Feeling great but perplexed

[nsd_user663_4348]

Hi,

I quit smoking 4 days ago. Smoked for about 10 years for the last five did a little under a pack a day.

Last week I went to the store to get a pack and they went up in price $1 overnight. So I decided to finish off my last pack and quit at that moment.

Took me about 4 days to finish the last pack. I guess I sort of weened myself a bit. I cut out some of the non essential cigarettes for a few days. It wasn't bad bc I knew I could have a cig in an hour or so.

Smoked the last one and day one was tough. Had some beer and wine with friends who don't smoke. Was very uncomfortable but managed. Itched a little bit as well.

Day 2 through 4 have been a complete cake walk. On day 2 I hung out with 6 smokers all day and not one puff. All I have to do is wait a craving out. 2 minutes thats it. Actually I can't wait to have some drinks this weekend and not smoke. A big test.

My problem is that quitting has been way too easy. I feel like something is gonna bite me in the butt later. I know a lot of people struggle and hurt. but it has been easy.

Am I missing something?

[nsd_user663_3282]

Hey Michael,

Welcome to the forum. A quick answer to your question about missing something - don't knock it but rather embrace it for what it is. You're right some folk do struggle and hurt. For me 3.5 months of sheer hell but eventually it all clicked and things got onto plain sailing....with the odd little issue here and there.

It's those times when the little issues cropping up that you need to guard against. If as you say you haven't had too much hassle don't take that for granted 'cos it may mean the difference between maintaining your quit or losing it.

Regards drinking, it's excellent that you had what seems to be an easy time of it. What happens when you go out and have a skinful? Will you be able to resist, will a part of you just wish to laugh in the face of it? Keep things measured and under control for at least the next wee while as it's still very early days and you don't want to ruin what is a good start.

Others will post with more concrete info about reading and educating and that is solid gold advice.

Keep well,

Cav

[nsd_user663_4306]

Hi Michael.

I am kind of in the same boat as you .After 20 ish a day for the last 5 yrs and 10-15 a day for the 15 yrs before that I went cold turkey.That was 17 days ago ( I am not counting ...I had to think about how long it had been )..... And It has honestly been easy. Like you say theres a few minutes a day where a cigarette would be quite nice but other than that ..... nothing at all. I am loving it . I had a cigarette on the 2nd or 3rd day (I think) and I hated it . That I think made it clear to me that I wasnt going to smoke again.

Any way well done to you..

Andy

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hi Michael

Welcome to the forum and well done on the decision to quit possibly one of the most important you will ever make and you will be losing nothing but you will regain control of your life and that has to be good

You will find all the help and support you need on here as we all help each other just like a family we are here for you every step of the way cheering the good days and sympathiseing with the bad but the good far outweigh the bad

Read the posts on here you will find a lot of tips and advice and in the signatures of a lot you will find links to other sites just click on them Here are 2 I find very good to start you off whyquit.com and woofmang.com Read, read and then read some more as the more you read and learn about why you smoked and about your addiction the easier your quit will be

Day 4 already is great well done just hang in there and take things day by day don't look for trouble but would advice that you're carefyl not to drink to much at first Listen to what Cav is saying as well and think about it as it makes sense and be wary of those sneaky little sods the Nico :eek: Demons as they creep up on you and then pounce

Best Wishes

Marg

[nsd_user663_4016]

Hi, Michael! I quit 2 months ago and am still amazed that it was as easy as it was for me! Smoked 30 a day for 35 years and quit CT. Had only a few bad moments, but nothing like I had expected. I really think this forum and reading all the links people have on their posts here helped me. Plus I had my mind set on quitting. Don't get me wrong, I'm still very watchful for signs that I might slip up, but I'm feeling pretty comfortable that I won't. So, keep positive and keep your guard up for a while longer and remember "Not one puff!!"

Quit: Jan 18, 2009

Method: CT

[nsd_user663_4348]

Thanks for all the responses. I will let you guys know how it goes. I think the biggest thing I have learned so far is to accept the pain and cravings.

we are a 100 times stronger than the cravings if we choose to be.

Oh and the other thing is to not smoke.

[nsd_user663_3728]

Hi Michael

Well said couldn't have put it better myself and the other thing is that there is no miracle cure

Love

Marg