I am currently working on a successful quit. My definition of success is going at least one week without a single puff and without bloodshed. Granted, this is a low bar but it’s where I am.
A successful quit is a combination of two philosophies that are in polar-opposites of each other. Those philosophies are: a) Do your own thing and b) do these standard things
I certainly embrace doing your own thing. I know I play mental games with myself that completely baffle other folks (like visualizing nicotine as Darth Maul, only not as cuddly). I focus on the superficial benefits of quitting (my appearance) while others are counting the money saved or health crisis avoided.
On the other hand, I encourage newbies to try the proven methods before blazing their own trail. Having a written quit plan, for instance. A written quit plans walks you through various triggers and helps you build a tool kit for responding to those triggers. Other folks swear by the Allen Carr book. Honestly, I found his writing so irritating that I threw it across the room. Either way, thinking about triggers and addressing them are part “best practice” for quitting smoking.
Your mileage may vary, but there are things that work and there are common elements in every successful quit. Like: keep quitting until you are quit.
Keep the quit
PT
24 DOF
