Day Four

[cheriedoo]

10:15am

Already feeling better with my cold/cough.  I credit the speedy feel better to not smoking and my zinc lozenges. But here's the weird thing:  I've been over 72 hours with NO NICOTINE - yet today I'm having my strongest urges for a cig.  I know that i will not smoke.  But I don't like feeling the want.  I thought when the nicotine was out of my system, I wouldn't want as bad.  I think I must've been a boredom smoker.

Also, does time tick by slower once you've quit? Sigh.

[rissaroo]

AT 72 hrs your body is getting rid of the last little bits of nicotene that is left in your system...just be prepared for the little voices that will start to invade your thought processes. I am on day 10 of my quit and I have to say that day four and five were crazy with the voices or off the wall mental pictures....but it does get better. Keep coming here and don't listen to the sadistic little buggers....we'll be here for you...congrats on the quit

[hangzhou]

The timing is different for everyone but I have a slightly different theory here.

I used to wish that I would get sick because I thought then I wouldn't want to smoke and I would get through the first few days of nicotine withdrawal "for free".  But when that wish came true, it never seemed to work.

So my theory is that you have to go through the physical and mental withdrawals together.  Maybe it won't be another 72 hours but it might be 24.

Either way, hang in there and find out.  For sure, the physical cravings go away.  That's a promise!

As to the mental craving, especially for one who smokes out of "boredom" (let's say "inactivity" instead because sometimes it's not really boredom -- it's more like just wanting to sit around on your you-know-what), you a) need to take great pride in this accomplishment you are undertaking so that you are willing to continue to be a warrior and fight it out and b) try to busy yourself, even if it means going to the supermarket and walking up and down every aisle.  As the physical addiction wanes, you will find it easier to go from one activity to another without needing a cigarette break.  So you go to the supermarket, then you clean that bathroom that you've been meaning to clean, then you type a blog or a comment, then don't forget to eat, then go to a museum, then read a book, then go to work, then a little clothes shopping, then watch MSNBC, then go do some volunteer work, then.....get the idea?  Stay busy.

Some people, when they're going through the withdrawals, can only lie on the bed and moan.  If you're still in that stage, then do that.

Again, all the bad feelings pass.  That's all first stage withdrawal and many of us have succeeded at getting through that.

The tricky part is later, so keep coming to the site and express yourself.  For me and some others, it may be the key to success for those of us who have tried and failed before.  So far, it is making a HUGE difference in my quit.

[coldturkey]

They say the first 2 weeks are the worst and I've heard some people say the urge can last for sometime it varies from person to person. The urge are just those pesky little transmitters in your brain telling you to please them, ignore them get up drink water take a walk just leave the urge area get busy with something. Doing this and eventually those pesky little buggers will get tired and go to sleep or hopefully into a coma. Good Luck STAY STRONG & FREE

[drea4]

I'm on day 5 and today I've had strong urges too. We just have to remember our brains have gotten programmed to smoke for so long and it may take a while for the urges to ease up. Kinda like getting rid of a bad boyfriend. You know he has to go and stay gone, but you still think of him because there is a void in your life. We can fill that void with healthy, productive things and become better people with these great changes we are making in our lives.

Congrats on your quit. We can do this cheridoo:)

[Rick_M]

Time does slow down for awhile, give it some time things will get back to normal. WTG getting those first 3 days out of the way. Hang on, you're doing good. 

[Rick_M]

Time does slow down for awhile, give it some time things will get back to normal. WTG getting those first 3 days out of the way. Hang on, you're doing good.