Coming off NRT

[NicFirth]

Hi there everyone.

I've decided that since its 10 weeks on Thursday that I quit, its time to come off the NRT.

I don't think its going to be a big deal, but I'm a little apprehensive none the less, having read some about how some people switch their addiction to NRT.

Tomorrow is my day off so I think I'll continue "using" during today and have my last one on the way home this evening at about 6pm.

It'll be interesting to see if there are withdrawal symptoms at all, and if so how severe they are, and all the nicotine should be out of my system by Saturday.

Are there any long term quitters here that have gone down the NRT route?

Cheers

Nic

[nsd_user663_3633]

My last big quit (about 8 years ago) was on NRT (Patches) and I found coming off them easy. I honestly didn't notice. I think the reason is that it's a different kind of nicotine - it's a clinical sort that shouldn't be as hard to come off as the kind in fags.

It was a 9 month quit, and a 12 week course of patches.... and it was much easier coming off the patches than coming off the fags in the first place.

I'm sure you will be fine - good luck.

[nsd_user663_3356]

Hi Nic

i would expect that you will have some withdrawal symptoms so would suggest that you have a read on whyquit to remind yourself of what they might be.

Good luck coming off NRT, it has been the downfall of a couple of people, but i am sure you will be fine (Martial mind and all that!!!:D)

[nsd_user663_2892]

I'm sure you'll be fine, Nic, as John says, "READ!"

Well done, btw

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

Hi Nic

i would expect that you will have some withdrawal symptoms so would suggest that you have a read on whyquit to remind yourself of what they might be.

I've been doing a load of reading including "your mentor" Allen Carr (tried reading Alan Carr but that didn't help:p) I understand the bit about physical withdrawal being so minor as to not wake you during sleep etc. and think that I'm mentally at the stage where its not a problem of mind.

I don't expect it to be totally easy but often I find things are only as tough as you make them.

Good luck coming off NRT, it has been the downfall of a couple of people, but i am sure you will be fine (Martial mind and all that!!!:D)

Perseverance and indomitable spirit

If I find myself struggling I'll just try to do some one arm finger tip handstand press-ups, then I'll know what struggling really is

[nsd_user663_3356]

I've been doing a load of reading including "your mentor" Allen Carr (tried reading Alan Carr but that didn't help:p) I understand the bit about physical withdrawal being so minor as to not wake you during sleep etc. and think that I'm mentally at the stage where its not a problem of mind.

I don't expect it to be totally easy but often I find things are only as tough as you make them.

Perseverance and indomitable spirit

If I find myself struggling I'll just try to do some one arm finger tip handstand press-ups, then I'll know what struggling really is

They are for wimps, unless its one arm ONE finger handstand pressups with weights!!!!!!

only kidding.....sod that for a game of soldiers

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

Going well today,

Some minor symptoms, but nothing worth worrying about,

-A bit of excess saliva

-Occasional sweats

-More hungry than normal and a desire for salty or spicy food.

Decided to do chilli con carne for dinner or is that supper or maybe tea!

Cheers

Nic

[nsd_user663_1733]

Well done Nic

How long since your last nico fix they say it takes 72 hours. If thats true mine should be almost gone HEHE. xxx

[nsd_user663_3633]

Personally, I think thats the biggest drawback with NRT... I had one easy stop with patches, where I was daft enough to cave after 9 months (still can't beleive I did that!) and lots of very unsuccessful attempts where I just never lost the will to smoke... I guess because I still got my fix.

Anyway, back to what I think is the biggest drawback... You may have to go through withdrawels a long way into your quit. When you may have already lost track of why you quit, or when you may have already convinced yourself that you have cracked it.

But, Nic.

You recognised that it was potentially dangerous and have prepared yourself. You are aware of what is going to happen. So you will not suffer the same fate. Well done, and good luck for the next few days... stay strong and you will be fine.

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

lots of very unsuccessful attempts where I just never lost the will to smoke...

That's a phrase that rings true.

I went through a period a couple of years ago where I regularly quit for anything from a few days to a fortnight. The reason - I didn't like smoking regularly but loved the 1st few days back on them. In other words I'd quit to enjoy starting again. How sick is that!

This quit is different, this time there was a moment of clarity when I said stuff this I don't want it any more and my resolve has grown ever since, due in no small part to this forum.

Cheers

Nic

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

At training tonight my breathing was easier, stamina greater and recovery quicker.

Now there is every possibility that this is a result of the extra work I've been putting in over the last 2 weeks, but it is a marked improvement on Monday's effort so it seems unusual.

I don't know if there is anyone with the appropriate medical knowledge on the board but it would be good to know what effect even the nicotine in NRT has on the body.

Cheers

Nic

[nsd_user663_3633]

This quit is different, this time there was a moment of clarity when I said stuff this I don't want it any more and my resolve has grown ever since, due in no small part to this forum.

Amen!

I couldn't have put it better myself.

I have no idea what it is, but this quit is the one that counts - I just know it is.. how do I know? *shrugs*.

But I know. That's why I'm putting the time in, reading and on forums - going to the cessation clinic and generally making stopping smoking the single most important thing in my life right now. Because this is my time to stop. For good. And I want it more than anything.

[nsd_user663_3638]

exactly! its like this weird power and strength that has come over me, enough is enough and this time its for keeps, no more half hearted attempts, no more lame excuses, i just don't want to do it anymore, previously i suppose i secretly still enjoyed smoking and longed for it as it made me feel like me, but "me" has changed and i am all the happier, healthier and more content for it!!!! nice to hear you lot are on the same wavelength!!! xx

[nsd_user663_3356]

Its good to read some positive posts instead of some of the negative ones that have been about lately.

It has been said before (probably by me) but, no matter what quit method is being used, the one thing which has the most effect on peoples quits is their attitude to their quit. You guys seem to have your attitude right and your head in the right place. Well Done!!!!

Just remember we can NEVER get complacent. Use the recent relapses of a number of longish term quitters on here to show that you can NOT let your guard down, even for a minute.

Stay strong and you will succeed.

[nsd_user663_1733]

Well said John.

Nic how you feeling today still nico free? xxxx

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

Nic how you feeling today still nico free? xxxx

Yep, about halfway through the expulsion of it from my system.

No problems to speak of,

Got angry earlier but my staff needed telling off, after a cock up, so it would most likely have happened anyway.

On the whole, all's well for Nic without nic.

[nsd_user663_3633]

Yep, about halfway through the expulsion of it from my system.

No problems to speak of,

Got angry earlier but my staff needed telling off, after a cock up, so it would most likely have happened anyway.

On the whole, all's well for Nic without nic.

Very glad to hear it. Well done.