Set Quit Date

[dwilcox74]

This is the first time I have decided to try something like an online community for help quitting smoking.  I’ve tried many times before, but have always failed.  I’m really hopeful that this helps me get over my addiction once and for all.  I have so many reasons for wanting to quit, but the most important one is; smoking controls my life.  It rips time away from my family, primarily my kids.  I tend to avoid places where I cannot easily go smoke.  Unfortunately these places are probably where my kids have the best time, and where healthy positive memories are made.  I will take back control of my life.

[CommunityAdmin]

Welcome! Great to hear why you're going to quit.  I'm excited to watch your journey.

How do I get my quit date to show on the community?‌ will help you set your quit date and get it to appear on your community account. I don't know if you had set one already but this should help regardless.

Mark
EX Community Manager

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome to EX.  

You have come to the right place for a new day and a rebirth. The idea is to start at the beginning by making a commitment that no matter what happens or goes on in your life that you will not use it as an EXcuse to smoke.  With that philosophy, you will have success on this journey.  No, it is not easy but it is doable by using that principle and educating yourself about nicotine addiction.   If you hang around you will see that quitting is doable, because many of us have.  Look forward to a new day and a new way of life.  It is all up to you.  This is all about you and what you are willing to do to be smoke-free. Quitting smoking requires hard work and determination not to give up.   It can be challenging at times but you will learn that it is doable if you adhere to NOPE not one puff ever no matter what. Start first, by educating yourself about nicotine addiction.  Education is the key to a successful quit.  Read: Freedom from Nicotine My Journey Home and Nicotine Addiction 101         

Here are the links: http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html   and http://whyquit.com/ffn/

I also encourage you to read. Allen Carr’s book, “Easy Easier Way to Quit Smoking”.    

[Giulia]

        WELCOME!

You've come to a community rich with quitting wisdom.  We will walk the walk with you.  Support is what made THE difference for many of us.  Education is a key.  You cannot learn too much about this addiction.  Best of EX is a great place to begin the journey of understanding.  Take what you like and leave the rest.  Glad you've joined us.  Have heart, have humor and keep your chin up!

[AnnetteMM]

Addiction is maddening, isn't it?  While we never get "cured" from our nicotine addiction, we do learn how to live without smoking, always on the lookout for those pesky relapse triggers.  Addiction does control the brain as long as you're still using, and has less and less influence the longer you are free.  Welcome to Freedom!

[TW517]

I can so relate to your reasons for wanting to quit.  Funny how terrible health issues could never sway me.  It was finally like you said, the cigarettes had way to much control over my time, and I got tired of that.  Welcome to EX!

[elvan]

I am going to reply to you by posting a welcome from YoungAtHeart‌, she usually welcomes every newbie but she is currently recovering from a broken hip and is in the hospital.  Here is her welcome:

Welcome to our community!

Congratulations on your decision to quit and your first two days!  Sounds like you have a quit plan that is working for you.  I will add some additions to it, including some materials to educate on this addiction.

The most important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. You can search for it online or at your local library.

 You should also read the posts here and perhaps go to the pages of folks who you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com, quitsmokingonline.com and livewell.com for the good information contained there. @https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex has lots of blogs written by members of this site with their experiences and guidance.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from when you smoked. Maybe switch to tea for a bit.  If you always had that first smoke 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 smoke so the view is different. Buy your gas at a different station. Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, 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 smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  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 smoke 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 a cigarette" 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

Her advice is stellar and has worked for many people.  This is a journey, one day at a time and many times a day will seem too long.  Remember that we are here for you and that we have all been at the beginning...we all want you to succeed.

Ellen