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Anything your brain comes up with that tells you that you’re justified in smoking is simply an excuse. Here are some examples
If you check any one of those boxes then you either haven’t done your homework or you’ve not made a commitment to quit. Because if you have, NOTHING will prevent you from maintaining it. NOTHING. Well, except it you’re drunk. Commitment means squat if you’re drunk because you aren’t in your normal right mind. But if you ARE - then the rest is a choosing. Choosing to smoke.
Are you getting the message here? There is NOTHING in your mind that should allow you to smoke once you have made the commitment to quit. ANYTHING that causes you to put a cigarette in your mouth is an excuse to continue the addiction. Recognize the thought for what it is - an excuse - and eliminate it immediately. You came to this site to help you quit. Number one lesson - recognize and ditch the excuses.
Commitment means no smoking No Matter What.
Here's a link to another blog on Junkie Thinking - Excuses to Smoke.
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Addendum 1/30/17
Recognize that any reason you can come up with to delay your quit date, like "I wasn't ready," is also an excuse. Don't justify why you CAN'T, rather elaborate convincingly on how you CAN and embrace your choice.
Thank you. I saved it to my home screen.
Thank you...I am going to need to read this a lot.
I am 5 days smoke free, but I am looking for any excuse to smoke! I haven't but my brain sure wants me too.
Start saying "I don't do that anymore" when you think of smoking. It will retrain your thinking quickly
Ah yes, that's our addicted brain screaming. You're already on top of it because you're AWARE that everything you're coming up with IS an excuse. Awareness is the first step in conquering this monster. Here's an example of the kind of brain chatter I went through when I quit. /blogs/Giulia-blog/2016/09/06/a-quit-dialogue-in-iv-acts?sr=search&searchId=7528c21b-3187-4868-80eb-... As you read through it, you'll see how it gradually changed. I got to know my addict brain really well and understand the games and tricks it would play to get me to give in. Pay no never mind to that child within. https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/people/Jdeering/blog/2019/09/07/what-is-it-like-quitting-what-is-... In two days you will have a week under your belt. Do you know how many wish they could get that far? Rejoice and keep going! Mammad01
First time reading this. Great advice, best advice ever for us "emotional relapsers". I'll have two years as an EX tomorrow (had to look it up to be sure) but I bookmarked this today in case I ever start sliding down that slippery slope. Thanks, Giulia!
Glad, Bonnie, that it spoke to you. I, unfortunately, or fortunately keep adding to the list of excuses each time someone relapses with a new one. If there are /blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instead-of-smoke?sr=search&searchId=75ca... , someone will find 102 reasons to keep smoking. Kudos on your two years tomorrow!
Love this!
Glad.