Hi y'all! I'm new here and have not ever shared my attempts at quitting with anyone before, but I've come to realize that no man is an island, and being independent is fine until you come to terms with actual dependency upon a substance.
That being said, I've been around this "mountain" several times before, and every time I come to the 3 month mark... I crack! I start smoking! The desire is so incredibly strong that it even supercedes the first week of quitting. It's beyond my understanding as to why.
Has anyone else dealt with a similar situation, and how did you defeat it? Why does this happen at this point of quitting? Any insight would be very, very appreciated! Thanks in advance, and congrats on making the decision to live, and to live without cigarettes! ⭐
Oh WELCOME! to this site and my similar experience. I've given up at least two quits at the three-month mark. Why? I think that there are several reasons. For me, I still wanted one, but felt rather secure in my quit. And thought I could have just that "one" on that special occasion. THE EX ONE PUFF FILES It was always a "special occasion" that gave me the "permission" to smoke just that "one." Which of course turned into the next 15 years of smoking. UNDERSTANDING EXCUSES
And there's just something about that three month period that is very dangerous. I've always said, "If you still want one, you're still vulnerable. Protect your quit." I'm trying to go back in my mind as to what made me more vulnerable at that three-month mark. (I quit 12 years ago.) Part of it is probably entering a stage of maintenance, when the excitement has subsided and it becomes just a drudgery of holding on day after day. No Man's Land. No Mans Land Days 30 to 130 (approximate)
The fact that you're AWARE of this tipping point is in your favor. When we recognize something, we can then take steps to change and overcome it.
How I ultimately defeated it? I became aware of an on-line support group and actively participated daily. I became educated about this addiction. I gained the necessary knowledge to overcome it. Quitting is a Skill that CAN be Learned And stayed connected through continuing educations and offering support to others on their journeys. I truly believe it is only through support that I bested this beast. You've come to the right place. Stick around. We might be able to help!
Cheers!