Well, step one. Join Become an Ex....

[_j_31]

Man, I was on this site long ago.  I made it to quit.  After around a year of a quit, I gave in.  Not just a slip a full blown bender.

Sheez, it was like I never quit.  I was soon smoking just like I did before my quit.  Now my desire/motivation to quit is not overcomming the addiction.  Yet. 

I'm not particularly looking for sypathy here, I honestly know I made a bad decision.  I recignize that it was a moment of weakness.  Yet I didn't fight hard enough.  I didn't cope well. 

I do forgive myself, don't get me wrong.  I don't think a bad decision makes a bad person.  However, I need a really good plan to quit again.  And a little extra personal strength.  Oh, and telphone support wouldn't be bad, I wonder were a poor man can get that last one.

Last time I quit via Chatex.  Unfortunately, it was pricy.  It helped a lot though.  But, I don't think I can swing that kind of bill this time around.  I did feel that this site was one of the big pieces of the puzzle.  Thus, I'm back.

Honestly, I haven't even set a quit date yet.  I'm in the baby steps at the moment.  I'm a bit frightened to take the leap.

[kat102]

Welcome! I'm so glad you are here! I'm glad you are planning ahead. I believe that's the key to a successful quit, that's the way I did it.

The key to my quit was a book that is online and free written by Allen Carr, called the Easyway to Stop Smoking.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

This site also has much information including a link to set your quit date.

You should also check out all the informative links on whyquit.com. Educating yourself about the dangerous effects of nicotine addiction will make your quit much smoother.

There is a site that sends texts on your mobile phone with reminders. I can't remember the name of it offhand. I didn't use it, my friend did. It was free though.

There are others on here with welcome letters with links...I just thought I'd send a quick note.

Congratulations on your decision, keep on blogging, keep talking to us and welcome!

[wishingstar]

Welcome back, I to failed, but I won't give up. Re -read everything, stay close to this site. I feel every thing your feelt, when i blew it, it like we never stoped.

we can do this

[smorgy8513]

Welcome to the EX....or welcome back...no matter.    Just that you are here.   So, you listed step one, now you have to do step 2 which is doing all the homework, reading, making the lists.    There is homework on the main site here and then you've already gotten some of the other reading.    Kat mentioned the reminder app for your phone.  I have 2:  My Quit Buddy which sends encouragement several times per day and Quit Now.      There are probably more.

Do the prep work so that you can be prepared to set your quit date and get on with a life of quality.

Could you tell us more about you on your profile page?   How long smoking, reasons to quit, etc.

This is the place to be.    Read blogs and if something clicks with you go to that person's profile page and read.    Many inspiring people.   Elders, Wise Ones....all have been on the road you're on, learn from them.

Again, welcome.   Hope to get to know you better.

Sharon

[whognu_1-2007]

You were quit for a year? Not one cigarette the whole time?

Did you focus on freedom and the reasons you were quiting or dwell on what you were missing the entire time?

Did you unlearn the habit/hand to mouth part of smoking in that year?

Pinpoint the "moment of weakness" and figure out why you smoked.

As for people kicking themself for going back to smoking, the physical damage you've done may be far worse in the end than any self administered chastising.

[ShawnP]

Welcome!

http://https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/ShawnP-blog/2013/08/11/foundation-for-a-successful-q...

[jinni]

I know your pain!  For years I quit and smoked... always beating myself up for being "weak", etc.  Even though I knew addiction is a chronic disease... I stayed on that roller coaster until my breathing became compromised -  don't do it!!!  The roller coaster has no end.... just horrible repeating patterns!  Stay on this site and use all the wisdom available!!  You can stay N.O.P.E. (not one puff ever)... just don't give up!  Each quit can be used... knowledge is power.. 

[barbt12-30-2015]

I think alot of people have been in your shoes....I for one have. I also quit for a year and started back up again for a year. There was no triger no desperate thing happening in my life to make me smoke again I just did. I also found it very difficult to make that first leap to not smoke again. It took me another full year to quit again but now I am on day 82. The difference this time is that I definatly know I can not ever smoke again and as crazy as it seems ...it is alot easier this time. Maybe it is because I know not that I can live life without smoking after all I did do it for  whole year. If the Chantix helped you last time you should check on it this time. When I bought it for my first quit it was $100 and now it has come down to $35.00., I could not use it though...it made me so trired I could not function...hell that is one of the main reasons I tried to quit in the first place. Just to let you know you can do it again, thousands of people have.

Barb

[joyeuxencore]

Welcome back! You have gotten some great advice from everyone...I quit for 10 years the last time and then smoked for 8 years until I found this site, got an education about addiction and am now a few weeks shy of one year quit again...

It takes the mindset that we aren't giving up anything...we are doing it because we want to and not signing up for a lifetime of deprivation but a lifetime of freedom...that is the personal journey no one can take for us...We will be here for you every step of the way! xo

"YOU are worth SO MUCH MORE than a cigarette" xo

http://quitsmokingonline.com/

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html  

[Ladybug--7-3-12]

Yes -- there are a lot of us that were quit over a year & then started back smoking.  My experience was that the longer I continued smoking after the relapse the harder it got for me to re-start a successful quit .  It was "scary" to take the leap into smobriety again.  Once I changed my self-talk & more importantly decided that I didn't just want to quit again but  I wanted: 1)  it to be my permanent quit,  2) to be at peace about it instead of having angst from quitting, and 3) for my focus to be on gratitude each & every day,  a shift occurred for me.  I keep my mindset in my daily living  & it has made all the difference for me.  You can do it too.      

[Ladybug--7-3-12]

Oops -- I wanted to show that I am at day 468 smoke & nic free and counting till the end of my life.  YOU CAN DO IT TOO.  Get your mindset & focus in place and go for it one last time.  Patty

[kitty31]

i to went back to smoking just like that. Now i'm quitting again 21 days quit and  doing well you can do this remember there is no perfect day to quit you just gotta make the jump and get all the support you need. good luck hang in 

[Thomas3.20.2010]

I did the same! My thinking was "I'll clear out my lungs for awhie and then get back to my "only vice!" So I never committed to quitting. I call that smobriety without RECOVERY! We're here to learn together real recovery - TRUE SUCCESS! BTW, My decision cost me dearly! I have Stage II COPD/Emphysema! Today is a Great Day to Recover yourself!