Positive Changes

[Catsidy123]

Today was tough, not going to lie. With my boyfriend still vaping I'm pushing through lots of triggers to keep this going on my own. I intended to start the day cold turkey but after some intense cravings after work went to the store and bought some lozenges. The text that told me that medications can help double your chances of quitting motivated me! I'm proud I haven't caved and was able to push through my first day. Here's the first of many!

[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! 

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

[Cousin-Itt]

CONGRATULATIONS on Your First of Many Smoke Free Days.   

Quitting is a challenge but Very Doable with NRT, Some Work, Knowledge and Support you can find here.

The chart below may help you to know what to expect 

[Barbscloud]

Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your first day nicotine free. Having someone else nearby still vaping doesn't help, but you can do it.  Just remember it's your quit, no one else's.  Glad you got an aid to help instead of vaping.  Identify some ways to distract yourself like going for a walk.   There are many tools you can use, so explore what works for you.  We're here for you, so just reach out anytime you need support.

Here's to day won and many more to come.

Barb

[indingrl]

Yahoooooooo CONGRATS NO VAPING - GOOD JOB

Just sharing to be HELPFUL because it waa SUGGESTED that I educate MYSELF on MY addiction for ME - I am a RECOVERING NICOTINE ADDICT and just sharing some LOVE with ya

Vaping-associated lung injury may be caused by toxic chemical fumes, study finds – Mayo Clinic News ... 

Vaping-associated lung injury may be caused by toxic chemical fumes, study finds – Mayo Clinic News ... 

FACTS not feelings to STAY A NON VAPER FREEEEEE - one day at a time - educated with FACTS not letting FEELINGS lead - WAY TO GO STAYING NICOTINE FREE

[sweetplt]

HI and Welcome to Ex’s Catsidy123 

I am glad you found out site...be sure to follow the directions when using the NRT...ask the boyfriend to not vape around you...You and your quit are number one priority.  You have received some great advice above me...Knowledge is power....keep close to the support site...wishing you a Happy Saturday ~ Colleen 789 DOF 

[Catsidy123]

Thanks Nancy for all of these tips and resources! I will definitely check out that book. I have a few others on hold at the library. Understanding more what nicotine does to my brain is really helpful in how I push through and quit.

[Catsidy123]

Thank you for the chart! I love seeing things laid out. Definitely the first of many and happy for positive changes to come!

[Catsidy123]

It definitely is my quit and I am going to set a good example. I know he wants to but I just had to take the step for myself and not keep talking about doing it, and just do it! It will be tough but he's not going to do it around me, but knowing he has it is a challenge. However I'm sure just me not doing it will cut back his usage significantly. Thanks for the support!

[Catsidy123]

Love "facts not feelings", what a great motto. I'm thankful to be on the journey to freedom and better health! 

[Catsidy123]

Thank you for the support! I'm happy to have all this advice in the community. Making sure I quit right and for the long haul. I'm doing this for me and my best self!

[elvan]

You are doing great! Keep going one day at a time. DO ask your boyfriend not to vape around you. Ask him to support you. This is a journey, it WILL get easier, it takes time. I used the mantra NOPE when l quit, Not One Puff Ever, it worked & it has been ovet 7 years.

Welcome to EX, you have gotten great advice.

Ellen