First few hours

[nsd_user663_11805]

This is Day 1 for me, actually 2 hours into my first attempt in several years to stop.

The last serious attempt i made i used Nicotine chewing gum to try and help me. I chewed the gum for about 6 months, gradually cutting down my intake of it until i quit the gum completely for around 5 months. Stupidly i started smoking again when an old friend of mine showed up... that was a long time ago, years i forget exactly how many.

This time i'm not going to use the gum. To tell you the truth, i used to chew it a lot when flying on business, then it progressed to chewing it at work, then sometimes i would smoke a cigarette or other times i would chew some gum. Basically i ended up chewing it between cigarettes. So no, i don't think Nicotine gum can help me.

I'm trying the cold turkey method. No nictotine substitutes, i get the feeling this will be the best way for me to break free of addiction. I've smoked since i was 15 years old and i'm 37 now... so 22 years. What i have done - is recently finished Allen Carr's audiobook on quitting. Actually i finished listening to it on my Ipod last night and finished my last pack of cigarettes this morning. When i smoked the last one i said that's going to be it. But hey, it's only been 2 hours but i'll try my best.

I liked Allen Carr's audio book, although i've read some negative things said about it on the web. It is really quite theraputic to listen to and i'll be listening to some of it again everyday from now on. The subjects in the book are all common sense really but when it comes to smoking we all lose our grip on common sense. There is nothing sensible about smoking. The book helps you get in the right frame of mind before you quit and i'm optimistic that i'm there and i'll be able to do it right this time.

Anyway, this is day one. Wish me luck.

[nsd_user663_11476]

Hi Tao,

The very best of luck to you. I am also Cold Turkey and am on day 14 today and feel great. Just prepare yourself for 72 bad hours. Apologise to your friends and loved ones in advance

Make time for yourself, I mean alone time. Just remember, 3 days and you are through the worst and no longer dealing with the physical withdrawals of nicotine. From then on it is you against all the mental triggers.

Be strong buddy and it really helps to post a heck of a lot in the early days. This forum is wonderfully supportive and has some old hands guiding us beginners.

Congratulations on this momentous occasion.

[nsd_user663_7469]

Hi Tao I am also CT and think for me it was the only way but each to their own, I had to laugh when you said you actually ended up smoking and chewing the gum as well, thats probably why I went the CT route as thought I wouldnt be able to quit twice as in once with the cigs and the the NRT, this forum will help and support you as much as you need and will if used enough sustain your quit as it has for me.

You have the backing of lots of good people on here and I hope you will come on as often as you can and pm when you need more direct help or just want to chat, make sure you drink plenty of water and fruit juices a dehydration when quitting can be quite common and makes you feel rough.

Good luck and a big hug to help you on your way, 5 + months for me as well CT so its not all bad.

[nsd_user663_11805]

Well i'm close to 6 hours without smoking now. I'm feeling a little disorientated and definitely feeling nicotine withdrawl symptoms.

I think 6 hours is the longest I have gone without a cigarette during waking hours for a very long time.

I'm working in India just now and it's evening here so really i only have to work for another 4 hours or so and i can get some sleep. The morning is going to be tough for me though i'm sure. Even then when i wake up it will still not be 24 hours since i quit so technically not even one day!!

Anyway, thanks to those who offered the kind words and encouragement. I appreciate and welcome all your help.

[nsd_user663_5920]

Hi

Just keep reminding yourself why your quitting and read and read again all useful links here in people's signatures and like you already plant too, listen to the parts of Allen Carr's audio book that you have found inspirational/encouraging.

I wish you luck, but more I wish you the determination and strong will it takes to stick with this.

It does become easier and though you may get some hard days/times with urges to smoke and possible moods swings you can get through them.

Each day you tick off you get stronger and and the urges become weaker.

Smoking can kill, quitting never will.

It's a learning curve and it's a journey of discovery.......... but you can control it and make it yours.

[nsd_user663_5401]

Well i'm close to 6 hours without smoking now. I'm feeling a little disorientated and definitely feeling nicotine withdrawl symptoms.

I think 6 hours is the longest I have gone without a cigarette during waking hours for a very long time.

I'm working in India just now and it's evening here so really i only have to work for another 4 hours or so and i can get some sleep. The morning is going to be tough for me though i'm sure. Even then when i wake up it will still not be 24 hours since i quit so technically not even one day!!

Anyway, thanks to those who offered the kind words and encouragement. I appreciate and welcome all your help.

Hello my love

You are doing very very very well. It is hard not to think about smoking constantly in the early days but I promise things will get better. Can I suggest a bit of comfort eating really does help at this stage.

Big hug xx

[nsd_user663_7469]

Hi tao hope you have enjoyed your first part of your no smoking day, I am in full agreement with Christine and say have some comfort food as in Choccy wow can I come and join you, take care and have a good evening catch you on day 2 as a none smoker xx

[nsd_user663_10013]

Hi Tao

You're probably fast asleep now - well I hope you are. I slept loads the first few days as it helped me cope. The second day I woke up on an absolute high as I never thought I'd get that far - used to smoke and chew the gum at the same time.

I'd agree with the others and eat if it helps - you can deal with any extra weight later. I've been lucky - gained a bit in the first month and have now lost it due to changing my eating habits.

So good luck to you and hope you wake feeling good and ready to take on day 2

[nsd_user663_8876]

Hi and congratulations for deciding to quit. It seems like only yesterday i was typing about my day 1, i remember it well. I too went ct and i can honestly say i'm so glad i did, i'd be lying if i said it was going to be easy because it was difficult. The craves can be quite overwhelming but think of them as surfing a huge wave and your the one on top of it. I'm now 4 months quit and feeling very pleased with myself. If you keep a positive mind and USE this forum you stand a fantastic chance.

Good luck, it's worth it i promise.

[nsd_user663_11805]

Thanks again for the kind words. I made it through the night... and more importantly, i didn't feel as bad as i expected to this morning.

I had some pretty strong cravings before i went to sleep last night, actually i went to bed because of them. Thought i could sleep them off. It worked, kinda... i woke up way before the alarm though but managed to get back to sleep several times and doze until it was time to get up.

I am looking forward to today. In 4 hours time i'll have 24 hours behind me that are 100% free from nicotine. Just the first step i know, but a very important one and i'm proud of myself.

See you all in the Day 2!