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Share your quitting journey

Helpful Blogs, Discussions, Comments, Videos, Links, Info Re Quitting

Giulia
Member
8 17 945
‎06-15-2019 02:49 PM

I have a file on my computer "desk top" for info that I find interesting and useful that I like to share with others.  Decided to put it up here as a document (along with some blogs of my own that I think might help others.)

Quit Smoking Apps

Quit Vaping:  Text  "DITCHJUUL to 88709."

Quit Smoking NRTs:   In order to receive free patches or gum your health plan provider or employer must sponsor you through The EX Program.   If you're logged into Becomeanex.organd you see an orange EX Coach chat bubble in the lower right of your screen you're sponsored and you can speak with them to see what you're eligible to receive. If you don't see the chat bubble then you're not listed as sponsored.    If you're not sponsored then you should check with your state's quitline (800-QUIT-NOW), your county health department or your health care provider for your options.

 

ONE PUFF STINKING THINKING

 

Slips/Resetting Quit Clock

Take what you need and leave the rest

To your future self:   Ramblings at six months - EX Community  

21 Things Learned by an Elder quitter:  13 Things I've Learned About Quitting Smoking

My Quit Truths:   Worst Day Ever! - EX Community  

Quitting Vaping EX:  Quitting E-cigarettes | Guides & Tools | BecomeAnEX 

This is Quitting - To enroll in This is Quitting, teens and young adults text DITCHJUUL to 88709.   Quit Vaping | TheTruth.com 

Quitting Vaping:  A great blog:   How to Quit JUUL (or vaping in general) - EX Community  

Unstick Yourself:   Your Guide For Getting "Unstuck" - EX Community  

Username Info:   Solved: Changing user name - EX Community  

Videos

What to do instead of smoking:   What to do instead of smoking - EX Community

Where have I gone wrong blog (read the responses):   Where have I gone wrong? - EX Community  

Withdrawal symptoms: 

Your five year old terrorist within:   What is it like quitting, what is it like getting ... - EX Community  

=================== 

"Lord, did I miss my happy delusion, my smokes, the whole shebang. Couldn't I smoke and quit at the same time, I joked.

 I have to admit that I did not just lose the comfort of a pleasant delusion, I gained something, too, though slowly and very grudgingly at first: an inner strength--something that is innate to most at birth--the ability to learn something new, to adjust, grow and adapt day to day. To that end, inner strength in trade for a delusion? I know I made out O.K. I made it past the addiction."   (Maryfreecig Quitting Cigarettes Journal )

===================

Why is it so hard to quit?

Cigarettes are very addicting. When you inhale smoke from a cigarette, it delivers large amounts of nicotine to your brain very quickly. This stimulates a release of dopamine, a chemical transmitter that is responsible for attention, reward, and habit forming. Particular activities like taking a break or drinking coffee, or feelings such as stress, boredom, or anger, become associated or reinforced with using tobacco. These associations can be very strong and unconscious. It might even seem like your body reaches for a cigarette before your mind even realizes it. In addition to the automatic habit, many people have uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal happens because the brain has changed, so that nicotine is now needed to produce what was once a normal amount of dopamine. Your ability to resist the habit of reaching for a cigarette and the intensity of withdrawal varies from person to person due to a number of factors, including the availability of cigarettes, life stressors, and genetics.   (Smoking FAQs)

17 Comments
About the Author
Member since MAY 2008. I quit smoking March 1, 2006. I smoked a pack and a half a day for about 35 years. What did it take to get me smoke free? Perseverance, a promise not to smoke, and a willingness to be uncomfortable for as long as it took to get me to where I am today. I am an Ex but I have not forgotten the initial difficult journey of this rite of passage. That's one of the things that's keeping me proudly smoke free. I don't want to ever have another Day 1 again. You too can achieve your goal of being finally free forever. Change your mind, change your habits, alter your focus, release the myths you hold about smoking. And above all - keep your sense of hewmer. DAY WON - NEVER ANOTHER DAY ONE. If you still want one - you're still vulnerable. Protect your quit!