4 months and still hard

[Linda239]

I quit smoking on 1-8-2013.  I smoked for 44 years.  I have tried everything under the sun to try and quit previously.  I think my main problem was I always gave into my cravings and figured I would try again later which I always did.  Now I am almost 57 years old and am looking forward to retirement.  I do not want to have possible health problems or be so tied to smoking, and save quite a bit of money.  Here it is May, and it is really getting hard.  It seems like I am always wanting a cigarette.  I try to do other things, but as soon as I stop, the urge comes back.  I really, really don't want to start back smoking, so what do I do?

[franscott22]

Hey Linda,

I know exactly how you feel.  It's been 4 months for me as well and I will be 60 in a few months.  There are times when I want a smoke too but what has helped me is....I changed my diet.  yes diet.  It seems my cravings were worst when ever I eat a lot of processed foods so I started juicing and cut out almost all processed food.  I eat tons of green veggies and fruit.  I've replaced 2 meals with a smoothie or juice from veggies.  I'm only eating fish and chicken now.  My cravings really disappeard and my energy level went through the roof.  Do some research on juicing.  Start with 1 green drink a day....especially in the morning and see if it helps.  You don't have to go out a buy a juicer...use your blender.  Let me know if you have any questions or need any recipies.  Hang in there...you can do it!!!  Remember....NOPE

[SarahP]

Hi Linda, thanks for writing to us. After 4 months any physical need for nicotine is gone, you're well past withdrawal, so at this point it's all emotional and behavioral. It sounds to me like you might be sticking on the idea that you miss smoking, or that you feel smoking had some benefits that you feel deprived of now. 

Did you ever read the Allen Carr book? Here's a link to a free copy of it: http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

You can also visit www.quitsmokingonline.com and www.whyquit.com to build up your motivation. 

I like Fran's idea of changing up your diet -- you need to replace smoking with something else, something that makes you feel good about yourself. New things to try, a new hobby. That can be really helpful. 

Keep us posted on how you're doing! 

[Linda239]

Thanks for all the help.  I changed my diet approximately a year ago.  The only thing I haven't done is juice.  I guess I will try that.  I've been trying to turn things around by eating healthy, quit smoking, and exercising.  I guess I can also try and find a new hobby.  It can't hurt.

Thanks again!

[kay52]

i am going on my 6th year of being smoke free,when i quit i never went back was the hardest thing i ever did. It was so hard that if i ever went back i would never try quitting again,each and every day will get better,i smoked for 30 yrs wish the hell i never had seen a cigarette.stay smoke free linda you can do this 1 day at a time. try 1000 mgs of vitamin c also they say it helps.

[Jordan-11-1-12]

Please check out Allen Carr's book that sarah gave you the link to above. Even if you've read it.... some of us read it more than once to help it really stick. 

Don't give up!

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Sounds like you never found your Quititude! Please do the reading that Nancy recommended. If you are this fragile at 4 Months, you may be tempted to go back. I was a serial quitter because I didn't change the way I think about smoking - I just abstained for a while! But it's not too late to retrain your brain! Stick around! 

[Danno_11-10-12]

Stay the course Linda. Remember, you made a decision to quit smoking for a reason. Don't let the memory of an occasional 'good cigarette' mislead you from all of those life ruining, bad ones. Remember, you can't have one because they travel in packs. Don't forget how far you have come and why you don't do that anymore. It's not worth it.  You are doing it and it gets better!

[ryancorie]

You can do this Linda, I am  70 days quit and I don't have any cravings for it anymore.  I do still think of the habit that I had with a cigarette.  I hope it gets better for you and keep up the good work and smoke-free lifestyle.

Corie

[freeneasy]

I know what you mean. I quit 01/05 and still get cravings. I am realizing the benefits of being smoke free. I just know that I will feel lousy about myself and it is just not worth it to go back to it. I do not think there would be any pleasure in smoking at this point. You must be feeling many of the positives of being smoke free by now too. Try to not dwell on missing it and think about the good things. Every day you are putting more distance between the old you  and your new smoke free life. 

[JonesCarpeDiem]

see how you feel in another week or two. your are right on the tail end of No Mans Land

[JonesCarpeDiem]

you are at day 119.

i didn't feel like i was through it until day 126.

see how you feel in 11 days

[JonesCarpeDiem]

hey, forget my last two answers. if you are still using nicotine as a pacifier every time you get a craving after 4 months, all bets are off. if you've never learned to do without the drug, i totally understand why you'd still be feeling this way.

i'd feel that way too!

[jeannie2]

It's a mind game. Your first thought must always be this is easy, I am in love with my quit and nothing will come between us ever. Embrace your freedom. Attitude and commitment is what you do daily. You do deep breaths, relaxing enjoyable whatever whoever whenever. You do you better than ever and you enjoy being free for it truly is wonderful and you will never regret it!

[Nyima_1.6.13]

I am also at four months and have noticed an increase in thinking about cigarettes with the weather change. I don't have any desire to have a cigarette though! Your use of gum and lozenges has just kept you addicted. It would really be difficult to start this process all over again. If your still using them,it's time to give up the NRT's completely!

[Strudel]

I agree about the reading. For me - breaking the brain connection (THINKING smoking was giving me something) was vital! To "want" a cigarette at this point would indicate you think it gives you something.....please check out the reading. I found out (after 40 years of smoking) that I didn't give up anything of importance! 

Congrats on your quit! Keep protecting it!