Relapsed and frustrated

[kmorrison]

Hi, my original quit date was Dec 24,2017, I used Chantix and it mad me so sick that I couldn't take it. So I started using the patches and gum, I did quit for 2 weeks then stress of my finances got a hold of me.  I wish I could quit cold turkey but with my anxiety, it would drive me crazy. Any suggestions on how to get back to where I was when I quit, I  would greatly appreciate it. I feel I have to start all over again and its got my bummed out. I exercise daily, drink water and orange juice, take vitamins. I just can't seem to have enough to do to keep my hands busy..My new quit date is Feb 28th, is that too long to wait or should I change it to a closer date? Thank you all 

[Roller831]

Relapse Prevention‌ is a great place to start and read.  Think about why you chose to smoke and what you will do next time. 

You mentioned the stress of finances, but spending money on cigarettes can add to the stress on finances. There will always be stress in our lives whether financial or otherwise.  We all need to learn new ways of dealing with stress.

If the side effects of Chantix are too much, maybe talking to you doctor and trying something else would help?  Wellbutrin can help with the cravings associated with quitting and does not have the same side effects as Chantix.

I happen to love this blog.... /blogs/Giulia-blog/2013/09/10/how-precious-is-your-quit 

Only you can pick a quit date.  I would suggest making sure you do the reading of anyone who is about to quit would do and preparing for your quit.  Follow the steps.  Yes, it is starting over, but you kind of have to start over because each quit is different.  Your body will react differently.  Your thoughts could be different.  

You've got it this time.  Believe in yourself and reach out for help.  You may want to check out https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/message/109313-for-our-new-years-quitters-and-community-members-t...‌ because that discussion has a ton of great info to prepare yourself for your quit and to help you be successful and make this time be your forever quit!

Roller

[CarolinaGal]

I'm taking Wellbutrin and have suffered no bad side effects. Dry mouth and a little trouble sleeping but I've started to notice a definite reduction in both. 

As far as keeping hands busy, I downloaded some word games on my phone and also bought a few puzzle books. I'm also thinking of taking up cross stitch again.

You've got a lot of support here! Don't be afraid to reach out!

[indingrl]

New habits to keep hands busy..... some crochet or knit.... some needlepoint.... some build jigsaw puzzles... some sew quilts.... some paint....some color... some draw... some build stringed insteuments.... some cross-stitch....some write notes or cards .... some write books... some fold theirs and pray for others.... now new habits for mouth...some chew on straws or cinnamon flavored tooth picks... some suck on suckers called tootie pops... blow pops these have bubble gum in center dpuble treat in one... some chew double bubble gum... some suck on dum-dum suckers.... some do peppermints... some do hard cand a variety of flavors... some chew on ice...you get to choose once you decided which NEW way you want to keep hand and mouth busy and remember NOT ONE PUFF OVER YOU once you choose your quit date and please keep on keeping on

[maryfreecig]

      Truth is, that it is not unusual to go back to smoking until you finally get your quit. Thing is that it is important to look forward, not backward. And if you do look backward remember the positive. You quit for two weeks. You learned something. Build on that and find your yes--the one that is all your own, that you can carry around with you no matter how you are feeling or thinking on any given day. Keep learning about the addiction--the reward factor is strong in smoking--so maybe rather than looking for stuff to stay busy,  you might look for rewards other than smoking.

      You did good for yourself by bringing your concerns here to ex, high five and keep working your quit.