Easier to cut down before quitting?

[Roj]

Wondering if anyone cut down before their quit date? Thinking it will do one of two things...prolong withdraw during the cut back time or will help when I finally quit....trying to make this as painless as I can for EVERYONE...

[Sootie]

As most have said above....we are all different. Cutting back never worked for me. Delaying never worked for me. Planning never worked for me. That's just me. I quit cold turkey, one day with absolutely no plan. I'm NOT recommending that. I am simply saying planning things that I perceive will be unpleasant is not something in my nature. I had been thinking about quitting for a few weeks because my husband was quitting. I didn't want to SMELL for my husband and I know non smokers think smokers stink (which we do/did). One day, I forgot my cigarettes and did not want to buy more (the cost by then was ridiculous). so I went about 5 hours without them. Five hours was BIG for me at that time. When I got home to "the pack" I found it empty! But for some reason....I realized I had gone about 6 hours without a cigarette and I just kept on going.......never really thinking I was not going to smoke again. But when I made it through that day......I just kept going. With the help of this site I will be ten years quit in November.

Do it....please do it. It is one of the BEST things you will ever do.......I PROMISE!

[Giulia]

"trying to make this as painless as I can for EVERYONE..."  this statement alone shows you have a sense of humor and humor will take you far down a happier path on this journey.  So kudos on that self-awareness.

Your thinking is quite correct.  It will either prolong the agony or...   Actually, personally, I can't even envision the other scenario.  Because I don't have the type of personality to gradually cut back and wade slowly into the frigid waters of  cessation.  What I mean is, I get to the ocean's edge, or the lake's edge, and just CHARGE IN!  Once I've taken a few deep breaths and "steeled" myself.  I'm not one to inch my way into discomfort. If I have to experience discomfort, HAVE AT IT!  But you may not be that type.  You may be the type that needs the verrrry sloww walk into the water, inch by inch until your inch-by-inch body parts have become accustomed to it.

You know yourself better than any of us.  What do YOU think?  

[Roj]

Well started my cigarette counting this morning...result...anxiety that they wouldn’t bring me through the entire day...thinking I may just have to jump off the cliff instead on quit day and suck it up. Why is your mind so powerful with this nasty beast? 

[Barbscloud]

Do what's right for you!   Many methods have been used to be successful.  So, did you take the jump today?

Barb

[Roj]

My quit date is October17th so not yet...trying to read a lot and get myself psyched up...

[Barbscloud]

Sounds like a plan.  We'll be here celebrating with you on the 17th!

Barb

[Giulia]

Our addiction is what's powerful.  But we can overcome our addiction by education, persistence and commitment.  /blogs/Giulia-blog/2018/03/01/quitting-is-a-skill-that-can-be-learned?sr=search&searchId=594ca3b1-b3...  Our brains are incredibly powerful.  And once we learn how to manipulate them (rather than letting the addiction manipulate them), we can change focus and thus our psychological outlook.  Part of the addiction is chemical, but I think mostly it's emotional and behavioral.  That's why education about this addiction is so beneficial.  As far as the chemical aspect, don't forget there are aids out there that many have found helpful in dulling the cravings.  They don't remove all cravings and they don't remove the thoughts of puffing, only strict abstinence does that after time put in.  Keep reading.  Keep learning.  Discover your psychological hook.

[elvan]

Welcome to EX, this is not an easy journey but it GETS easier as you add days of freedom.  Just keep taking one step at a time...

Ellen