How to lose nicotine in ten days

[Heatherkbd]

So, I have been trying to quit in total about a month now, I’m counting my thinking of quitting days because, it never seemed like an option to continue with this horrible habit. First I made the decision, second I tried weening myself down and that seems to continue to be an issue, I haven’t quit yet. I have ten days until my actual quit date and, I’d like to be quit and recovered from withdrawals by that day, I have too much temptation around me and it’s not working.The newest temptation is to throw everything in the trash, so why haven’t I done it? It’s been about 3 days since I had that thought, pretty positive it’s from the Holy Spirit so I want to do this, I’ll keep y’all posted.

[daverson828]

Good morning @Heatherkbd! It sounds to me like the Spirit is definitely moving you toward this. Some of the elders will give you good advice to help you break your addiction. I see you're hoping to be "quit and recovered from withdrawals" in ten days, and it could happen! In my experience though, some withdrawal symptoms last for weeks -- it was at least a month for me. Everyone is different, but don't be discouraged if it takes longer than you're hoping. Freedom from addiction is worth it! 

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!

Where to begin?  The first thing I think might help you is to understand your addiction.  I will give you some resources to do that. You will learn how nicotine keeps you coming back for more!  You cannot smoke part-time!  Secondly, I was not successful cutting down on the number I smoked prior to my quit date.  In fact, I practically chain smoked the night before my quit morning and it made no difference.  I successfully quit on my first and only attempt at it almost ten years ago.  Your period of nicotine withdrawal does not start until you completely stop using it....and it takes a bit longer than ten days.  This is a two part addiction  physical and psychological.  The nicotine is out of your body three days after you completely stop putting it in, then it's a few weeks for your body to adjust.  THEN it's the psychological part of the addiction with which you need to deal - the associations and triggers you have built up over your smoking history.

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 search for it online or at your local library.  Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: https://www.becomeanex.org/nicotine-addiction_nicotine-and-your-brain/

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:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/t5/Journals-Blogs/101-Things-to-Do-Instead-of-Smoke/ba-p/1028319

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

[Barbscloud]

@Heatherkbd Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your decision to quit.  Some quitters use a quit date and other don't.  I'm not sure which you're doing since you say you want to be quit by your quit date.

One thing having a quit date does for many quitters is that it gives you time to prepare for your quit.  Have you been reading material on the site to learn about quitting?  This link is a great place to start learning about nicotine addiction and having a quit plan. 

Are you planning on using a quit aid?  If so have you explored the options?

https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

In addition to aids, etc.  I did cut down for a week on a very strict schedule that I didn't deviate from.  Cutting down doesn't work for a lot of quitters because you're reintroducing nicotine every time you smoke.  It can be done, but it takes a commitment.  

Even though nicotine is mostly gone from your body in 3 days, the physical withdrawal will gradually decrease over 3 - 4 weeks.  Physical withdrawal in only part of the story.  The psychological part presents different challenges. 

Please do lots of reading and decide if you going to quit now or on your quit date.  And, yes you should discard your smoking paraphernalia before you quit.  It not only gives you an excuse to smoke, but having it around is just making it harder on you.   

We're here to support you on this journey.  Let us know what you decide.

You can do this!

Barb

[sweetplt]

Welcome to Ex’s @Heatherkbd 

You have received some good advice above…

Keep close to the support site, we are here for you…

~ Colleen 1229 DOF 

[Snowdoggie]

@Heatherkbd Welcome to Ex. Good advice and readings above. Do get Allen Carr's book that Nancy above mentioned. It really helped me to focus on my addiction and quit. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Happy Easter.

[Heatherkbd]

Thank you Everyone! I haven’t smoked or ingested any nicotine since about midnight 04/14/22 I’m trying something a bit unorthodox because I’m not like everyone else, I’ve tried patches and gum in the past, I’ve also tried cold turkey, nothing worked. Since I am a cardholder I have upped my regular dosage to become more comfortable, it’s helping, I feel myself thinking of other things more quickly that I can do instead of smoke. I appreciate all the support and advice! I pray that all of you are doing wonderfully in your journeys🤗 

[Heatherkbd]

I have officially cleared round one, no nicotine contact for one whole day, time for day two, so far I’ve experienced painful  breathing, coughing up lightly colored mucus, tasting metal in the back of my throat and food already tastes better. I fear I’ll be gaining weight on this journey… update tomorrow evening.

[Snowdoggie]

@Heatherkbd Your off to a great start! Keep it going!❤️

[Barbscloud]

@Heatherkbd That's great.  Keep up the good work and stay close.

Barb

[Heatherkbd]

Hello everyone! We are on day three, day two was hell in a hand basket.🤦🏻‍♀️ Day three has been pretty calm but I’m still experiencing nasty phlegm, sore throat, drainage, headaches, sweating and body aches. I’m so ready for this to be over, I wish I had never picked up smoking/vaping. This is almost as terrible as getting clean from hard drugs, but that was almost 4yrs ago now, I can do this. Thanks for your support, hope everyone is also doing well

[Barbscloud]

@Heatherkbd Thanks for the update.  Big congrats on day 3.   The withdrawal symptoms can be tough, but that's because your body is healing.   Keep up the good work, stay close, and reach out if you need support.

Have a beautiful day. 

Barb

[Heatherkbd]

Hey everyone! Day 5! Day four I still felt absolutely horrible, today I still have a lot of sinus issues, slight throat irritation and some headaches but I can feel it dwindling down, the urges are getting easier to talk through and I’m so ecstatic about having five whole days no nicotine! All the support from everyone has been such a big help! Thank you so much! We got this y’all!!🤗

[Barbscloud]

@Heatherkbd Big congrats on day 5.   I know you're not feeling well, but it will pass.  Stay strong, stay positive, and stay close.  Be proud of your success  You made the commitment and you're doing the work.

Barb

[Snowdoggie]

@Heatherkbd glad to hear that every do is getting a little better. Keep it going you are almost through "hell week"!🌋🌋🌋