I think I've finally quit! I used a different tactic this time which made the quit not so hard. I remember my brother-in-law telling me that when he quit after 30 years of smoking, he always kept a pack around, so that he had a choice along with each craving. He allowed himself 1 or 2 a day at first, if he really needed it. I didn't understand it then, because I wasn't a smoker at that time, but I understand it now.
I decided to try this method, and just knowing that I could have a smoke after work or whenever I really needed one took away the panic of "OMG!! I can't have a cigarette, ever!". I did well with 1 a day, and fought off my other cravings by constantly chewing gum (sometimes Nicorette). I never got the crazies, although I'm still battling each day not to buy a pack.
After 2 weeks or so of doing this, I slipped on the ice and hurt my back pretty badly. I smoked the last cigarette in my pack on the way to the hospital. I debated stopping off to buy a pack, but I was in too much pain to stop. I had the next 4 days off to rest my back, and never left the house. By the time the 4 days were up and I was back at work, I kept telling myself how stupid it would be to buy a pack after having gone 4 days without a cigarette. I thought about how much my fiance would hate it, and how I'd much rather deal with craving a cigarette for a few minutes than worry about oral or lung cancer. That was a month ago, and although I have bummed a few smokes, I still have not broken down and bought a pack. It's still a battle, but for the first time I feel like I'm winning, not the cigarettes!
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Keep going, Jules, and victory will be yours. Having said that, it won't be a victory if you are still having the occasional smoke because as time goes past it will lead to having 2 smokes, then more and eventually you'll be back to full-time smoking.
Try not to panic about never having another cigarette. Rather be pleased about it...that you aren't being held a slave to the stupid habit; that you, your clothing and your home don't smell of tobacco. There are more advantages of being a non-smoker than there are to being a smoker. That's easy 'cos there aren't any advantages to being a smoker.
I quit CT but I know a few who quit via Allen Carr's Easyway. Have a look at his last book 'Scandal' which is available as a free download. It may help to get you past those last odd wee smokes you currently have.
Hope that the back is better...it's no fun whatsoever having a sore back.
Below is my standard welcome and advice post which I try and give all new members
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 sympathising 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
The technique you describe sounds a bit like a technique that I used to get me through the early days/weeks and still use now if need be. It is definitely very hard dealing with the thought that you will never have another ciggy again.
I used a technique that Gillian Riley promotes and although I did find it quite scary having cigarettes around at the beginning she says it important to believe that you have real choice so that you dont feel deprived. I quit cold turkey and have never had one since my quit started. And you just deal with one craving at a time with what she calls The Outline which you recite to yourself and it goes like this:
I have a desire to smoke
I have the freedom to smoke
One puff and I'll be smoking
So EITHER
I choose to return to smoking
OR
For now I choose to accept this desire (this means feeling the uncomfortable feeling that goes with a craving)
So that I can enjoy these benefits from not smoking...... (this is your list)
I found it very effective to have something to say to myself along with deep breathing when I had bad cravings. I used to carry it around with me on a tiny piece of paper until it became imprinted on my brain and I could recite it whenever the need arose.
I found that the book it came from was a great source of information about what was going on in my head and how to overcome certain emotions (conflict, panic, fear etc) Anyone wanting a bit of help would do well to get a copy 'How To Stop Smoking and Stay Stopped For Good' by Gillian Riley. I found it a great comfort to understand what was happening both physically and psychologically at the different stages of my quit. I pin my quit on this book, Allen Carr's book and this forum's combined wisdom and am doing OK coming up to nearly 5 months now.
managed for 2 and a half days smoke free (but not nicotine free!) but gave in to a massive crave today
Very unhappy with myself but determined to try again using different method.
Patches have been tried and tested to within an inch of their lives and no joy yet, although i realise this indicates its my mind messing me up!
Have decided to try cold turkey from what people have said, i think the fact you get the nicotine out of your system in the first few days is much more logical than feeding yourself with it through a different route!
I am also keen to try some herbal remedies to cope with the extreme stress,anger, irritability that seem to be my only side effects but are extremely damaging (even when patches are on!)
Have been advised Avena Savinta, Potters Relax tablets, valerian root or beech.
If anyone has any experience of these or others, i would love to hear from you!
I hope me quitting is as easy as yours. I actually stop at once, when I gave birth and saw my child. she was premature probably because of my smoking. My conscience triggered me to stop smoking, but it was a rough road for me.
I used a technique that Gillian Riley promotes and although I did find it quite scary having cigarettes around at the beginning she says it important to believe that you have real choice so that you dont feel deprived. I quit cold turkey and have never had one since my quit started. And you just deal with one craving at a time with what she calls The Outline which you recite to yourself and it goes like this:
I have a desire to smoke
I have the freedom to smoke
One puff and I'll be smoking
So EITHER
I choose to return to smoking
OR
For now I choose to accept this desire (this means feeling the uncomfortable feeling that goes with a craving)
So that I can enjoy these benefits from not smoking...... (this is your list)
I found it very effective to have something to say to myself along with deep breathing when I had bad cravings. I used to carry it around with me on a tiny piece of paper until it became imprinted on my brain and I could recite it whenever the need arose.
I found that the book it came from was a great source of information about what was going on in my head and how to overcome certain emotions (conflict, panic, fear etc) Anyone wanting a bit of help would do well to get a copy 'How To Stop Smoking and Stay Stopped For Good' by Gillian Riley.
I have got the same book. I bought it literally years ago, obviously never used it until I stopped this time. I must admit it is a good read and I often dive into it when I find myself weakening. Even though I am using patches I still find it helps me.
How to Stop Smoking and Stay Stopped for Good - Gillian Riley.
I like this book. Since I slipped on 7th March I have kept the packet of tobacco I bought then in the top drawer of my computer desk. I know everyone says throw it out but knowing it's there comforts me. I'm always aware that I could have a rollup any time I want but I am choosing not to. In the same way each day I choose not to drink even though there is an off licence just down the road. I haven't had a drink since June 19th 2004 - a day at a time. I haven't had a rollup since March 8th 2010 - every day I choose not to.
Hello Nicolajane, I would consider yourself lucky. Although I first started on Champix but only for a week I had no side effects. I did not feel it was stopping me from smoking although I stopped in that first week so maybe it did. I don't think they are meant to stop you smoking in the first few days I think they are meant to take away the craving to smoke once you have picked your stopping day and stop. I believe it is something to do with receptors in your brain, sorry don't know the scientific reasons but only know many people have stopped using Champix.
Hello Nicolajane, I would consider yourself lucky. Although I first started on Champix but only for a week I had no side effects. I did not feel it was stopping me from smoking although I stopped in that first week so maybe it did. I don't think they are meant to stop you smoking in the first few days I think they are meant to take away the craving to smoke once you have picked your stopping day and stop. I believe it is something to do with receptors in your brain, sorry don't know the scientific reasons but only know many people have stopped using Champix.
From 'Managing nausea with Champix - any ideas?' thread
Hello Nicolajane, I would consider yourself lucky. Although I first started on Champix but only for a week I had no side effects. I did not feel it was stopping me from smoking although I stopped in that first week so maybe it did. I don't think they are meant to stop you smoking in the first few days I think they are meant to take away the craving to smoke once you have picked your stopping day and stop. I believe it is something to do with receptors in your brain, sorry don't know the scientific reasons but only know many people have stopped using Champix.
Not entirely sure what you're up to Sadie. Neither of the quotes from different threads you've posted so far feature a Nicolajane in them. And then both posts are exactly the same. Is this spamming evolving as I watch :confused:
Pol, interesting that you should link to Jase's experience. KK and I haven't seen eye to eye but despite that difference I sought her out a few months ago when she was getting savagely trolled. Offered her my unequivocal support in dealing with that episode.
But on realising that she wouldn't use that experience to finish the bridge building I've just ignored her and then recently was reminded about the block facility. That reminder came from the Quitting Boards and by virtue of Michael's own unique type of 'support'. I gather quite a few have added him...I've elected to join them in that regard
Those were good times eh Tell you what, Jude..... you post in the 3 months quit section and I'll start a thread for you..... what day/week/month are ya? Come back, Jude!!
Astounding. I can't believe this place still allows arrogant nobs and their hangers on to say what they like to whom they like. Bloody glad I stay away and keep in contact with the Cavs and Pols and Bells seperately.
Astounding. I can't believe this place still allows arrogant nobs and their hangers on to say what they like to whom they like. Bloody glad I stay away and keep in contact with the Cavs and Pols and Bells seperately.
Having succesfully quit after using this forum for the right reasons I use my right to come on here occasionally to support and cheer on others. I am also entitled to have my say when I see others being treated unkindly not just on this thread and not just with my friends. Its shocking. And yet again, like a broken record, years down the line, you are still in the thick of it. Sad really. If you put that much effort into your quit you might be succesful.
For the second time today I am forced to close a perfectly good thread all because certain members are using the forum inappropriately.
Certain members will be receiving warnings regarding there behaviour on this thread and I hope that the warnings will be heeded and excepted in good grace.
I am sad that it has come to this as many people rely on this site to give them help and support in there quits and when people are bickering amongst themselves they are not doing what the site was intended for, that is to make it an enjoyable place to spend time and remain smoke free.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
I must admit it is a good read and I often dive into it when I find myself weakening. Even though I am using patches I still find it helps me.
Feeling kinda sick really.
Cravings have no imagination...
