Recently quit

[PuffnstuffAlexander53]

How can I stop myself from going for a cigarette?. I'm having a really tough time today and chewing gum seems to have made it worse for me.

[indingrl]

Congrats Julie staying nicotine free and keep on keeping on great job!

[Roller831]

You have gotten some excellent suggestions already.  Two of the biggest helps in the early days of my quit:  Get rid of all cigarettes, lighters, matches, etc.!  If they aren't around, it makes it harder to pick them up!  The second is to read, read, read, and then read some more!

Welcome!  I know when I first found this site, many Elders told me to read read read….and I did.  Elders are those with one or more years of being quit.  If you like what someone has to say, then you may want to read their blogs.  I have some listed below.

A list of our Elders /blogs/Giulia-blog/2017/06/18/elders-list-ao-december-7-2016 

So here's the thing.....and you may not like what I am about to say....and that's ok.  I get it.  You need to accept that this is an addiction.  Before you do that, it will be much more difficult to quit and stay quit. 

Read read read.  Do the steps to PREPARE yourself to quit.  Do the steps so you are PREPARED on quit day and for the days AFTER quit day.  

Some of the things I read in my first few days that helped me:

Dale’s Welcome to New Members My Welcome To New Members (10 Years Of Watching) 

YoungAtHeart Nancy’s Blog /blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instead-of-smoke 

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

Visit https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex?sr=search&searchId=f42cf1fe-119a-4fa6-9a2a-ff76...‌  

And read what has been posted there.

Keep this site close and keep posting and asking for help.  You will get it.  You will get things you like and things you don't like, but don't give up!!!  We have been through similar experiences and can share our strength and hope.  We are here to support you!

[Tra119]

The best thing that has worked for me so far are mints and starting a chore of some sort when the cravings hit. I found that keeping busy was the answer to keep me from caving into the wanting of a smoke. My closets are very clean these days, as is my pantry and fridge! You can do this!!!! Stay with it and lean on us when you need to. This group is also another place to come when the cravings are strong. Hang in there!

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Your Addicted Brain is hooked on the thought of "I need a cigarette." You feel compelled to obey that thought. There are 3 parts to this cycle: Think, Feel, Act. 

You must stop yourself anywhere around this Cycle. You have chosen to stop at the behavior. Now it's time to take control of the thought.

You cannot fight the thought - it will only fuel the compulsion!

You must let the thought go like a cloud in the sky - stop focusing on that thought and replace it with another thought. This is why distraction works. There are many methods of distracting from an unwanted thought:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2014/09/07/defuse-your-addictive-thoughts?...‌

Feelings grow out of you hooking into the thought. If you dwell n your Addictive thoughts you will feel more anxious, fearful, even worried. You can create an emotional storm!

Don't go there and if you do, again you change your feelings by changing your thoughts.

Think of why you decided to quit. Read the Blogs. Go to the https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex?sr=search&searchId=023a8d6e-80ae-43d8-ae91-471a...‌. Turn those Addictive thoughts on their head!

Most important is to not act on your compulsion - even if you won't get caught. You know you cheated! Your body knows you cheated and most important your Addicted Brain knows you cheated giving it more fuel for the fire!

Do not go near people, places and things that you associate with smoking! Don't test your willpower! Don't give yourself a break! Keep them away from your face!

This thing can't be white knuckled! You have to moderate and direct your thoughts and therefore, your feelings while staying away from your drug of choice. 

The more you buy into "I get to decide who I am and I choose to become a Happy Quitter" the easier it will be. You will feel like a fake - that's OK! It will take practice - that's OK! it can be done and you can become not just a nonsmoker - you can become a Happy Quitter! It's actually easier and more doable than trying to be stronger than your Addiction!

[Tra119]

Very well said Thomas3.20.2010 ! Thanks for posting this! I couldnt agree more. The challenge is real but we are doing it, one day at a time.

[indingrl]

I love you my beloved brother and i thank God for his mercy grace and love in you Thomas in Jesus name amen Thanking Jesus for healing you MY thoughts for you I BELIEVE BY HIS STRIPES YOU WERE HEALED long ago it is written! HOORAY FOR JESUS!