I'm back and ready to quit

[Thanks4listenin]

Hello, I'm a semi new member.  I was here a year ago for a short time but wasn't able to quit,  and felt guilt and shame so I stepped away. I've been through a lot a changed since then and have even moved. I'm ready now to fully quit. 2.5 weeks ago I stopped smoking cigs after a 24 year habit.  That's a huge accomplishment for me!! I use an e-cigarette temporarily to transition to non smoker. I know I can quit smoking 100% but I also know I need support.  That's why I'm here, thank you for having me. 

Jamie

[Barbscloud]

@Thanks4listenin Welcome back.   Never feel quilt or shame.  Quitting isn't easy and it takes work.  Use that quit to learn what to do differently this times.   Brush up you quit plan so you're prepared as you move forward on your journey.

And remember to reach out before you smoke.  It can make all the difference to keep you on track when faced with life events.

We're here for you.

Barb

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Welcome back. I'm sorry you left.

Does your ecig have nicotine?

If so you're repeating the same ritual as smoking and also getting nicotine.

In the end, the nicotine keeps you coming back for more and the ritual of smoking that is connected to events and emotions is the most difficult part of letting smoking go.

I suggest losing the nicotine first and then unlearning the ritual.

[Christine13]

Great work on 2.5 weeks!! Keep going!!

[Thanks4listenin]

@JonesCarpeDiem yes, it has nicotine. It doesn't have an option for 0 nicotine. I've been on 5% for 2.5 weeks and going down to 2%. I wish these did have the 0 nicotine pods. 

[JuJuCFruit]

@Thanks4listenin  

Congrats! 

I too used vaping for a short time in my quitting journey. 

That was until 2 doctors told me how bad it was.   In fact one doctor said she hated to say it but she would a actually prefer patients to smoke over vaping. Both mentioned the damage they had seen even for young smokers. 

When I first heard of vaping I spent a lot of money on Juul and cartridges.  I hate to waste money but I threw them all away. 

Hopefully vaping is a temporary measure for you in your quitting journey and is done in moderation. 

As Julia Child said:

"Everything in moderation.   Including moderation."

[Thanks4listenin]

@JuJuCFruit vaping is most definitely temporary.  I know all the risks, and am against vapes. Congratulations on quitting!! 

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome back!

What will you do differently THIS time?  I hope you will do the reading I will recommend, and use the tips that you think will be useful.  There are vape devices with 0 nicotine options.  You might want to switch to one of them.  At the least, put each use off a bit while you get busy and take your mind off of it.  You can naturally wean yourself down that way.

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.youtube.com/watch?v=IpWMgPHn0Lo&feature=youtu.be

From my own experience and that of others here, 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.

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. We have a weekly Trivia Contest you might like to try, too, that is listed there.

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

[Strudel]

Welcome back and congrats on your quit! Stay close - you can do this!