I think I can

[DANIELA040220]

I am reading Allen Carr's book right now and I'm starting to understand much about myself and my addiction. I was having horrible withdrawal just now and my roommate is delusional (actually,  because I live in a group home setting) , she was provoking me and I had a huge, psychotic panic attack, not even thinking that I could chew some nicotine gum. Well, someone reminded me of the gum so that saved me, for the moment. If I really need to stay awake for most of the night because I can't get any rest then I will, but I'm already starting to feel drowsy. 

I think as long as I don't smoke I will get through this. I have some determination now!

As Carr says, there is no benefit to smoking it's just an endless cycle that's been created to get the next fix. It doesn't help you relax or be less bored etc.

Carr says the withdrawal doesn't last long but I hadn't had a cigarette the whole day and now in the evening I experienced this terrible withdrawal. Why?

[YoungAtHeart]

It takes three days or so for the nicotine to be out of your body, and then a few weeks for your body chemistry to adjust to life without it.  You are still really early in your journey.  Cravings are to be expected.

Two other thoughts for you,  Were doing something in the evening that always included a smoke?  If so, change up that routine.  Do it backwards, do it earlier or later, do it in a different place.  You are relearning your life as an ex-smoker, and changing up your routines makes that easier.  Secondly, caffeine has a greater effect when you quit smoking, so you need not to get any after about mid-afternoon.  Your sleep can be affected if you have any later in the day and certainly if you have any in the evening.

So happy you are finding the Carr book helpful.  I did, as well.

Hang in there! 

Nancy

[DANIELA040220]

Hi there, Nancy!

What can you recommend regarding to dealing with the rollercoaster that I'm on right now? I feel excited at some point but I am plunging down into the depths the other minute. Can I even tolerate a normal routine right now or should I just stay in bed all day. I have no brainpower! Is distracting the key? There is so much information out there, it's overwhelming! I guess keeping it simple would be the key to my success right now?

[sweetplt]

Hi DANIELA040220 Nancy YoungAtHeart gave you some good advice.  Remember to keep busy ... it helps get through the craves...Gotcha in my thoughts ~ Colleen 497 DOF 

[YoungAtHeart]

Try being busy - if that makes you feel better - stay busy.   If it makes you feel worse, sleep.  Every quit, just like every person, is unique.  Taking slow, deep breaths, going slower and deeper with each, can help calm and center you.  Here is a technique:

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Stay close and let us know how you are doing.  Feeling like you are on a roller coaster ride, going up and down with twists and turns, is perfectly normal.  Just take it a minute at a time......

Hang in there!

Nancy

[SimplySheri]

Withdrawals last longer if you focus on them.  It's easier to acknowledge you're having one and then go on with whatever it is you were doing.  Or stop and use your 'quit toolkit' to distract yourself   Find something you like to do...and do it!!  I liked butterscotch candies in the early days of my quit and I focused on the flavor.  Some talk a walk to distract themselves from a crave.  You can chant "Oom", you can sing, you can dance...anything that makes you smile

Way to go on getting proactive!!  Many found Allen Carr's book to be a lifeline!!  Remember this is your quit and you get to make it however you want it to be  

Sheri