How to start again after falling off the wagon?

[nsd_user663_38769]

It would have been six weeks tomorrow since I stubbed out that last cigarette. I was a smoker for twenty five years on twenty/thirty a day. After an awful year of having to change jobs, losing two close members of my family and suffering a serious episode of depression I decided it was time to start changing things in my life. The first of these steps was to kick the dreaded habit. I started with so much confidence and was so proud of myself. Around a week and a half ago the cravings became unbearable and I was constantly fighting the urge to smoke. Then last weekend there was a major family argument and that was it I so want to start my quit again but I am scared. I am scared of living the rest of my life longing for that cigarette. I was probably naive to think it would have got easier in time. Can anyone help me get back on the straight and narrow? Is it worth trying again so soon or should i leave it for a while? I have smoked for the past three days now and i am back up to about 10 a day. Is it possible to look at this as just a blip? Can I pick up where I left off on Saturday? Please help

[nsd_user663_37330]

Hi nanny Annie, i would love to have the wise words but only you will know if your ready to try again.

dont be too hard on yourself i doubt there is many who gave up on first attempt, maybe see your recent attempt as a trial run HOWEVER this time think what your triggers are and be prepared.

read the thread in month 3 room by JIMMER titled a post from kitkat72 that helped me a lot and others from what ive seen, it just gives you perspective.

you can do it, we all can!!!

never quit quitting

jenni

[nsd_user663_34921]

Hi Nanny Annie

Sorry to hear that your struggling with your quit.

You did very well to stay quit for so long, well done you.

After been free from nicotine for 6 weeks the severe withdrawal cravings will have gone and what you have been struggling with are the smoking memories. These memories can be intense and seem to ease off only very slowly. You will find quite a number of people on here suffering lots of problems at different stages in their quits and it is always good to read their experiences and you will learn from them.

If you feel strong enough to retrieve your quit then go for it (that would be great) .... if you feel that you need to regroup then so be it ... that has to be your decision. I would suggest that you stay with this forum, keep posting and keep reading.... EVERYTHING....

Don't worry about deciding between a blip and a new start. It's not important. If you can stop again now, then in a few weeks the 3 days smoking will look like a biggish blip .... in a year from now it will be a minor blip (if it is even remembered about :confused: )

Let us know what you decide and my very best wishes to you in your struggle.

[nsd_user663_37042]

This is my third (?) serious quit in 8 years. Kept on getting quit and then slipping. Keep on going until it sticks is a bit of an obvious/patronising thing to say but that's whats worked for me.

I guess it's very hard to generalise as everyone is individual but the best thing I found that helped (beside champix) was to understand the reasons for failing and actually trying to understand why the heck i smoked. In addition, as a lot of people on here say, understanding your triggers to smoking are crucial.

I understand now that people, mainly friends, were my biggest triggers. I've also thought in some detail as to why and can only surmise that I'm quite shallow and easily led. Once I understood the reasons I was very angry with myself for starting in the first place.

[austinlegro 11 Years Smoke Free]

... I am scared of living the rest of my life longing for that cigarette. I was probably naive to think it would have got easier in time. Can anyone help me get back on the straight and narrow?

It does get easier. For some it starts off easy and stays easy. Others sometimes have to stand up and fight it a bit. Either way it's all in the head and it's in the head where the battle rages.

It's a tough way of doing it but some try avoiding the smoke, changing the pattern, different situations and 'not thinking about smoking.'

Respect if you can do that but it's hard.

The reverse is easier.

If you're smoking now take a look at why and when you smoke and spot it for what it is. Understand your habit and when the penny drops you'll stop. You'll stop mid-fag if you have to.

There's a massive difference between trying not to smoke and not wishing to smoke.

At 6 weeks you had the physical side pretty much sorted and that should be celebrated. The mental side can be a real challenge particularly if you aren't armed to deal with it.

If you want there are a 101 reasons to keep smoking, try and find the one that makes you stop.

Try and find it today.

[nsd_user663_4121]

Most of us thought of cigarettes as our best friend and in our mind it does create a lot of fear to let go..... but that's the thing, you've got to look at it differently... you're not letting go of a friend but an addiction. When you realize that the only reason you long for that fag is because you need that nicotine fix then it is easier to shift your thinking and think more positively about your quit.... and with that will come the 'I really want to beat this'.

If you look at fags longingly and miss them then you give them power.... really the only power they have is the nicotine (which can be kicked easily) don't give them the emotional power. Don't feel deprived giving up the smokes.... feel glad that you get to go on this journey to kick this nasty habit.... be excited that in time you'll be free of feeling like this.

It does get easier.... so easy in fact that even a heavy ex smoker will totally forget about smoking.... I never think of smoking anymore. You have that to look forward to.... sometimes we just need to repeat this to ourselves over and over, this is where the forum becomes so helpful! Keep reading and educating yourself, be active in your quitting journey and I have no doubt you'll succeed. You will know when you are ready, I'd re-start your quit soon though as you'll be closer to being free

[nsd_user663_38769]

I'm going for it again

Thank you all so much for the messages. It has really helped me refocus on what I set out to do and that is to feel the freedom of no longer being a smoker. I have been back to the non smoking clinic today and had a long chat with her. I had stopped using NRT as I felt I hadn't actually give up the nicotine and therefore couldn't call myself a non smoker but that is different now. I am going to use them for at least the next couple of months and then relook at it. So first thing in the morning a patch will go on!! I am also going to use this forum and have titled it "Lifeline" on my favourites. So I look forward to speaking to you all again.

Thank you all again. :)

[nsd_user663_37330]

well done annie and good luck, you sound very positive about this quit so that will help and yes this forum is a lifeline, we will all help you stay quit.

never quit quitting

jenni

[nsd_user663_34921]

Annie,

Delighted to hear that you are going to continue with your quit.

Keep reading the posts on here and put in your own posts. You will be pleasantly surprised at the help that you will get.

You will probably have a few horrible days, again, as the nicotine of the past few days leaves your body but DO BELIEVE it does get better after that......... Just keep talking to us. We are here to help !!!