A new start...again

[RM13]

So, I have had so many false starts to quitting over the past 2 years, each ending very abruptly due to excuses and lack of fortitude...too many to count. Now, a new quit date...tomorrow...tomorrow night after work I will smoke my last cigarette.  I am going shopping in the morning for healthy snacks, gum, hard candies and a new water bottle.  I am not a heavy smoker...currently 5-8 a day, but over my 20 years of smoking have been as much as a pack, but probably if averaged 10-12 a day.  I am tired of trying to quit and beating myself up for not doing so.  I am ready to just do it already!! I plan to have a smoke in the morning, not at work to get myself on board with that and a goodbye to smoking smoke tomorrow night.  I plan to use nicotine gum if needed and the same stubbornness that has kept me smoking so long, just in a different way. I am tired of telling myself this is the last pack...I know I will not regret this choice. Thanks for listening...I am committed to posting to keep myself accountable in the upcoming days and weeks!

[AMReed]

You’re not alone here. There are several elders with tons of wisdom to share. And there are people like me who have only been quit for 6 days. And everything in between. So there are people in every stage who can encourage you or commiserate with you. The posting has helped me a lot and makes me feel accountable as well. This is a really good place to be to start your quit. And we’re all rooting for you! Good luck with your quit and know if things get rough, you’ll find support here!

[indingrl]

TODAY

[SimplySheri]

I like your attitude   Welcome and I'm looking forward to reading your posts!!  Remember to always be stronger than your excuses.  There isn't any reason why you can't quit

[sweetplt]

RM13 Well Already then, Welcome to Day 1...make it Day won...Continue to educate yourself on addiction...come to the support site often for help and to help others on this journey...we are here for you...Colleen 825 DOF 

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome back!

Einstein is given credit for saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.  So - what will you do differently THIS time?  If you haven't already read the book by Allen Carr, do it now.  You will need to change up your routines, distract yourself and change your mind's direction when those want to smoke thoughts start in, come here for support, and commit to never smoking another cigarette NO MATTER WHAT.

Do follow the directions for the nicotine gum. If you are currently only smoking 5-8 a day, you are receiving about 5-8 mg of nicotine.  Tailor your gum use  for that amount to start.   Don't sub a piece for every cigarette you used to smoke; that is just substituting one source of nicotine for another and will continue your addiction to it.  Delay and distract and only chew the gum as a last resort.  When you feel you have relearned dealing with your emotions and relearned your life not smoking, it is good for you to start to wean off of the gum.  You can start by cutting each piece in half, then, over time, down to quarters.  Then substitute a regular piece of gum of the same flavor for every fourth, then third, etc. use.

Glad you are back!  Let us know when you have questions or need support.  That's what we DO!

[Barbscloud]

Welcome and congrats on your decision to quit.  There a lots of successful quitters here ready to support you on your journey to success.  We're here for you.

Barb

[RM13]

Thanks for the great advice, I appreciate it!