The ‘Best’ Time to Stop Smoking Maybe Now

[Dr_Hurt]

Sometimes one of the reasons we keep smoking is because we're waiting for the best time to stop.  We wait, put it off, and then set another ‘last cigarette day’.  Stopping smoking is hard and it is understandable to want to put it off to a ‘better time’, but maybe the ‘best time’ will never come.  

How can we get out of this cycle?  Recognize that waiting for the ‘best’ time to quit may be a form of postponing something that is difficult.  There likely is never going to be a perfect time.  You want to stop, why not now?  You know you will quit someday, so why not set yourself up to stop sooner, rather than later?  

Tell your friends and family.  Decide upon a medication plan by talking to your doctor or looking at the information on this site in ‘Relearn Addiction’.  Write down your reasons for stopping.  Today may be the best time to begin planning for a smoke-free future.

[msgardengirl320]

You hit the nail on the head; that's what I have been doing since I caved on my 6 month quit just a few weeks ago. Every night I say the same thing, "this is it, no more smoking starts in the morning". And then morning comes & I say "let me just finish this pack"; and on & on it goes.

[smyers]

WOW - did I ever find out there is no good time!  I have been quit 1 month, 1 week and 4 days. During that time I have been to the ER with my dad then my husband, been sick with sinus infection - missed 3 days work, had the family in for Thanksgiving, husband had surgery, back to the ER with my mom, currently getting ready for everyone in on Christmas eve.  I do thank God that I am still quit. Whew!

[Karen87]

Yes, it is hard, so I keep re-setting my quit date. I tried to quit several years ago, and when I didn't, I just forgot about quitting. And I didn't stay on this site. Now I've reset my quit date again, but I am staying on the site, even if I can't come backf every day.  I wish you'd write a blog about the 'mental fight", or the "mental discipline changes' that smokers face when they're quitting. Thank you for you blogs and great advice.

[Julieibbo]

Today is my first day of quitting, I made it through. 

[changeling2]

I have tried to quit smoking before but failed.  Am hoping support from a group will help.My quit date is Feb. 14. Am hoping this willbe a success

[carol-t]

I blogged a minute ago and forgot to say before that heart attack I had quit for about 8 days. I was so happy in th Hosp. because i was there for 4 days and would have been dying for one. I had gotten an e-cigarette but did not like it and preferred smoking.  I had used it some while quitting.  Before the Hosp. it had already run out of vapor or I needed to charge it. Anyway didn't work. It was free on the computer. I stayed quit for about 8 days. I developed deep vein thrombosis which is extremely painful and had to go to emergency. I got really upset as knew I was going to end up back in the Hosp.. I took a cigarette from my husband and smoked on the way. I had had it before. They did finally figure out I had A-Fib. Now Warfarin.  Anyway from then on I knew I really needed to quit and smoked mostly really lightly.  I finally asked for Chntix from my Dr. I had to join  and get a receipt from The American Lung Assoc. They tell the people in there to use nictine replacement to help with the quit if needed. I read where a former head of that organization came out for the e-cig., Interesting article. I know it is not FDA approved and know it will be a big political mess. I would warn against using one as yes addictive.  Again Carol Turner

[ladybug21]

since I am addicted to face book, I thought maybe by joining this group, I could hopefully replace my cig addition with hopping on here and seeing how other people have quit and I am hoping it is going to be a great place to get support and advice. I REALLY want to stay quit. any advice is welcome. thanks!

[thegift1957]

I need support to stop smoking and I feel because of several attempts no one wants to hear me anymore. I am asking all of you to help me, to support me and encourage me to put my pride in my pockets to reach out. I know what I have to do! I stop I start I stop and start again. I need to put my body and soul into this with your help. 

Thanks

[cathy95]

I too have tried to quit. Feb. 4th is my quit date again.  I quit Feb 4th 2013 & went nine months!!  Then life got me started again:(. I pray & want to be done with this nasty habit so bad. When I picked them back up again I said just a couple won't make me start Wrong!!  I don't have much support at home so I am hoping this site will help me though this long journey:). 

[smokefree2014-2]

I had quite for 12 years and then i was brutally attacked and that same day started up again. Now its been almost 5 years of smoking again. I always have people around complaining that I should stop and usually its my most significant others in a relationship. Its a struggle I wont lie, sometimes I feel as if I continue just to piss him off cuz its not like he doesnt have bad habits, well thats one of my excuses the same with every other thing that comes to my mind. I remember the first successful 12 years of quitting I did a damn good job at quitting but now its always one more day and one more excuse. I dont want to be the people on the commercials, my mother with copd, the woman who has wrinkles due to smoking or who cant enjoy the outside and activities without wondering if I can breathe or when I can get the next ciggarette. I also know that inside my head, I have all ready quit drinking I am working on losing weight etc I have MS, I just am tired of having to give up things and watch others be able to enjoy them... unfortunately in the real world that is just another excuse... ugghhhhhhh

[cammy2]

I get increasingly anxious and depressed as my quit date approaches.  Cigarettes are my best friend.  I want my best friends despite all of the rational reasons for quitting and the great desire to be free of the poison. I know it makes no sense. I have performed the pre-quit activities several times.   I am all ready on anti-depressants which don't seem to help with this physical reaction (anticipation).  Do you have any suggestions for overcoming this reasoning?

[cookie11]

Hi everyone...my wallet is forcing my quit time to now. I know I have to quit as I do have C.O.P.D. Also Emphazema. I have been a smoker since I was 13, and I'm 61 now. I have to stop twice just to walk to the end of the block. I get into a panic if I can't find my inhailer. I have tried the patches, but didn't work. I don't want to mooch cigs from my friends, cuz eventually they'll start avoiding you. I always lived with the frame of mind "If I can't get it myself, than I'll do without till I can". I use to smoke 4 packs a day, mainly out of boredom, but as of today I had cut down to 1. I can get ugly when I feel needy..LOL.Well this is my life, I will try, and hopefully suceed. I have asked GOD to help me and I recall a line in the Bible saing "Is there any problem to big for me to help my child overcome"? Think about it.

[maddy12]

Cammy, I know exactly what you mean about cigarettes being your best friend. They were always something to look forward to. I have quit for five days now so I must be past the physical but I am really struggling with this intense sadness, like I've lost my best friend. I keep telling myself that I won't feel this way forever, that it's just a stage, then I try to think about something more positive. Hang in there. I'm not going to give in this time. I AM COMMITTED TO CHANGING MY LIFE.

[dferreira4]

Hi My name is Donna and it is the first day of my quit so glad I quit