Newbie needs encouragement

[Jenlking758]

Hi, I’m new on here and my quite date is this Friday February 19th. I have smoked cigarettes since I was 13 years old then a few years ago I I switched to the vape or e-cigarettes, only to find I am addicted to it just like cigarettes. Thinking it was a healthier alternative and then learning the facts really scared me. I’m ready to be nicotine free but I know it won’t come without discomfort and even some grieving. For so long it’s been my companion in life. I really need a community of women to take this journey with that’s why I decided to try this so here I go!

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

 Congratulations on your decision to quit vaping.  It's common sense that anything you put in your lungs that isn't clean air can't be good for you!  You will need to substitute “vape” or “device” as you do the reading I will recommend. Research suggests nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Because vaping is available to you most anywhere, anytime, I believe it might be more difficult from which to break free than regular tobacco products - but it CAN be done!  If you would like to use a quit aid and would like information on the various ones, let me know

I recommend that you educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind To that end, I suggest Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” . which can be found 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. 

The idea is to change up your routines so the vaping associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from where you vaped. Maybe switch to tea for a bit.  If you always had that first puff 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! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to vape so the view is different. Take a different route when you are out and about so you aren't driving by your vaping supply shop.

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 from which to sip. Don't let that vaping thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.    Get busy!  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of vape 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 to vape" 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

[Jenlking758]

That’s very helpful gonna watch video now thank you very much.

[Barbara145]

Good morning.  Welcome.  You have come to the right place. I started smoking around 13.  I smoked for 52 years.  I tried many times to quit.  I was never successful until I found this site.  Come here everyday.  You can do this. I quit 7 1/2 years ago.  It is the best.

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome. Congratulations on one of the greatest journeys of your life, the nonsmoking one.   You have come to the right place for support from both gals and guys IF you are willing to do whatever is necessary to NOPE (not one puff ever.) no matter what is happening in your life   Education is the key to a successful quit. The most important step of the journey.  Read the suggested materials. Here at EX we help to dispel the myths and brainwashing we have learned about smoking from big tobacco companies. You will gain tools and skills to unlearn the behavior smoking has created. Understand that it will take time to debunk the thoughts that you have to have a cigarette. .  This is not an event but a journey.   You will have to be accepting that you do not have to smoke, no matter what. You can make a daily pledge to do just that Daily Pledge‌. Join hands with the Elders and members who are here to support you.  The action is in the blogs, front and center. Find mentors and read theirs.  If you have a question, please feel free to ask.  Someone will help.  If you have a problem with your quit type help in the blog, conversation, or discussion.  and let us know how we can help. I suggest that you stay as close as possible until your quit grows.  Be mindful of what is going on with your quit. Know HALT Hungry Angry Lonely Tired can be confused with triggers. It will help if you Get Rested, Remain Calm Stay Relaxed, you are not alone we are here to help. just breathe all the way. /blogs/JACKIE1-25-15-blog/2020/08/26/practice-this-breathing-exercise?sr=search&searchId=1748017d-55... part of your tool kit you can take it anywhere you go. Just Breathe Deep  Don’t give up. 

[MarilynH]

Welcome to the community we're all here to help you in any way we can, you can do this quit believe it deep breaths and know that we're rooting you on......

[SimplySheri]

[maryfreecig]

Welcome to Ex. I found out at the age of 54, over seven years ago, that I could quit. That I could relearn life. You are starting on a big journey--so worth taking.

[Barbscloud]

Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your decision.  You're not uncommon.  Other's switched to vaping instead of cigarettes and it seems it may be more addictive.  Maybe because you have the freedom to vape just about anywhere.   It's still a nicotine so most of what's discussed here still applies.  Use this time to educate yourself about nicotine addiction and create a quit. My EX Plan | BecomeAnEX  These two steps finally made it possible for me to become an ex-smoker.  We're here to support you.  Just need to reach out anytime you need encouragement, want to share you journey, or to celebrate your upcoming milestones.  

Look forward to celebrating with you on the 19th.

One day at a time.

Barb

[sweetplt]

Hi and Welcome to Ex’s Jenlking758 ... you have received a lot of great information above me...do the readings and the work...It is never too late to quit smoking...learn as much as you can about addiction...and start telling yourself you no longer want it in your life...we are here for you...come to the support group daily and make your commitment to keep the quit...~ Colleen 806 DOF