nonsgm I was a serial quitter, never used NRT except for one piece of gum that so grossed me out, I didn't use it again. What helped me to quit was to read everything I could about nicotine addiction, most of it is available on this site, to prepare for my quit and change things up. If you are struggling, you might be white knuckling your quit instead of letting the craves come and go and accepting the fact that they WILL come and go, whether you smoke or not. No crave ever killed anyone, no one can say the same thing about smoking. Figure out things to do when a crave comes on, drink ice water, suck on an ice cube, do jumping jacks, run in place, wash dishes, take a shower. If you are ready for a crave with a distraction, it makes it MUCH easier. I lost quits because of white knuckling...fighting every crave, going just about completely crazy. Education and support really help and this is the site to get both. I came here first thing in the morning and last thing at night and I read blogs, commented, wrote some of my own blogs, and became a part of this community. Over three years later, I am still smoke free.
Welcome to EX!
Ellen
