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Give and get support around quitting

kstew2772
Member

I have no idea how to do this.

I grew up around smokers. Started when I was 15 and am now 39. I don't know anyone who has successfully quit smoking. I've moved to a new city where I don't know anyone who smokes. I am a closet chainsmoker. I use nicotine gum to get me through work. I would have so much more freedom to do the things I want without cigarettes. I am being pressured to quit, but don't know how. Some of these people have never smoked and they say "Just QUIT!" 

17 Replies
Barbara145
Member

Good morning.  You have come to the right place.  Do the reading and prepare. There are so many people who were where you are who no longer smoke.  I am one of them.  I smoked for 52 years.  With the help of this site I quit smoking over 5 years ago.  You can do this and it is ultimately wonderful.  Glad you found us. 

indingrl
Member

In HIS love I love you Barbara!

Barbscloud
Member

First of all, don't pay attention to the people who don't understand anything about a nicotine addiction.  They're just going to make you feel bad about yourself.  Pick a quit and in the meantime educate yourself about this addiction and prepare for your quit.  You can find all the information you need to be successful right here.  In addiction, the support you'll receive will give you the confidence to achieve your goal.    I smoked for 50 years and will have my first year smoke free next week.   The support on this site has made all the difference.  You'll be hearing from some "elders" on the site with specific information.  We're here for you.

Barb

sweetplt
Member

Hello and Welcome to Ex's  kstew2772 I am glad you found our site.  Honestly, none of us knew how to quit, but we learned.  It takes hard work, knowledge and preparation.  I suggest you start at My Quit Plan read and choose a quit date.  Then prepare for that day like no other. (My quit plan will help you along with this site.)  You can do this...we are in this journey together.  Keep close to the site to give and get help.  Now go read and choose that quit date...~ Colleen 95 DOF 

YoungAtHeart
Member

Welcome to our community!

To begin, let me inform you that there is no such thing as a closet smoker.  After you quit, you will understand that statement!  Pay those who have never smoked no mind when it comes to quitting.  Nicotine is an addictive substance, and it is NOT something you can "just quit."  It takes education, planning, preparing and commitment.  We can help with all but the commitment - you must provide that.  This isn't easy, but it IS doable.  Read on!

The 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. Here's a link to a video here on the site which describes nicotine addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpWMgPHn0Lo&feature=youtu.be.
 
 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, quitsmoking.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. You should also do the tracking and separation exercises recommended here on the site.
 
 After you have completed the recommended reading, it will be time to make an informed choice of the quit aid, if any, you will use. If you go that route, I personally recommend the aids that don't let the addict control the dose such as the available prescription drugs or the patch. If used properly, gum, lozenges and inhalers are fine, but they need to be used only as a last resort.  I have seen folks become addicted to them if they substitute them for every cigarette they used to smoke - just trading one addiction for another.  I do not recommend the e-cigarette for three reasons: 1) the vapor has been compared to the polluted air in Bejing on a bad day, 2) they just provide another nicotine delivery system while continuing the hand to mouth smoking motion, and 3) the batteries can spontaneously catch on fire. . But – any method that you think will work well for you will be best for you.
 
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

lqsi12
Member

Glad you stopped in, Sure hope you stick around too...... That said, your definitely at the right place lots of support, education, and strong willed folks here.  Just remember, as an addict its easy to return, but if you do we're always here to bring you back.  

anaussiemom
Member

kstew2772  welcome-3d-yellow-green-animated.gif

kiss.gif

One tiny step at a time. Moment by moment if need be..

Hugs.  You can do this!!


Kim

indingrl
Member

Beautiful Kim inside and out -  seeing your healing and learning and growing and giving - in HIS love I love you Kim and am so proud of you!  

Beck37
Member

Welcome to Ex!!!! You say you are being pressured to quit... but what it comes down to is do you want to quit? If you aren’t ready then it’s not going to happen. The good news is you aren’t around your family of smokers or anyone else that does. That will make it so much easier believe me. The quit is all about attitude and that’s why I asked do you truly want to. 

Everything about your quit is controlled by your thinking. Yes you will go thru some physical withdrawals but it will end and you will survive. Its the mental that will be the toughest. It’s all in your head. STAY OUT OF YOUR HEAD!!!!  The more you think about smoking and “how hard it is” the more likely you are to “light up”. 

This is is so doable if it’s something you truly want. Most of us on this site smoked longer than you’ve been alive and are here to let you know if we can do it so can you. Our stories are all different but we share this same addiction.

You are so young and have a whole amazing life ahead. We are here for you!

Beck