Quitting ahead of schedule

Discussion created by Moiph on Dec 21, 2020
Latest reply on Dec 22, 2020 by Hannahkim12345

Like • Show 3 Likes3
Comment • 9

Hi all,

I was kicking around internet looking for information on black market cigarettes (how to identify so as to avoid them) when I bumped into this site. I reluctantly joined, setting 12/28 as a quit date. I really was a doubting Thomas. Well as soon as I made an even half-hearted attempt to quit, my inner addict panicked and my smoking frequency slowly increased. A couple weeks of that and I got a sore throat and painful ear ache which sent me flying to an EN&T doc.

Turned out to be a type of reflux irritating my throat but sitting in doctor's chair with his probe down my throat put the fear of God into me. I had stopped smoking at the onset of the ear ache and sore throat but such is the fear and clarity that I have not resumed. So my 12/28 date has been moved up to 12/14 which annoys my addict but I guess that's to be expected. I just wanted to chime in and share, I know how effective it can be.

Thanks you

Mr. Green

Outcomes

9 Replies

sweetplt Dec 21, 2020 3:48 PM
Glad you quit smoking Moiph Mr. Green...I hope you redid the work and read at My EX Plan | BecomeAnEX ... then read the posts again ... keep busy and be sure to stay close to the support site...Colleen 749 DOF
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
maryfreecig Dec 21, 2020 3:59 PM
Thanks for telling your story! Pretty interesting one at that!!! The ways we come to smobriety are often circular--whatever it takes. Welcome to Ex.
Like • Show 3 Likes3
Actions
Youngatheart.7.4.12 Dec 21, 2020 5:19 PM
Welcome to our community!

Congratulations on your decision to quit and making it through what we lovingly refer to as H#ll Week! This decision is one you will NEVER regret! I will give you some reading and tips so you might better get the best of your inner addict!

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.” You can search for it online or at your local library. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpWMgPHn0Lo&feature=youtu.be.

Let me know if you are using a quit aid and I will give you my thoughts on them.

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! . 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), 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. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You might visit “Games”: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/games. The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the homepage. 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-instead-of-smoke

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
1 person found this helpful
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
JACKIE1-25-15 Dec 21, 2020 6:39 PM
Congratulations on 7 days of freedom. You have come to the right place for support to quit smoking. A health scare can always get us on the track to run the race of freedom from nicotine addiction but to remain in the race there are things to be done. Along with educating yourself about the addiction to nicotine you must be willing to make a commitment to not take a puff no matter what is happening in your life. Education is the key to success, along with commitment, determination and a NOPE not one puff ever attitude. Never give up never give in hang tough. Learn to protect your quit.
1 person found this helpful
Like • Show 2 Likes2
Actions
Sootie Dec 21, 2020 9:27 PM
And now----when you get to the 28th just think how far you will be from Day 1!!! Good for you!

You will NEVER regret quitting smoking....it's one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. Yes---in the beginning...some days will be tough. Just jump on here and share....we are all here to support you through this. You CAN do it!! We all did and we are no different from you.
Stay Strong.
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
elvan Dec 21, 2020 9:45 PM
Welcome to EX & congratulations on your quit! It WILL get easier & you already have a head start! Please do the reading suggested by Youngatheart.7.4.12 Stay close to the site & know that this is a one day at a time journey. We all want you to succeed & we will help you in every way that we can.
Ellen
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
green1611 Dec 22, 2020 2:13 AM
Congratulations !

Welcome to EX!
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
Barbscloud Dec 22, 2020 9:29 AM
Welcome and congrats on your quit. I also found this site by accident a week prior to my planned quit date. Educating myself about nicotine addiction and creating a quit plan really made quitting possible for me. It's not to late if you haven't done so already. There's lots to read on this site that I'm sure you'll find helpful. Reach out anytime you need encouragement.
Keep moving forward one day at a time.
Barb
Like • Show 1 Like1
Actions
Hannahkim12345 Dec 22, 2020 9:58 PM
It took getting Covid to make me quit. Today is my day 48. Good luck to you.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions

Quitting ahead of schedule

Outcomes

Related Content

Recommended Content