Day 9

[Sunshine109]

So it's day nine I feel like I'm climbing a mountain carrying a ton of rocks on my back...it's been tough.  Lost my quit after 10+ years about a year ago.  Over the last year tried stopping on and off...I'm determined to keep at it.  Decided to post at this time....I have been very moody and irritable..but have had a few better days also..One thing I have learned is we will always be an addict to nicotine, but we don't have to partake in the addiction it's a choice not an easy one to make but its the right choice to have a life without addiction, to a horrible drug that controls you.  I'm using Nrt it worked for me once before and it's helping..reading a lot and getting as much positive information that I can.  Hope all are doing well thanks for the support...

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Hi. So how did you quit 11 years ago? How did you keep your quit for 10 years.

If you weren't always on edge or fighting yourself to stay quit, you can use the same tools.

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/06/26/what-to-expect-...

[Terri103]

Ok, this is how I would feel:  bummed out, mad at myself and grumpy.  I'm sure you have similar emotions.  Good, we got that out of the way.   Toss out those thoughts because that won't help you on your quit.  Leave the negatives at the back door with the muddy boots.  You Will succeed at your quit because you did it for 10 years.  You probably learned in this past year that starting up again did not fix one single thing or make you feel better.  Now, you've come here to get support to solidify your quit.  So just do it.  We talk a lot about our forever quit.  And NOPE.  Not One Puff Ever.  If you hang out with us, we'll work hard to keep you on your final and forever quit.    

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome to the Ex community. I was curious on what you was the reason that caused you to lose your quit after ten years smoke free?  You say you are using NRT's and that they worked for you before. What do you propose to do different so you will not relapse.  How much were you smoking before this quit?  I am hoping that you find success using a  support system.  It is doable. I suggest that you find a way to relax so you will not feel like you are carrying a ton of bricks.  Find things that you enjoy to replace the cigarette.  Exercise, games, etc.  Have a good night.  Hope to hear from you again.

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!. 

You are almost through H#ll and Heck Weeks  Congratulations!  You should find it getting easier after 2-3 weeks, and it will improve over that time little by little!

The most important thing you can do right now is to 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.” 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, and read the blogs, responses and pages of folks you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com and quitsmokingonline.com for the good information contained there.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand. 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! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to smoke so the view is different.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around your head alone.  Get busy!  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

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

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.

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

[lois2]

congrats on 9 days, just do it you can.  Sunshine

[Sunshine109]

Thanks for the feedback -- I quit prior with the patch...a few attempts but eventual success...I lost my quit after a succession of very serious life events in less than a year span...loss of two loved ones and a suicide attempt by another, who made it through.although stress always comes it never hit like that...god knows it should never happen again..anyway that said I'm back in the saddle.  Thanks for the tips will look into Carr...and continue to post...blessings...

[TerrieQuit]

Hi! and Welcome! 9 days is not a bad way to start. You are through the first 3-4 days so the nicotine is out of your system and you've made it through hell week. couple more days and you will be through heck week. Follow the directions the elders gine you! Nancy gave you a copy of the book (which saved me) and 100 things to do instead of smoke! You are all set. Hollar if you need help!

Terrie  43  DOF

[janese]

Welcome and Congradulations on day 9 I am on day 19 lots of support here when you need it.

[Giulia]

You joined us a while back I believe.  So I'm assuming that you've been doing your reading on here.  If not - DO.  You're right in that it IS a choice and you don't have to partake of the drug just because it beckons.  But maintenance is a neccesary part of staying free.  Reading material on here daily is part of maintenance.  Stay with it.     

[constanceclum]

We have been brainwashed our whole lives in every tough situation a cigarette will help. Nothing could be farther from the truth and you will find all this out if you do the readings. And, if you never take another puff, you will never have to go through another hell or heck week. ]

Connie

[Junior7]

Congrats on nine days!

[Summer-Rain]

Congrats on 9 days of freedom. The journey continues.