I’m new to this website (but not to quitting smoking unfortunately). I’m wondering if someone could just let me know that they are there and that in fact I’ve posted correctly. Thank anyone in advance.
Einstein said: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result." What will you do differently THIS time? I hope you will read, plan, prepare, gather support and commit to never smoking another cigarette NO MATTER WHAT. We can help with all but the last.
\Educating yourself on the addiction and having a PLAN going forward will reduce the anxiety of quitting. Get busy learning and preparing, and I think you may actually start to look forward to this journey! You will do this one day at a time, so don't be looking further ahead than that.
The 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.” 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
I quit almost ten years ago on my first and only attempt at it, and I base my overall recommendations on my experience and that of others over the years. if you decide to use a quit aid, I recommend those that don't let the addict control the dose such as Rx drugs and the patch. Each cigarette you smoked contained about 1 mg of nicotine. If you use more than one form of NRT, be sure you aren't getting more than when you smoked.
It will be informative if you do the tracking and separation exercises recommended here on the site. As you track each cigarette smoked, note its importance, and what you might do instead. Put each one off just a little to prove that you don't NEED a cigarette just because you think you do.
The 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:
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!
Hi Linda. On Quit Day # 56 and I'm fairly new here, as well. Just wanting to give encouragement to you. Hope you have an easy time of it. I would encourage you to jump right in and write all that you need to. Writing helped me so much during my first 3 weeks. I would write and rewrite a dozen inspirational quotes. I treated myself very nicely, also, during that time. Read about nicotine and how it addicts you. Do a search on this site for copd, and you will find encouragement that way, also. I never, ever, ever thought I would have been able to quit. My addiction went further than the nicotine, I was mentally addicted to the whole cigarette thing. Be stubborn, be nice to yourself and don't smoke. There is wonderful information on this site.
Thank you for the encouragement ! Greatly appreciated! I too have the mental addiction as well. 56. Days! That’s terrific keep up the good work! It was suggested to me that I write a blog/journal by another member too. I am going to get right on that!
@Lindaaham Hi Linda, you are off to a great start. I can't answer your auto signature question. I quit 10 months ago. Blogging and following the advice of elders ( those quit more than one year) iand preparing is what helped me quit. Wishing you success.🚭
@Lindaaham Thank you so much Linda. I am in month 1O of my quit. You can see how long into a quit a Ex member is by clicking on their handle name (snow doggie) and then clicking on profile. It will pull up the number of days quit.
