67 hours

[st3fani]

It's been 67 hours since I've last had a cigarette. I've tried Chantix before and failed, the patch and failed, so this time Im going to try cold turkey. I've actually quit smoking twice before successfully for 9 months each time- being pregnant can do that. I guess I actually had a reason so it made it easier. This time I am really dedicated. But it IS Friday night and my husband and I are going CRAZY sitting in the house. For some reason I keep making myself believe a cigarette will make my night more entertaining...how sad. I've read online the first 3 days are the worst. You would think I should know how this quitting process works since I've done it so many times, but I guess my mind has blocked out those horrible days. I know the first month will be a struggle. Im 27 years old...before I know it I am going to be 40 and hooked up to an oxygen tank wishing I had stayed quit at 27. So that is what I keep telling myself when an urge hits. I feel like I should be in an institution. I literally have the angel on one shoulder and the devil on another and they are having a serious argument right now.

[Mothergoose9]

Go for a nice long walk....breathe in the beautiful fresh air!!! 🙂

[luliper]

The one you pay attention to will win. So probably be good to listen to the angel. You can do this. I did cold turkey and I',m still doing it at 44 days! It's all in the attitude. Stay positive and read allen carr's how to quit smoking the easy way. There are links to the reading that will help you. whyquit.org i think it will help you. You are dealing with an addiction so remember NOPE Not One Puff Ever.

[bulldog316]

I know exactly what you are talking about.  A couple of years ago my wife and I went cold turkey.  The first night we had together in the same room almost was our last day on Earth.  We threatened to divorce, cried, made deals and even went so far as to try to drive the other to smoke first! 

We are trying something different this time around and it is working for us.  Distraction is the biggest  ally you can get in this program.  Replacement therapy is also useful. 

The biggest arguing we do now is on the Wii.  Even in 106 degree heat we go for walks.  And really in the first 30 days of quitting we made a deal that the other can eat what ever they want and cannot be judged.  (I am partially favored to the gummy bears, string cheese and bbq flavored sunflower seeds).  Both of you not smoking can be an asset.  You can lean on each other for strength.  You can talk about your triggers and help the other avoid them.  This website will be a lot of help for you aswell.  Good luck.  You got 67 hours under your belt, promise yourself 24 hours more.

Peter

[allzgr8]

What is it with Friday? I completely know what you are talking about.  Can you take a walk with your husband? I changed my route home, stopped in at Walmart, ran an errand and before I knew it I was home and the craving passed.

I guess we connect that cigarette with a relaxing evening which makes no sense because nicotine is a stimulant.

67 hours is amazing. I agree with Peter, promise yourself 24 hours more then enjoy your wonderful smoke free Friday evening.

[Ex_Nancy]

The most IMPORTANT thing you can do for your quit now is to educate yourself about the addiction and the mind games it plays on us....READ,READ,READ for a successful quit...the more you read, the EASIER it is...

CHOOSE to quit smoking, not try. Educate yourself by reading these links to the materials that most of us have used to help us quit and STAY quit! This is about making a DECISION to never put another cigarette in your mouth, mean it, and be committed to follow through on that decision. Also allow NO excuses AND hang in there for as long as it takes, no matter how uncomfortable you become.... This is about re-learning your life WITHOUT cigarettes....start changing your "normal" routine....because a smoker's routine revolves around cigarettes. You will be a nonsmoker so change how you start your morning so it doesn't revolve around cigarette breaks, etc. You CAN do this! ....http://digg.com/newsbar/topnews/Allen_Carr_s_Easy_Way_To_Stop_Smoking_Download_free_PDF

http://quitsmokingonline.com

[Ex_Nancy]

Also, use these coping techniques....

Stay close to this site and remember NOPE=Not One Puff Ever...and as long as you stick to this ONE SIMPLE rule, you will win....it the meantime, drink plenty of fresh cold water to rid your body of the toxins,6 smaller, nutritious meals throughout the day to keep your blood-sugar levels steady, (don't diet!)......and it will keep your blood sugar level and the low blood sugar induced fogginess and craves away.

....take big arm STRETCHES as often as needed to relax tense muscles and most importantly, take big DEEP BREATHS TO RELAX AND RELIEVE anger... take a nap, take walks, stay buzy with something you LIKE and brush you teeth immediately after each meal...stick your head in the freezer and DEEP BREATHE....If you bite into a lemon, the smoking thought will be gone instantly...try it, it works, also suck on sugarfree hard candy or lollipops and one of my friends here says be sure to use the Halls mentholyptus cough drops......Be prepared in advance for it,not surprised by it...Smoking thoughts only have power when you have fear. Face it head on and do not try to run or hide. You have the strength and power to tell it NO...You have the CHOICE to tell it NO.