I have hope...

[dreams803]

I think I have been through every stage mentioned on this site at least once. I had no idea the roller coaster of emotions and cravings that I would have to undergo to quit smoking cigarettes! It has been 30 days since I last cheated and I still find myself struggling but determined. I look forward to the day that I can let my gaurd down enough to relax for just a little while. Reading some of the blogs and posts here gives me hope...

[joy41]

Have you done the readings that have been recommended on this site at quicksmokingonline.com, whyquit.com, and  Allen Carr's book?  The way to make your quit easier and to deal with those cravings is to educate yourself, read the blogs and comments on this site, and from all the advice, find what works for you. 
Then it's a matter of training your body to function without the nicotine, maintaining a good mental attitude, and changing your habits.

The nicotine is out of your body in three days, but if you keep "cheating", then you're constantly putting your body through withdrawal.

If I can do this, you can, too. 

[jojo_2-24-11]

Hi dreams and welcome to the site! You will have that day of relaxation as long as you don't smoke. As Joy has mentioned, read. Read as much as you can on nicotine addiction. Knowledge is power. Take control of your life back. You can do this.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

did you notice that the worst discombobulation was over after 2-3 weeks?

or are you still struggling with the same intensity?

you are heading into no mans land now.

it should be easier for the most part but you may get some unexpected cravings thgat are very strong.

be prepared

Thomas posted a study on 8-27-12 in the following link describing the cues to smoke (craves) as being more intense in the first few months after the initial 35 days. This is the whole reason I focus on the first 130 days. This is exactly what I have described for a long while on this site as "No Mans Land"

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2012/08/27/knowledge-is-power-know-you...

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/05/24/no-mans-land-da...

There is a timeline in the following link describing what we all go through with approximate times you will experience the phases of quitting.

                     

WHAT TO EXPECT THE FIRST 4 MONTHS

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

"you gotta do some cocooning to be a butterfly"

[Michwoman]

Those 3 have said it all and very well. I have 70 days so I am smack dab in the middle of No Man's Land. I am always on my toes knowing that an unexpected crave can come at any time. Your "guard" will go down by itself  sometimes and you'll suddenly realize "Hey I haven't even thought about cigarettes at all today"

Keep going - you're doing great!

[Peggyer]

I agree!  Read, there is much truth in what is said.  It helped me!  I kind of knew what to expect and I learned not to be too hard on myself!  I'm in NML as well, so I have to stay on my toes too Michwoman!. 

[dreams803]

Thanks to everyone for all the support. I have been reading like crazy trying to educate myself so I am prepared for the different stages still to come. That's how I found this site. I have a good support team but the majority of them don't smoke so they really don't know what my battle is. They expect that after a month I should't be mentioning it or need support. I was beginning to believe that in some way I was failing because I still had the craving.

The info made available here does help me feel less alone and a bit more normal in the processes I am going through. It has gotten easier but I admit I was worried that perhaps in some way my cravings were a sign of failure. I am feeling more positive about my progress and the messages here give me strength to continue...