Day 1 for the last time

[runtoquit]

At 2:24 pm today I used tobacco for the last time. I know I have said this hundreds (maybe thousands?) of times before, but that was to myself. I have been a closet tobacco user (cigarettes, chew) for many years and and all of my quit attempts have been without support. Now I have found a place where I can go for help. I look forward to being a regular here and being part of a collective journey to be tobacco-free for good.

I know I have a lot of work to do to beat this thing. I have probably tried to quit at least 50 times this year alone and I don't think I've made it past 10 days. I need to put an end to this cycle. It has been going on for years and has really had an impact on my health, especially my mental health. No more suffering in silence. 

[maryfreecig]

Welcome to Ex! One step, one day at a time you can do this!

[jenking]

Congrats on quitting! I am on Day Two of quitting and I also have tried a bazillion times haha. You got this, we are all here to support each other. Stay close here, I am too!

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!

It's important still that you educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”    You can purchase a digital version online or borrow it at your local library.  Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: Nicotine and Your Brain

It's a good idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from when you smoked. Maybe switch to tea for a bit.  If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! .  Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Keep a cold bottle of water with you. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You might visit “Games”: The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the page.

Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke - EX Community

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "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.  You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

You might want to join other site members by taking the daily pledge when you quit. IT helps to hold yourself accountable and also accountable to others here. Find it at Home (top left), then first blue box.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[DavesTime]

I know your struggle of trying to do it on your own. Like you, I was a closet smoker for many years, promising myself over and over that this would be my last cigarette ever, but invariably finding an excuse to have "one more." As a closet smoker you have no one to encourage you or hold you accountable when you quit, as those routes would reveal your secret.  At least that was my experience. That's one reason I kept smoking for all those years. And, yes, all the hiding, deception, and shame does take a big toll on your mental health! I get it. This place and the people here gave me the support and help I needed to find freedom from my addiction--no shame or hiding needed.  You can do it! Post, read, make a daily pledge, and trust the advice of the folks here. Welcome!

[Jordan-11-1-12]

You can do this.

In the early days (weeks, months....)  I spent as much time as I could on this site, brainwashing myself, educating myself, and paying close attention to what others had to offer.

Putting the anger on the tobacco companies (and on nicotine itself) instead of on me, helped,too.

[Barbscloud]

@runtoquit Welcome and so glad you've made the commitment to make this your final quit.

You can win that internal battle by educating yourself about nicotine addiction and putting a plan in place with how you'll deal with cravings, identifying your triggers and creating the new associations you'll create instead of smoking. This comes into play when you're having cravings in the morning. What can you do instead of smoking? Change up your routine. Go for walk, read material on the Ex, if you drink coffee, for example, drink it in a different place, etc. Be creative.

I found the Ex a week prior to my quit date.  In addition to some quit aids, for the first time I learned how to quit and how valuable support from other quitters means to being successful. After 50 years and many attempts, I now over 5 years quit.   You can be there too!

And you just found an amazing group of quitters here to support you on this journey to becoming an Ex. There will be ups and downs, but that is part of the journey. We're here for you, so just reach out anytime we can help or want to share your experience.

This link is a great place to get you started on the right track. https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

Happy to see you on the taking the Daily Pledge to stay on track one day at a time.

Super congrats on your first day won.

Stay busy and stay close.

Barb

[Maki]

Turn them into day wons for the win . You got this one ! 

[Silvergoek]

Try different things, there is only one method that will work for you.  I tried the Chantix twice and it didn't stick until the second time.  This time I tried substituting a healthy habit for each craving I had.  I decided that I would exercise or go for a walk every time I had the urge.  I'm at 111 days no smoking and down 70lbs.  Just keep trying different things and you'll find one or a couple that works for you.  If you slip, just keep showing up.  You'll get there, I believe in you.

[Patrick1234]

I really relate to your struggle and constant unsuccessful attempts. Im coming off a 14 month quit. I ruined my quit a month or two ago and have been struggling to sustain a quit since then. I’ve failed several times. Maybe this site will give you the accountability you need. 

[Wozlik]

I have found this is the place for me to be as I’m gratefully easing into my forever quit.  The going has been rough, rewarding and liberating.  It gets better most days and even the bad days now are so much better than the 50,000 other times I “tried” to quit.  This group makes it possible for me to recognize myself living a smoke free life.