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So when does it get easier

Question asked by ozzymom on Mar 9, 2019
Latest reply on Jun 19, 2019 by shazzan99

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So in 1/2 hour I’ll be vape free for 7 days. I quit cigs around 2 years ago but now I’m trying to quit vaping & as i said, almost at day 7. If nicotine is out of my system, why does it feel like it’s getting harder? Yesterday I was soooo bitchy & nothing I did seemed to help. I walked, I drank water, I played with my dog & was still extremely bitchy by the time I finally went to bed. This morning I woke & have a full list of things to do but I can’t motivate myself to get up out of this chair & actually do any of them. All I want to do is fire up my vape pen & have at it. I mentally picture myself vaping & even knowing that those first few hits will hurt my throat, I still want to do it. What the hell is wrong with me!!! I’ve even thought about putting on a patch or chewing a piece of nicotine gum but really don’t want to go back to square one now that I’ve got 7 days under my belt. I know a lot of you will reply that it DOES get easier but when the hell will that be!!

On a separate note, if anyone out there does vape as a way of doing NRT please think twice about it. I think this is harder to stop than cigs cause you can vape anywhere...which i did. I’m sure I was getting much more nicotine than when i was smoking cigs cause I vaped all day. What the hell, there’s no smell so i could do it in my car, my house, wherever. I know NRT is the way to go for some people but vaping seriously reinforces that hand to mouth thing as well as the hit to the throat & of course the nicotine.

Ok I guess I’m done with my rant. My list of chores isn’t going to wait & they need to get done with or without my vaping while doing them. I’ll do my best to stay on track but damn, I wish it would at least START to get easier.

thanks everyone for listing to my pity party

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TomW5.15.17 Mar 9, 2019 8:05 AM
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I say this all the time here, but your question is by far the most asked one here. It's how I found this site. I was so angry that at 3 weeks, it wasn't getting much easier, I started searching the web for answers and found this fantastic group!

So, here's my short answer: It will get easier pretty soon. Then it will get harder all over again. Then a little easier. Then a little harder.... I know that's not what any quitter wants to hear. But I promise you, that if you stick with it for 3-4 months, you will look back and think, "Why didn't I quit years ago?!?!" I wish I could take away your discomfort, but glad you came here to rant about it rather than smoke . It really will get better.
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- ozzymom @ TomW5.15.17 on Mar 9, 2019 11:47 AM
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  OMG even after 3 weeks you found it hard! I know I’m just whining & I shouldn’t project out that far & I should just take it moment by moment if I have to but crap....I want to be happy again! I made it through my first chore, reviewing my taxes without vaping & now the sun is out, it’s 67 degrees and I need to go out & do some gardening. I should be happy, I love gardening but I’m in a ****** mood & don’t understand why I’m putting myself through this. No, that’s not true, I do know why, I guess I just don’t really “feel” it yet. You know, the NEED to quit, the commitment. It’s all there in my head but maybe not yet in my heart. OMG I’m so rambling aren’t I?. OK I’m gonna go brush my teeth again (that seems to help), quit whining & get on with life. Maybe if I just keep at, the heartfelt wanting to will eventually come to me.
  Once again y’all thanks for listening.
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  - TomW5.15.17 @ ozzymom on Mar 9, 2019 12:18 PM
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    You really are doing great! Don't beat yourself up for having those feelings. We all did. Just keep doing whatever you have to do to get through the next moment. I actually started feeling fine after 5 days, then gradually worse until about day 28, then off and on with some really good days, and some not as good. It's good that you are moving around doing things. I also like the tooth brushing!
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  - Youngatheart.7.4.12 @ ozzymom on Mar 9, 2019 4:06 PM
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    Might you try the old adage, "Fake it until you make it?" BELIEVE you are happier being free of the addictive behavior and you WILL be!
    Don't be looking so far ahead. Sometimes you need to quit a minute at a time - looking at each five minute increment as a hurdle jumped. Be PROUD of making that hurdle - then the next, then the next! Don't be looking three weeks down the road from someone else's quit journey; yours may not be the same.
    
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  - Coffee-Bean @ ozzymom on May 2, 2019 12:23 PM
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    I am three years smoke-free but it was tough. I bought Altoids breath months and would pop 2 or 3 in my mouth when I had a craving. And stop hanging around with smokers, if you do! I had to stop going to the corner bar because everyone in there smoked. Now -- it's smoke-free so I tried going back. But just once or twice. Fortunately, I have a lot of friends who are non-smokers. Change things up. Change your furniture around. Make a new friend. I know it's hard. I'm still popping Altoids. Wishing you luck and LOVE.
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- karenjones @ TomW5.15.17 on Mar 10, 2019 10:56 PM
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  I laughed when I read your reply and it helped me too! The easier, harder, easier, harder thingg happened to me, just as you described it and in fact, I still get the harder aspect infrequently and I will be quit for a year in a week or so... it made me depressed to feel that way, but after reading your response, it may be quite normal. or you made it seem that way!
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- shazzan99 @ TomW5.15.17 on Mar 10, 2019 11:18 PM
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  I do agree that time will heal. Time will allow you a period of adjustment and acceptance. Some mourn the cigarette as a friend, and actually go through the mourning process of a loved one. I am not intending to minimize their pain, for that is truly how they feel. I just say that the journey can be easier if you accept the journey before you take it on. Why would it get more difficult with time though? If counting days none smoking is the same as counting days deprived then of course you do yourself a disservice and will feel anxiety. I love the bonfire they have here where you count the cigarette nonconsumed. That is the prize. The abuse we have saved our bodies from. The freedom we have found. The voice we have in saying NO, No More!
  
  Celebrate the control we have taken back, and be ever so thankful that you had the courage and support to do so. Don't ever look back and think for an instant that you gave up anything except a hideous addiction. Look at and accept the truth, .... the truth WILL set you FREE!
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Barbscloud Mar 9, 2019 8:06 AM
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It normally does take sometime, but you're right it will get easier. Even with the nicotine out of your system, there are still nicotine receptors in your brain and psychological associations to understand. Here's one post to read to know what to expect and there are others -- just do a search on the topic. Understanding what to expect in the different stages of this journey is keep to success. Read, read, read. Big congrats on you 7 days. You've successfully completed hell week.
What To Expect In The First Four Months
Barb
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Youngatheart.7.4.12 Mar 9, 2019 9:01 AM
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As I can tell, you understand that there are TWO parts to this addiction, the physical and the psychological Your body and mind are still going through an adjustment to life without the drug. You have given it what sounds like an almost constant dose of nicotine, so even though it's gone, you are still going through the changes brought about by doing without it. This takes a couple of weeks to a month. Here is a list of early withdrawal symptoms so you are informed: Early Withdrawal Symptoms. It takes time, but your body will slowly adjust.
THEN you have the psychological part of the addiction. The hand-to-mouth, hits while doing chores, hits while relaxing, hits to deal with emotions,..................THAT, I think is the most difficult part of this addiction. You have a ways to go to get past all of those. You have built up a lot of associations that you have to relearn. Keep a cold bottle of water from which to sip, maybe some straws cut to lengths or flavored toothpicks to chew on, maybe some sugar free gum or mints all handy.
Sounds like you understand that you need to stay busy, but you ALSO need to control your thinking. Don't let that smoking thought stay alone in your head. Give it a shake, say (either to yourself or aloud, "I don't do that anymore" or :"NOPE" (Not One Puff Ever) and move your thoughts away from it. Here are some ideas for things to keep you occupied:
https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instead-of-smoke.
This takes effort in the first weeks of your quit, but it will become second nature after a bit.
There WILL come a day when you realize you didn't think about vaping all morning, then most of the day, then days on end. It WILL come - I promise - but, yes, you do need to be patient. You have trained your body to operate with a powerful drug and it isn't easy to get away from it. It's possible, though, and freedom from addiction is wonderful!
Congrats on your first week! That is HUGE!
Nancy
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AnnetteMM Mar 9, 2019 10:59 AM
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I quit vaping, which I used as an NRT I guess. It was hard, no denying that, because that stuff is delicious. But nicotine is nicotine, full stop, no difference to your body. You've survived Hell Week, now it's on the the 1st 30 Days of Freedom. You can do this, even while your brain is screaming and having tantrums. It WILL calm down, believe it.
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shazzan99 Mar 9, 2019 3:33 PM
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Unfortunately there are two parts to quitting smoking, and despite what people think the absence of nicotine is far easier to deal with that the psychological thought. It is the fear of quitting and how your life changes because you have a "void". Have you read Allan Carr's book, Easy Way to quit smoking? There is a free copy available to read if you google Penquin books. Allan takes the fear out of quitting by explaining why we began smoking, our addiction, nicotine and how to view positive about making a terrific decision.
I quit cold turkey and no cravings after 72 hours. My husband read the book and virtually the same. (I did not) You have to have a positive mindset which you can gain with reading and knowledge. Accept and look forward to being a happy non-smoker rather than feeling you are being deprived and lost. It is as easy or hard as you make it. Be happy to finally having the tools to free yourself!
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maryfreecig Mar 9, 2019 4:26 PM
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It's a dependency (it includes addiction or addiction includes dependency). The absence of nicotine in your body does not cure the dependency--definitely does not right away.. The brain remembers the way it was. The nicotine took (from a cig--not sure on vaping) about 9 seconds or less to affect the brain (the part of the brain that says, yeah, give me more of that).
Growing your smobriety will help you get over the dependency faster than waiting to feel better. But whatever you do, as long as you don't take nicotine, your brain is relearning life without.
I know it is frustrating to not have your brain work as it did when it was doped up on nicotine--try to remember why you decided to quit.
With addiction recovery it is often said one day at a time is all we can do--please don't mess with your mind by thinking your heart should be in this. It is already in this--you haven't smoked for seven days. Who did that? You did. You decided. You worked it.
So high five on 7!!! Keep the smober days coming. And great question!
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Beck37 Mar 9, 2019 5:03 PM
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The biggest piece of advice I can give you is STOP thinking about it so much. If you are constantly thinking about vaping how can you move on? You’ve got to stay out of your head. Yes quitting is hard. It is a crazy ride. But this site is filled with people who have been successful. You might think your situation is unique but it’s not. Everyone here shares this addiction.

You are the only one that can affect your success. It is all about your attitude. You can so do this!

Be Amazing...

Beck
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marciem Mar 9, 2019 5:54 PM
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re: "the nicotine is out of my system" the story of "3 days its out of your system and you're over the physical addiction".

Lies and Myths (IMO) told to folks in the first two days to keep them going. MOST of the nicotine will be out of your system at 3 days apparently. But there are many articles online showing that no, you aren't completely clear for weeks or even months. You won't be craving for that long.

So ... say you quit eating for three days. What does your body do? It SCREAMS for food, that's what it does. Your empty nicotine receptors SCREAM for nicotine when the are low, lower, empty... my worst craving day was day 4. then slowly and surely the physical cravings abate. Not "3 days and done" in my personal experience.

You still had habits or routines to go along with your vaping, similar to smoking cigarettes. This are the hard part of quitting smoking. New, healthy habits need to be formed.

I think with quitting vaping, as well as quitting smoking, the timelines are probably similar. First week "Hell Week", second week "Heck week". You will start to have golden days in there, hold on to them, they let you know what comfort is... but they can be fleeting at first. Then they come more often and last longer periods.

Everyone is different, there is no set date as to when it gets easier and easier and better and better, but it does ... or else none of us would be here smoke-free.

One day at a time, one craving, minute, five minutes, hour at a time. As said, 'Fake it until you make it" and you WILL make it! Keep busy and don't try to find that "click" moment when all is better... it will become more elusive that way, like the watched pot never boiling.

Best to you!!
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- shazzan99 @ marciem on Mar 11, 2019 12:01 AM
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  You are right in that the watched pot never seems to come to a boil.
  
  Time does heal, but not if you count them as days suffered. I love the "bonfire" we have on this site where you count the unsmoked cigarettes. Mine are 3333 and I am free of their clogging my lungs and respiratory system. I am free of worrying about their long term affect on me. I have taken the steps to reverse and breathe easier.
  
  Maybe it is the positive thinking and better habits i chose to incorporate that made my cravings disappear after just 72 hours. We don't wake in the night to smoke. Nicotine is 93% out of our system by morning. We only have a few receptors by nature but have millions since smoking, and they do diminish and most are gone after 3 weeks. They only remain if you feed them nicotine.
  
  Allan Carr in his book Easy Way has a way of alleviating all the fears we have with giving up our "crutch" and there is no cognitive behaviour therapy, just good old common sense. I do recommend doing both.
  
  I believe these sites are designed to encourage quits, to unravel the lies of the cigarette companies and the social glamour that was depicted years ago by ads and movies. Once exposed , they no longer have the hold they once did. Once we are educated and stop burying our heads in the sand we can take measures to stand up and fight back.
  
  Attitude and belief go a long way. Knowledge is Power. Stay positive and achieve! Believe you can and you WILL.
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indingrl.01.06.2011 Mar 9, 2019 5:56 PM
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WELCOME AND CONGRATS ON 7 NICOTINE FREE DAYS! GOOD JOB! Venting blogs are the BEST to just release all those pent up emotions and just life on lifes terms that are passed day by day in OUR willingness and acceptance - I remember how I use to use MY DRUG NICOTINE TO ESCAPE MY LIFE AND TO COPE WITH MY LIFE TOO and TODAY with your HELP and everyone who blogs or discusses their recovery from nicotine day by day and how they keep moving with one foot in front of the other - TOGETHER in His love and then I too will learn and be healed and learn to keep TRYING TO BE HELPFUL and to keep growing and sharing just like you and everyone here in UNITY- WITH ONE MIND .- WITH ALL HERE - TO NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF EVER! You are not alone and WAY TO GO on to YOUR OWN FREE NON SMOKER LIFE STYLE - gentle hug.
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- karenjones @ indingrl.01.06.2011 on Mar 10, 2019 10:36 PM
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  you are very helpful. very.
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ozzymom Mar 10, 2019 7:52 AM
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Thanks to everyone that took the time to reply to me yesterday. I made it through, kept my quit & I’m doing better this morning. I kept myself busy & found there were in fact times when i wasn’t wanting to vape so that’s progress. I did find out though that a good friend of mine is in the hospital for a possible, small heart attack. She’s my age (mid 50’s), doesn’t smoke or drink, exercises & eats pretty well. I gotta say that helped me stay quit yesterday. If she could have a heart attack being as healthy as she is, what the heck & I doing to my heart if I keep vaping! I’m going to visit her today so I’m sure that’ll be more motivation as well.
So one more question: I’m new to site & want to make sure i understand how to navigate it.
So the conversations are where we ask for questions/help & then the blogs are just my own personal musings that I put out there for everyone to read without expecting a reply?

thanks again everyone for the encouragement yesterday. I really needed it!
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maryfreecig Mar 10, 2019 9:47 AM
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Great work staying smober!!! Blogs are open for replies and questions/conversations are. Blogs can be set for no reply if you wish, but I strongly recommend being open!!! Keep the smober hours coming. Sorry to hear about your friend--but so good that she is getting treatment.
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karenjones Mar 10, 2019 10:34 PM
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stop mentally seeing yourself vaping. The thought is mother to the action. i know i tortured myself with thought s of smoking until I just had to stop doing it. change the subject, real fast.
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shazzan99 Mar 10, 2019 11:39 PM
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Anyone can quit smoking with a desire to, and without a lot of discomfort. I am not special. nor is my husband , nor daughter. Cravings are generally for most of us mere thoughts. Whether you act on them, or dismiss them is key. I came to help people to believe and save them from unnecessary anguish not to add to it or gloat.

Some cravings or side effects of quitting smoking are construed as cravings. Nicotine diminished the affects of caffeine, so cut caffeine accordingly. Drink water to help detoxify the body of nicotine, and eat a breakfast which many of us considered to be cigarettes with coffee. Keeping good blood sugar levels , exercise and other healthy habits also help in our quest to quit smoking with ease. Wanting to quit, not forced to or having to also have bearing. Find the reason to quit, and believe in them and yourself. Embrace becoming a non-smoker without fear and regret. Why would you crave something you no longer want and that is so vile and destructive? Change your mind. Nicotine and years of habit have have you brainwashed. Learn and change. You can do it. I did.
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elvan Mar 11, 2019 3:46 PM
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I remember fairly early in my quit wondering if I would ever stop thinking about smoking or rather NOT smoking. My husband is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for over 34 years, he has also been smoke free for 29 years. I asked him how I was supposed to get through that time. I knew I would not smoke again, I quit when I was so sick that I did not really know if I was going to live...my husband told me to get down on my knees and to pray for God to remove the mental obsession. He said I might have to do it more than once but that it WOULD work, he also said I would have to get on my knees for it to work. I will admit to being skeptical but I did it, I had to do it more than once but the mental obsession was lifted. I was on this site every morning and every evening and I took advice from everyone who offered it. I think you are doing great, I am really happy that you are here and that you are making it very clear that vaping feeds the addiction rather than treating it.
Ellen
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shazzan99 Jun 19, 2019 7:46 PM
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In a nutshell, it gets easier when you WANT to be a non-smoker and accept this journey and changes it brings. They are positive. changes, and you are giving up nothing. If you do not welcome them, you are not ready and need to reaffirm your commitment and belief in yourself.Anyone can quit smoking with the right mindset.
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