Day 12

[nsd_user663_10897]

Hello again, today has been by far my hardest day. I've had a hard day because I've not put a patch on today, I'm trying to come off them. I'm just taking it an hour at a time and drinking gallons of juice and tea. So yeah hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow.

Daniel.

[nsd_user663_10897]

I've just smoked 2 cigs

I don't know what to do, whether to amoke for tonight then put a patch on tomorrow, or put a patch on now although I'll only be up for another couple of hours :confused:

Obviously coming off the patches was a bad move, I can only learn from this I suppose. I felt awful after my first cig, just full of regret. Patches work well for me so I'm lucky in that way I just made the mistake of coming off them too soon.

[nsd_user663_26699]

Daniel,

This is just my advice, so take it any which way you want.

My philosophy has always been that if you need to "white knuckle it", then you're not yet ready to quit. Take a step back from what has happened, re-build your morale, and start your quit again once you feel ready for it. No point pressuring yourself.

It can take a few or several attempts, but best to be mentally prepared first.

Alex.

[nsd_user663_10897]

Thanks Karri, about 5 mins ago I had another cig then decided I'm not having another and I've found a couple of step 3 patches so just put one of them on for now, then I'll go to step 1 tomorrow. I'm not down as much now since I put the patch on and had a good wash to get rid of the horrid smell. I'm gonna treat tomorrow as a fresh quit and start over and learn from this past quit. Just talking to someone on here really helps

[nsd_user663_10897]

Thanks Alex, That's what I usually do when I relapse just smoke for a few weeks then quit again. I think the only reason I fell off was because I came off the patches to soon (I'm useless at cold turkey) so I'm thinking this time I'll just get straight back on the patches then put it behind me asap. It might not work but I have nothing to lose lol.

[nsd_user663_1733]

Morning daniel

We have never spoke but just read your post and wanted to say I think you have done the right thing. Hope your feeling better this morning. Everyone Is different if you find it easier with patches carry on. Dont come off them till you feel really ready. Good luck with it.xxxxx

[nsd_user663_3925]

Daniel,

I think my 2 previous quit attempts ended because I moved to step 3 too quickly, I felt I was doing the right thing at the time but looking back I think I should have followed the recommended times for each stage.

Good luck.

[nsd_user663_26590]

In a past and longish term quit - I used patches. They are great -so long as one keeps them on!! And one does not think that they can manage without. Nor cut them up to start weaning off the larger doses. i thought I could get away with that one!!! Wrong!!!

I also thought I was OK and in control so stopped using them. Big Mistake!!! The patches were obviously giving my body, and my cravings, the "fix" it was sreaming for. So I was lulled into a false sense of security that I had conquered the demons!!! WRONG!!! They were only hiding!!! And leaped back out to bite me as soon as the patches stopped.

PUT PATCH BACK ON -STICK WITH IT FOR FULL COURSE or risk another blip!!!

You have not failed -just been tested and given a kick up the backside that this quitting thing is not for the faint hearted.

So 4 years later I am in quit mode again. And this time I am going to do it. Going cold turkey (with an occasional Mini when I feel aaaarrrrrggggghhhhhh!!! ) I didn't like the disturbed sleep and vivid dreams that patches gave me. Day 31 so far and feeling pretty proud of myself!!!