First time for everything

Blog Post created by PastTense on Sep 25, 2019

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I went out for a beer with a co-worker after work yesterday. Driving home later that night I had an absolutely INTENSE craving. This startled me; I'm at day 55 and clearly no longer in withdrawal. I couldn't understand where it came from.

Then it hit me: this was the first time I had gone out since I quit smoking. So this was the first time I got hit with the after-drinking trigger.

My number one trigger is driving. I have resisted that one at least 100 times, so that particular habit is broken (or at least fading). I haven't had to resist the after-drinking trigger before, so it was full-color. It will probably take me a few more times of pushing through that trigger before it fades to nothing.

I was pondering other situations where I got hit with a trigger "out of the blue"; like going to a certain store. I used to smoke in that parking lot (trees for shade). The first time I went back there after I had been quit maybe a week, was really tough. I was practically hyperventilating.

The lesson for me is to be aware. I don't know how many triggers I have out there, laying in wait, ready to pounce.

The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

Day 56

Outcomes

12 Comments

sweetplt Sep 25, 2019 8:06 AM
Oh yes...many triggers out there ... some will say out of nowhere they will come after so much time quit....I had one at 150 days quit...when I came out of the Doctors ... Can you believe it? Out of nowhere it was so strong and I drove off talking to myself...it was so uncomfortable, but soon it faded...you are learning so much on your journey...Congratulation on 55 days quit...keep vigilant and keep enjoying Life...Happy Wednesday ~ Colleen 296 DOF
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YoungAtHeart Sep 25, 2019 8:16 AM
You will need to continue to be careful about drinking alcohol. It lessens your inhibitions and might lead to your changed brain function convincing you that "just one" would be OK. Drinking while quitting is a proven quit killer...there is never "just one" to an addict. It will always, maybe not right away but always, lead to another and another until you are a full-time smoker again.
Be warned!
Nancy
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- PastTense @ YoungAtHeart on Sep 25, 2019 8:22 AM
  Nancy,
  I take the warning to heart. I have lost too many early quits to the "just one" syndrome. I had to do some fast talking to myself to keep me from stopping and buying last night. It was a close shave.
  But, eventually I have to power through every trigger. The only way to the other side is through the middle.
  PT
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Barbscloud Sep 25, 2019 9:08 AM
Every time we experience an old situation without smoking, we're learning new associations that will be easier the next time we encounter them. It took me a couple of months before I could sit on my deck without smoking. Now I can. With practice, these new associations become our new way of living. Good job!
Barb
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marciem Sep 25, 2019 9:14 AM
The first time for anything after quitting can be a real bugger, trigger-wise. That's why it is important to stick close to your support, like check in every day, for the first year. Change of seasons, first bbq on the beach, first holiday season, birthdays, family reunions & the list goes on, all those things that happen once a year are still gonna happen and you will get thru them smoke-free for the first time in decades! . (My first holiday meal left me bruised and battered... how do I cook without the "go out for a smoke" timer? All my recipes depended on that without me ever having realized it!! LOL... but it worked out well)

You did GREAT!! Mixing alcohol in there at day 56 can be a quit-killer, but you DID it, and got past that after-drinking trigger smoke too!! I congratulate you!

Ever vigilant, keep your quit close to your heart always!!
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AnnetteMM Sep 25, 2019 11:01 AM
You're in No Man's Land. No Mans Land Days 30 to 130 (approximate)
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JonesCarpeDiem Sep 25, 2019 11:57 AM
Playing with FAR.
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Giulia Sep 25, 2019 1:39 PM
"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."

Great quote. Glad you got through that wing-ding of a craving. If we think before we act we can keep our quit in tact. Ya done good! BE PREPARED
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Bellegonia Sep 25, 2019 3:23 PM
Amen Sister. Mine are hospital parking garages. I travel a lot in the healthcare realm.
You kicked it's ass to the curb, though! Yay You!
Hugs,

Belle
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indingrl Sep 25, 2019 5:55 PM
CONGRATS 56 NON SMOKER DAYS! Yahoooooooooo WAY TO GO!
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jonimarie Sep 25, 2019 8:23 PM
Those out of the blue "gotta have a cigarette" thoughts that creep in really do take you aback.
I know for me I have accepted that my 41-42 year habit is probably going to take me 41-42 years to totally get over.
And in that I have found comfort and the thought than switches
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Sootie Sep 25, 2019 9:47 PM
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance. I LOVE this quote for quitting and for so many other things these days!!!
YAY you.....you are doing great. Be careful with the drinking trigger......unlike the shady park or driving......drinking can lower your inhibitions and give you a what the heck attitude that has ruined many quits.
Stay Strong.
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First time for everything

Outcomes

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