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Give and get support around quitting

Shumba
Member

Discouraging Questions

Hi Fam, what is the most discouraging or weird question you have ever been asked on addiction?

I must confess that I am always judged about my addiction. The issue has been a nuisance and at some point I was even depressed as it is not anyone fault to be an addict. Everyone has their own side of the story on how they ended up being addicts. It is thus unfair for anyone to judge you before hearing your side of the story and what you are doing about it. The only place I find consolation is my family who have always stand by me throughout. I am now 1month sober and thanks to them I feel loved, appreciated and encouraged to continue.I am sure some of us have also undergone the same. 

29 Replies
indingrl
Member

How long have you used the drug nicotine-i used at 5 years old pickng up cigarette butts off the street for MY grandma and used -smoking before i gave them to her-i collected them in a coffee can for her she rolled her own - i obeyed MY elders i didnt DARE not to do what i was told!!! I used MY drug nicotine 38 yrs-using all day 50 death sticks a day! ONLY BY GODS GRACE TODAY I AM A RECOVERING NICOTINE ADDICT! AMEN! Please take what helps and let go of the rest to be HELPFUL is MY only aim-thank you!

First, congratulations on 30 days.

I don't believe quitting all addictions are the same.

Smoking isn't an incapacitating addiction in the same way heroin or alcoholism are.

What I mean is smoking isn't the extreme escape because you aren't smoking to black out.

This is why I believe smoking is the most ably unlearned of all addictions even though we did it more often.

It's something that can be broken down unlike damage to our psyche that makes people wish to escape, which I believe is more difficult to resolve.

I think this is why I try to help smokers.

I can see Quitting smoking is a process.

Heroin or alcohol addiction are quite different.

Just my opinion

maryfreecig
Member

       I see nicotine addiction as a silent addiction, but not easier than alcohol (other drugs I wouldn't know). Sober over 31 years since 1987. I also see addiction as not a hopeless situation in which I am made helpless and a victim. Recovery is the end game, and it's my business to work recovery rather than feel sorry for myself. Does seem to me that most quitters need support from other quitters to get beyond the dependency. 

I'm addicted to EVERYTHING

in moderation

anaussiemom
Member

I don't believe anything is discouraging " about any question.  Being we are all different, we will each have our own interpretation , though.  

What yo said about your sobriety is just awesome!!


Hugs


elvan
Member

The only question I found discouraging was the one..."Really?  Do you think you can make it THIS time?  How many times have you quit?"  That one hurt my feelings even if it was justified.  I am no longer asked that question, some people never even knew I smoked, THAT is pretty nice.

Hope you are doing well and that you make an appearance more often.

Ellen

DavesTime
Member

Ellen, you said you were asked, "Really?  Do you think you can make it THIS time?  How many times have you quit?"  As a closet smoker (of over 40 years!) no one asked me that. But after attempting to quit more times than I can count, I did ask MYSELF that question, in one form or another, many times.  I truly was beginning to wonder if I would ever be able to quit.  But...I stopped listening to that discouraging voice!  I have quit; I now believe I CAN do this.  I've been going through a few No Man's Land struggles this past week, but I'm not going to give in now!

elvan
Member

Many people knew I smoked and knew I tried to quit over and over again...it was a real merry go round.  I knew this was the last time because I was so sick when I quit...I knew that the importance of breathing had finally reached my oxygen deprived brain.  It was SO embarrassing to admit I started again every time I failed...particularly to my youngest daughter who turned out to be my biggest supporter.

Yes, you CAN do this...nothing is made better by smoking.  I should know after years and years of excuses.

Ellen

Gwenivere
Member

Someone once asked if I was stupid when they found out I smoked.  I said do we REALLY want to get into human failings including yours?  That ended that discussion.

Barb102
Member

I agree with Ellen after many tries I too was asked “do you really think you can quit this time”. Now I’m asked did you go back to smoking. It feels great to say NOPE