Oh man this is hard

[jen40]

I keep saying ok now is the time but it just doesn't happen that way, it's really hard to just say ok thats it. This is like something you have to go to rehab for lol, to bad there are no "quit smoking" rehabs lol. The withdrawls suck and I don't have the will power yet to control them, and to not do the things that trigger it, is like putting a halt to my whole life, no driving, no coffee, no going outside, no talking on the phone, it's almost like all I can do is sleep to not smoke, this is nuts. I didn't think I would need the patch or gum, but I guess I do need one of them, but what if I become addicted to one of them in place of the ciggs, then what, I'm in the same place I am now. I don't know? I'm alittle lost right now and it's making me want one, see uncontrolable. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pat22]

LOL Jen! A friend of mine asked me last night if I had a sponsor yet! I sure do need one! This is about my tenth half a**ed attempt in a year, so I must really want this. I am reading SO much (slow week at work) and it's all making sense to me now that I don't have to give up anything in my life except this nasty habit.
Maybe this article will make you feel better!
http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_NicodemonsLies.html

[tara2]

I really think the patches are helping me through. I have the same fear of getting hooked on them, but realized they do actually make stages (1-3) so you wean yourself off of these. Since the "habit" side isn't a part of it (that it is associated with triggers, stress, etc.), I think it will be alot easier to get off the patch.

[jackie17]

Hi Jen Im using the patch also and the steps help you not be addicted to them. I still drink coffee, drive, talk on the phone (alot) and everything else. The thing that helps me is when I get a want a cig. I grab one of my kids and go for a walk. It sounds strange but once I get my heart beating the craving goes away. I had to find different ways of doing the things I do instead of stopping them. ie: drinking coffee driving etc. Best of luck and let me know if I can be of any help.

[jen40]

Thank you for commenting back with some advice I think I will look into getting the patch. it's just coming up with the money to get it lol, things are rough, which I'm sure they are for lots of people. My money has to go to feeding my kids and keeping a roof over their heads right now, so hopefully sometime in the future i will beable to get it. Thanks everyone Jen

[jackie17]

Im not sure where you live but most states have a quitline. Washington state will send you the first step for free. That helps considering its the most expensive step lol.

[jen40]

really i'll have to look in to that here. Thanx

[jennifer55]

Never thought it would be so hard to quit. I quit once for 5 years, had no desire for cigarettes (actually the smell made me sick to my stomach and would have headaches). I have no clue what happened but one cigarette one day turned into 10 more years of smoking again. This time the harder I try to quit seems the more I smoke. The patch gave me a headache and so did the gum. The headache was so bad I ripped off the patch and lit up a cigarette. Trying to quit cold turkey now (as of yesterday) and already failed last night. Today, while at work I can not concentrate because of wanting a cigarette. What do you do when you are sitting at work trying to concentrate and instead the only thing you can think of is trying to talk yourself out of going outside? Maybe my will to quit is not strong enough yet?

[fiveblessings]

Jen, it's true that it isn't easy. And that if you don't have free or reduced price NRTs near you the cost can seem high. But I PROMISE that when you do the math it won't cost anymore than a week or two's packs of smokes and the outcome is that you will be a healthy mom, someone your kids will look up to. It's so worth it. It's also true that you can't change your whole life...but take baby steps. Chew gum while you drive or sing at the top of your lungs, drink tea instead of coffee or drink it in a new place, preferably somewhere you can't smoke (the shower ? LOL). Make a kit full of things that you enjoy that will distract you (puzzles, books, knitting, crosswords, crayons and coloring books) when craves hit. And never look at it as going the rest of your life without smoking if that seems insurmountable. Go the next hour, or even the next 5 minutes...it can be done. You can do it! And you'll be so pleased!!