Thinking vs Wanting a Cigarette

[12Finally34]

Questions came up during the reading of the Relapse Prevention Group.

Which is most dangerous thinking or wanting a cigarette during withdrawals?

Is thinking when cigarette comes across my mind and I brush it off with new information or affirmation?

Is wanting when that craving comes and grabs hold of me mentally and physically?

12Finally34

[jconfusion]

I used nicoret gum my first three months of quitting it helps with the cravings.  it gets easier I promise.  good luck dear!

[Jennifer-Quit]

During my early days I thought of smoking often - but did not smoke because I really did not want to.  

[bonniebee]

The addiction makes one think and want a cigarette but it is important to note that you also  think and want to quit that is why you are doing this ! You want to quit more then you want to smoke . I call the voice inside my head that tells me to think or want a cigarette the Nicodemon he is my addicted brain and when I say No to him with no argument He goes away for awhile He comes back frequently in the early days but as your brain is renewed he comes less and less often to bother you ! 

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Thinking means that you have a thought among the thousands of thoughts you have a day. Thoughts may feel compelling but we can also allow them to just come and go. For example, just speaking for myself, I have had the compelling thought to slug my Boss (in a different job) but I didn't do it! I just laughed at the image and changed my thought stream!

Wanting is when you hook onto a thought and let it grow your feelings!

"Boy, that guy is a real jerk! He deserves to be slugged and I would really like to be the one to do it! In fact, I'd like to be the one to do it NOW! It's worth i to me to become restrained by security, thrown out of here, lose my job, and face assault charges because I can't think of anybody who ticks me off more than him! I already have my fist and I'll raise it now! I can just let 'er swing! BAM!"

OR it's not too late to change your feelings but it's more work than letting go of your thoughts! It requires that you change your perspective. "I wonder if my boss knows how annoying and unreasonable he is being right now? Maybe he doesn't! He might have some influence in his life that effects him negatively and he brought it to work....

But what counts is what I do! I will give him a break, stick to the facts, stay chill, and ask probing open ended questions so I can collect more info to base my behavior on." 

There are thoughts and feelings but what counts are ACTIONS!

[12Finally34]

I reread your answer!  

The answer is just don't pick up whether it is a want or thought.

My triggers comes when I am doing something or just thinking.  

The mindfulness is great help because I can let the thought enter and pass through.  

I notice the difference when I put judgement or asking why the trigger.  The trigger becomes a dialogue in my head. 

12Finally34

[Thomas3.20.2010]

That's right! You don't hook into it and give it attention. It's like the screaming toddler throwing a fit - ignore the screaming, stay calm and deal with the fact of the decision you have made!

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/message/71825-parenting-your-nico-demon-addictive-self?sr=search&...‌

[elvan]

Mindfulness is amazing!

[elvan]

I thought of smoking pretty much nonstop at the beginning of my quit BUT I did not act on it, I did not smoke.  I KNEW I did not really WANT to smoke.  I think they are equally dangerous...I was not sure that there would ever come a day when I would stop thinking about smoking but I came here every day, at least twice a day and I blogged, I read blogs, I commented, I learned.  I cannot tell you exactly when the thoughts stopped coming but they did.  First they slowed down and then they STOPPED.  Now, if I have a memory of smoking, it is just that, a memory.  I don't have to worry about acting on it.

Ellen

[Thomas3.20.2010]

/blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2016/08/26/change-your-mind-change-your-life?sr=search&searchId=4ffc1add...‌