Tips for when you have had a few drinks?

[nsd_user663_37042]

Hi all,

Any tips for staying strong whilst having a few drinks?

I'm into my second week now but have a weekend away in a few weeks that i'm worried about as i'll more than likely be drunk and surrounded by smokers

[nsd_user663_18145]

ahh this is a sticky subject umm i personally drank at home when i first stopped just a couple to get me used to the fact i didnt smoke and everytime i got the urge i read my reasons and just kept telling myself i can do this

when i went out for the first time with smokers i didnt crave one as everytime they came back inside they stunk really bad and all complaining of how cold it was outside and there was me inside nice and warm

but if you do get tempted dont let the demon nicorette think you have failed and dont beat yourself up just put that behind you and carry on

regards

Carol

[nsd_user663_33894]

I use NRT, but I see you're using champix so that won't help :rolleyes:

Something useful the quit nurse said to me was to fill a nicorette inhalator with cotton wool to use as a prop. It wouldn't stop your cravings, but it might feel reassuring. You can buy twin packs of the empty inhalators from some shops (in a nice black, and a weird blue) for quite cheap.

Another one is to change your drinks for a while, maybe now could be the time to try all those weird looking drinks at the back of the bar :p!

[nsd_user663_3607]

Hi all,

Any tips for staying strong whilst having a few drinks?

I'm into my second week now but have a weekend away in a few weeks that i'm worried about as i'll more than likely be drunk and surrounded by smokers

I am absolutely petrified about this too!!! I have a night out this Friday and my last quit failed due to drinking. The obvious solution is not to drink - however, I kinda have to face this trigger at some point!!!

Any tips would be appreciated!

[nsd_user663_35351]

Hi Chris,

I am on day 59 now and will be moving into Month 3 tomorrow and I have had to attack the dreaded alcohol/nights out problem over the last 2 weekends. Attack being the operative word here !!!

I must say I did put my social life on hold for a few months leading up to the last few weekends, I'm not saying you should do the same but I did feel so much stronger due to having a few months away from drinking and partying.

Last Saturday was a reunion with over 20 of my football friends and surprisingly about 15 of them smoke - I was pretty anxious leading up to the evening because like many others I had failed previously when on a nights out.

There were a few edgy moments during the evening and I found myself drinking more, instead of going out for smokes I would tend to visit the bar instead (not such a bad thing) - but in general I felt proud of what I was doing and even when I was pretty drunk I knew my decision was the right one - the bottom line Chris is it is all about your mind-set and determination - I actually started to feel sorry for my friends.

I felt great the next day (beside a nasty hangover), I didn’t stink of smoke, I could breathe properly and I had a massive feeling of pride - I would like to add that this Saturday night was equally as heavy but it was SO SO much easier because I knew I could get through from the previous Saturday.

I hope this helps - be prepared for the odd crave but try and stay in the pub/club/restaurant with your non-smoking friends, it is not as difficult as you think and remember your smoking friends will envy you.

Good luck, you can do it.

Mark

[nsd_user663_3607]

Thanks Mark!

Your right - its about being strong. I have though of a few things to do:

1. Keep this forum open on my iphone for the night (although I don't plan to be as equally anti-social as a smoker by sitting on my phone all night).

2. Keep a mini-list of reasons in my wallet so I can refer to them at times.

3. Before going out - reaffirm that I will not smoke in my head.

4. Get so drunk that I will forget about smoking - lol! Ok - maybe not - but I have had previous nights out whilst a smoker that I would forget to smoke! lol

[nsd_user663_35351]

Chris,

Have you got an iphone app for quitting smoking ? I have two and they helped me a few times - I could quickly open the app and see that I had quit for 50 odd days, saved over £300 etc - If you havent go and search for the MLC app in the App store - You can also get an NHS one which gives you hints and tips about quitting, which is just like having a written list in your wallet.

Cheers

Mark

[nsd_user663_20558]

My only advice would be to have a few jars but try to avoid getting blind stinking drunk, because that's when all your reasoning and self control go out of the window!

If you try to remain on the right side of hammered, and you keep affirming to yourself what you're doing and why, you should get through it fine. And next time, it will be easier.

Good luck!

Helen

[nsd_user663_3607]

Chris,

Have you got an iphone app for quitting smoking ? I have two and they helped me a few times - I could quickly open the app and see that I had quit for 50 odd days, saved over £300 etc - If you havent go and search for the MLC app in the App store - You can also get an NHS one which gives you hints and tips about quitting, which is just like having a written list in your wallet.

Cheers

Mark

Hey Mark,

Yep - I have the NHS one. Can't seem to find the MLC one tho - everytime i search in the App Store - it gives me a life insurance app!

[nsd_user663_3607]

My only advice would be to have a few jars but try to avoid getting blind stinking drunk, because that's when all your reasoning and self control go out of the window!

If you try to remain on the right side of hammered, and you keep affirming to yourself what you're doing and why, you should get through it fine. And next time, it will be easier.

Good luck!

Helen

Yep - I do need to be disciplined on the drinking front too - tipsy rather than completely sloshed is the order of the day methinks! Enjoy the company, music and atmos rather than the ale or rum or sumbuca!

[nsd_user663_35351]

Chris,

Try searching for "my last cigarette"

Mark

[nsd_user663_3607]

Chris,

Try searching for "my last cigarette"

Mark

Wow - now that is a fantastic App!!!! Disappointed that my "craving" section is still high but it will come down!! Great sharing - thanks!

[nsd_user663_35351]

It is a great app and excellent to help with motivation when out having a few beers, try the daily pic as well. Click menu - top right - then Daily Pic !!!

I find it helped me when I saw a gangrine foot which had to be amputated !!

[nsd_user663_3607]

It is a great app and excellent to help with motivation when out having a few beers, try the daily pic as well. Click menu - top right - then Daily Pic !!!

I find it helped me when I saw a gangrine foot which had to be amputated !!

Yeah - I checked this out - todays lovely pic is some teeth that are basically falling out and look extraordinarily yellow!

Nice!!!:eek: