I need to quit

[rosemary]

I've been planning to quit smoking tomorrow. It is independence day and I need to be free of cigs and all the ways that they control my life. I am unprepared for this, I know..... already planning how I can extend my smoking for a few hours or a few days.
I hate getting help with this. Don't like posting... have never done it. I have been told that I need to get help from people who are trying to quit or have quit. So here I am.
Rose

[mlynne]

And we're glad you're here, Rose! Independence Day is a great day to start your new life as an ex-smoker. You truly can be free of this addiction, free to choose new habits, free to go places and do things you couldn't as a smoker. Congratulations on your decision to take control back!

It's not easy asking for help, but I'm here to tell you that the help you will find on this site can make the difference between a successful quit and a half-hearted attempt. That's because the people here are all about heart, and give their encouragement with large doses of understanding and, as silly as it may sound to you if you're unaccustomed to online communities, a lot of love.

What plans have you made? Are you using patches, gum, Chantix? Are you going cold turkey? Do you have someone offline who can give you the support you need? Are you really sincere about quitting, or are you coming from the mindset that you're being forced into doing it? The biggest battle in quitting is attitude, so make sure you're really ready. Your blog title says "need to quit," not "want to quit." Wanting to be free of it can make it seem less of a struggle and more of a decision. Only you know the truth, and will choose what you really want.

That's what I can offer. I hope you'll feel comfortable with the people on this site, because everyone is here to help themselves and others beat the addiction. Good luck, Rosemary!

[karen-williamson]

Hi Rosemary. Congrats on your decision to quit. MLynne is right. Wanting to quit is one of the keys to a successful quit. You said you really hadn't planned on how to quit? I didn't either. I quit during an edpisode of bronchitis & a sinus infection. Then I started reading about planning your quit. Either way, it is scary. If you feel you're not ready, back up & come up with a plan. Figure out what your triggers are & plan on things to do differently when they happen. You know, after eating, while driving/talking on phone, during smoke breaks, etc. Chew gum, chew on straws or swizzle sticks, drink water, take a walk, take deep breaths, etc. This site will be a life saver--it has been for me. Lots of great people, good information and a welcome distraction from thinking about smoking. Also, patches have been working good for me--are you using anything to help or going cold turkey? Good luck, hang in there & Happy Freedom & Happy 4th of July!

[Carenda]

Rosemary, you are at the right place to get support and advice to help you with your quit. Plan how you are going to do this. If you need a couple of days, do so but plan your quit soon.

[rosemary]

Thanks to all who have commented. It helps. I have not quit today. I woke up in the middle of the night and smoked. Then smoked again today. Now I think I am going to quit at 3PM this afternoon. This is absolutely crazy.
I don't know how this site works. Do you email specific people that you connect with? Do you use this blog?
Thanks for all the encouragement!
Rosemary

[sandra5]

Hi Rosemary, The pages when you first go on the website www.becomeanex.org provide you will some great strategies for quitting smoking. I would encourage you to start by going through the steps they offer. I learned alot from them!! There are tremendous people in The Community - some who have quit smoking for many years, some who have recently quit and others who are thinking about it. You will meet some tremendous people who offer excellent support and you'll probably make a few new friends too! Good Luck with your Quit!!

[edith2]

I had no desire to quit. I was soooo tired of my kids nagging me to quit. Deep down I really did want to. I was scared. I'm not a religious person, but I did pray for the desire. About two weeks later, I quit. I used the lozenges. I hated the beginning. But it was the best decision I ever made.