Cindylee-1

[cindylee3]

I have been smoking a pack a day since early 1982.  During the last few months (maybe 5) I have somehow cut it down to about 8 cigs a day.  I am presently not using any aids.  I have tried them all over and over.  The only thing I haven't tried is inpatient treatment.  I can't make that happen.  This is the hardest thing I have had to change in my life as memory serves me.  I have made big changes for the better and really want this big change to be done.  I am tired, sick and tired of being sick and tired.  Thanks to you all for being here.  Cindy

[AutumnWoman]

You're almost there, Cindy.  Quitting is as hard as you believe it's going to be.  A lot of ex-smokers find that it looks impossibly hard before we start, but once we quit, we realize that we are doing it.  That's not to say that you won't have some discomfort, especially during the withdrawal stage, but it's survivable -- especially when you consider that you are saving your life.  Explore the site, read the materials suggested by members and participate (put ideas into action).  Stay close to the site for support.  You can do what we have done -- believe it!

[norton5959]

Cindy- You can do this...I NEVER thought I would...the first month is hard, but is totally doable. Just after one, day, you feel good about yourself. good luck!

[Nyima_1.6.13]

Hi Cindy, so glad you came to the blogs and please continue to ask questions when you're having trouble navigating around this place!

I'm sure someone will provide you with a link to Allen Carr's book and lots of people here find it is really helpful in changing the way you think about smoking! That really is the key to making this successful! Educate yourself and you will begin to realize that the only reason you smoke is you are addicted to nicotine! THE ONLY THING SMOKING RELIEVES IS YOUR NEED FOR NICOTINE......STOP FEEDING THE ADDICTION! 

It only takes three days for the nicotine to leave your system! I'm guessing in a week or so all the other 4000 chemicals are gone too! I'm not saying it's easy, I struggled, but it is doable and it will change your life in ways you haven't yet imagined! It is soooooo worth it!

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to the comunity!

The most important thing you can do to start is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your mind and body. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. Here is a link to a free PDF version of it:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

As well, read the sections on this site, do the tracking and separation exercises, and read the blogs, responses and pages of folks you think might be helpful. You might also want to visit quitsmokingonline.com, and whyquit.com.

After you have completed the readings, it will be time to make your quit plan, including what quit aid , if any, you will use, and the crave busters you think will work for you. Then you can approach your quit day with a plan in place.

The idea is to distract yourself through the cravings.  Don't let that thought rattle around in your head alone!  A crave will last about three minutes whether you smoke or not.  Go for a brisk walk, march in place, do a few jumping jacks, clean a drawer, do a crossword puzzle, play a computer game...Here are links to lists of 114 things to do instead of smoke if you need fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/03/03/additions-to-the-list-o...

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instea...

The conversation in your head CANNOT be:  "I want a cigarette.  No!  But - I WANT a cigarette.  NO!"  Instead, it needs to be "I want a cigarette.  Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?"  Then DO it!

Stay close to us and ask for advice and support as you need it. We all here want to help you be successful!

Nancy

[Thomas3.20.2010]

The disorder of Addiction starts in your head and the solution is in your head as well! Do the reading!

[whognu_1-2007]

well maybe you'll forget about all those other attempts when your memory goes into CRS modeduring  the first three weeks.

[ntexdude]

Hi Cindy,  We all found our "reason" to Quit.  Fo rme it was the fear of cancer.  There is a history of throat cancer in my family.  About a month ago, I started having trouble swallowing food without liquids.  My thoughts flashed back 2 years ago when my uncle was hospitalized.  One of his symtpms was a growth in his throat that prevented him from normally swallowing.  My family said it had been bothering him for about 6 months and by the time he went to the doctor, it was too late to do anything.  Though he actually died of complications from an infection, it may have been a different outcome if he had sought treatment earlier rather than later.

My point is, when I had this scare, I immediately did 2 things; quit smoking and made an appointment with my doctor.  Our family members have never been to the doctor regularly.  In fact, the last time I went was in February 2009 for a URI.

I am happy to say that all my tests were negative.  And now that my Quit is at 15 days, I do not see a need to return to the unhealthy lifestyle choice that resulted in one of the most scary times of my life.

Please read my blogs.  It starts with OMG - What Have I Done and after that there are dated blogs.  Maybe you can relate to the same feelings I had around the same time period of your Quit or anticiapted Quit.  I'm not saying our experiences will be the same, but some of the physical manifestations may be similar; unexplained emotionality, sleepless nights, etc.  Maybe thes ewill help prepare or get you through these times.  The best news is that after as little as 3 days it begins getting easier.  In fact, since you have already cut down to less than 8 per day, it may be easier than you think or anticipate.

Good luck, keep coming back, post everything, and we are all here to support you.