One day at a time

[Pacifica12]

Hey all,

I'm fairly new here... never blogged before... just wanted to let you guys know what I'm going through. I smoked cigs for almost 20 years, switched to an e cigarette for one year, then got rid of it and started chewing the nicotine gum. I'm currently chewing 6 pieces a day, trying to break the hand-to-mouth action and the psychological triggers (EX: a break at work, first thing in the morning, driving, etc.) I am a home health aide and 10 years ago a lot of people used to smoke at work and now my workplace is becoming smoke free. They really prefer that you dont smoke while caring for clients, and now that I have quit I can see why they say this... smoking is so disgusting in my opinion! Although I used to love it.

Just taking it one day at a time... I wanted to thank you guys for the tips and reading material... It is helping!

How are you guys managing tough cravings and how far along are you in your quit?

Keep at it,

Sam.

[BobbyC]

Good Luck Sam and Good for you.  I set my quit date for chewing Tobacco this 8/15 - just trying to get my mind right to do this. 

[AnnetteMM]

Hi and welcome! It's awesome that you've quit both smoking and vaping . Gum is SO much better than inhaling.

Have you considered dropping the nicotine altogether? Just asking, not judging at all.

[Pacifica12]

Hi AnnetteMM,

Yes I plan to cut down on the gum slowly, eventually I want to eliminate it altogether. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Pacifica12]

That's really wonderful that you plan to quit chewing... good luck to you too. I wonder if you are used to chewing that the nicotine gum might help? It was everything to me. Just a thought.

[elvan]

Welcome to EX.  Glad you are finding the site helpful, that's why we are here, we all want you to succeed.   I came here every morning and every evening when I first quit and that was after smoking for 47 years,  I have been smoke free now for over 5 1/2 years, thanks to this site and the support and education I got from here.  I committed not to smoke, no matter what, unfortunately, I had already done significant damage to my lungs and that's something that I have to deal with every day.  I am a retired RN and when I think of all of the patients I cared for when I was still smoking, it makes me sick.  I think that your quit is wonderful.  We all know what  it is like.

Ellen

[Pacifica12]

Thanks Ellen.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I think cutting down slowly is a god idea.

I prepared by telling myself to wait a little longer.

I didn't count or deny.You become more cognizant of what you're doing without stressing yourself out.

[maryfreecig]

Congratulations on  starting your quit journey. You won't regret it. Keep working it, stick with Ex--the support is here 365. And you've got it right, one day at a time it the way keep quitting doable. Welcome to Ex.