get a kick out of what you wrote.

The 1st week is called "HELL WEEK" for a reason. Stick to your plan and do whatever you can to avoid that first cigarette. Don't think about next month or next week or even tomorrow. Take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time. I got addicted to life saver mints when I quit. Had a pocket full all the time and when an urge came, popped one in the mouth and said to myself, I CAN do this. The urge will go away in time. Munching on ice helps curb the urge too, as does fruits and veggies. WHATEVER works for you.

Please keep us posted on your journey. It helps you to write your feelings out, and it could help others that are thinking about quitting too.

Stay safe!

Hello

I am finally ready to make a plan to quit smoking. I have recently stopped drinking and I now feel ready to quit smoking too. Is anyone else planning on quitting soon?

Any tips to get started? It would be great to have a quit buddy or someone with experience to offer me support here once in awhile.

Thanks in advance

Grape