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Share your quitting journey

START your Quit Right!

Thomas3.20.2010
1 6 50

Good Afternoon Fellow EXers and Becomers!

You are about to embark on an incredible personal journey of transformation from Addiction to Freedom! Not all of it is “easy” but all of it is worthwhile and beneficial not only physically but on every level!

Just thinking about quitting may make you anxious. But your chances will be better if you get ready first. Quitting works best when you’re prepared. Before you quit, START by taking these five important steps:

S=Set a Quit Date.

TODAY is a Great Date to begin your Life of FREEDOM!

T=Tell Family, Friends, and Coworkers that you plan to Quit.

Quitting smoking is easier with the support of others. Be sure to tell them exactly how they can be supportive! The more support you get, the better. But even a little can help. And don’t be timid about setting clear boundaries around your smoking friends’ relationships!

/blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2014/06/29/successful-quitters-stay-away-from-smokers 

A=Anticipate and plan for the challenges you’ll face while quitting.

Most people who go back to smoking do it within four months. It helps to know when you desire a cigarette most. Take Dale Jonescarp”s 130 Day challenge and visit his page:

What To Expect The First 4 Months

/blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/06/26/what-to-expect-in-the-first-four-months 

No Mans Land (Study From Thomas Precedes)

/blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2012/08/27/knowledge-is-power-know-your-enemy 

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2011/05/24/no-mans-land-days-30-to130-appr... 

and, the two sets of seasons building new memories without smoking to strengthen your quit

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2013/12/05/the-two-sets-of-seasons 

 

You should expect feelings of withdrawal. Understanding how withdrawal works helps you cope with it and get through those critical 4 Months. Withdrawal is the discomfort of giving up nicotine. It is your body’s way of telling you it’s learning to be smoke-free. These feelings will go away in time.

 

/blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2014/06/13/what-is-normal-withdrawal 

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/a_symptoms.html

 

R=Remove cigarettes, paraphernalia, and other nicotine products such as e-cigarettes from your home, car, and work.

Getting rid of things that remind you of smoking will also help you get ready to quit. Try these ideas:

      
  • Make things clean and fresh at work, in your car, and at home. Clean your drapes and clothes. Shampoo your car. Buy yourself flowers. You will enjoy their scent as your sense of smell returns.
  •   
  • Throw away all your cigarettes and matches. Give or throw away your lighters and ashtrays. Remember the ashtray and lighter in your car!
  •   
  • Have your dentist clean your teeth to get rid of smoking stains. See how great they look. Try to keep them that way.
  •   
  • Some smokers save one pack of cigarettes. They do it “just in case.” Or they want to prove they have the willpower not to smoke. Don’t! Saving one pack just makes it easier to start smoking again.

Don’t use other forms of tobacco instead of cigarettes

Light or low-tar cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes and herbal cigarettes also harm your health. For example, bidi cigarettes are just as bad as regular cigarettes. Clove cigarettes are even worse. They have more tar, nicotine, and deadly gases. All nicotine products have harmful chemicals and poisons.

T=Talk to your Health Team (Doctor, Counselor, Massage Therapist, etc.) about your plans to Quit Smoking and ask for their help.

They may have suggestions that can help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms you may experience. If you have problems quitting “smart turkey” they can suggest alternatives.

/blogs/SkyGirl-blog/2013/07/20/a-smart-turkey 

There are many, many SUCCESSFUL Quitters here at becomeanEX! They have what you want and they will show you how to get there! 

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About the Author
63 years old. 20 year smoker. 11 Years FREE! Diagnosed with COPD. Choosing a Quality LIFE! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1