Hi there just a quick question.
Has anybody quit smoking and got any tips I know I shouldn’t have always known it’s a nasty habit however have always found it almost impossible to stop well I am ready to give it a whirl, I used to be so fit I am 24 and and done with it I also know that at times it may have calmed my anxiety but I really think it’s a main cause in which I feel the way I do .
Many thanks hope all is well here if you guys wanna chat?
Like any addiction, you’re probably going to experience many times when you just want to go back and indulge. Just keep in mind that it’s normal. Your brain has adjusted and used smoking as a way to function, so it will try to retain that use. The sudden lack of smoke can cause massive cravings.
What I’ve learned from my own addiction (not smoking however) is that it’s fairly pointless to spend energy directly fighting the brain’s way of functioning. It’s like hunger, no matter what you tell your brain it will persist until you eat.
In the case of smoking or any addiction, rather than fighting the function itself, I’ve found that it’s helpful to direct your energy to other sources. Identifying those sources involves knowing the kind of person you want to be, and your core values. So when you’re living life and these cravings gradually (or sometimes quickly) surface, try to slow yourself down. When strong emotions surface, that’s the recipe for impulsive actions. Taking the time to do something physical, like breathing or going on a brief walk for example, can direct some of that energy into something else in a healthy way. As you slow down, be mindful of what you’re feeling and thinking, but refrain from judgement. Remember, those cravings are normal, don’t try to directly eradicate a normal response. Instead, transition your thoughts to your core values and the kind of things you could do that would reflect those values and lead you to becoming the person you want to be. Doing that can instill a good desire to proceed with that course of action 
and then rather than fighting a craving, you’re focusing on doing something you want to do!
There’s this quote I remember, and it goes something like this: “When you begin to focus more on the habits you want to gain, you begin to focus less on the habits you want to lose” — not sure... someone wise 😂
You can also use other necessities to transition from cravings to something else. Here’s an example of a thought process: “I understand that I really want to smoke and that it’s normal, but I need my sleep too, so I’m gonna pursue sleep right now.” If you can help your brain identify a normal function in need of attention, that can allow yourself to transition from wanting to smoke to wanting to fulfill other needs.
If you like acronyms, I present to you: S.T.O.P.
Slow down
Take note (of thoughts and feelings)
Open up (refrain from judgement, give a place for your thoughts and feelings)
Pursue values
I know this is kind of a lot, but I hope it helps I know it’s hard, but I believe in you, and I wish you the best!
Much appreciate it buddy such a. Brilliant and well answered response thank you
Yes join the quit smoking site on here. You will get all the support you need there. Good luck.
How many do you smoke a day ? I gave up by going on to roll ups - rolling my own cigarettes with tobacco - it is time consuming and they aren't as enjoyable as bought tipped cigarettes so I smoked less , if you can give up for 28 days you are over the worst , give yourself a treat to replace your cigarettes in the evening for me that would be a slice of delicious cake
Smoking really is a mugs game it doesn't give you a high it is bad for your health but the expense - they are like £10 a pack? I am sure you will succeed in giving up bc you seem to really really want to.
Smoke about 15 a day not as bad as a used to be but here in Britain where still in national lockdown so finding it worse to get over the cravings and the withdrawal cause I got naff all to do and yeah crazy expensive x
What time do you have your first cig also what do you drink at breakfast?
Coffee and again I shouldn’t drink coffee either haha and not sure just once I’m awake and up I assume x
I drink coffee and I think it's good to drink coffee on a morning , the reason I asked was if you didn't drink coffee I was going to suggest you do as a new enjoyable habit to replace smoking on a morning
So I ended up quitting cold turkey from both smoking and vaping. It's honestly hell for a few months. I won't lie to you and say it's easy. It's a constant struggle those early days. You are going to feel horrible and you are going to be agitated and more easily annoyed which also increased the desire to want to smoke. Having a strong support around you to get encouragement is helpful. And as another person posted putting that energy into something else is going to be very helpful at retraining your thought process. It's been 10 years for me and I still get strong cravings to smoke sometimes. So be aware that even after a long period of time has passed you are going to still get the itch as it were. But it does get easier as time goes by and you develop better coping methods. Really that is key, figuring out what your tics are and reducing the stress in your life. Then when you get the urge to smoke finding those coping skills to help you work through that craving. Stay strong friend you can do it. I know it's hard but you can do it.
Thanks for your respond I need to just take each hour as it comes ano withdrawal will take it’s toll on me but I also know it’s be worth it to breath and feel a lot healthier again just can’t wait thanks for the reply do really appreciate it
Chantix. I tried everything. Only thing that worked.
does smoking decrease or increase anxiety and depression?
I know I'm anxious because of the smoke and confinement, but don't know what to do about it
