Struggling – help!

[nsd_user663_57022]

Hi there!

I’ve been smoking for 20 years, some heavier than others. I’m on day 3, cold turkey, and I’m catching myself having hard time not thinking about it.

Help, advice?!

Thanks, Maya

[nsd_user663_56712]

Hi Maya and welcome to this forum

You have discovered the trials of day 3!! believe me if you get through today then things will seem easier, just take each hour at a time and DON'T give in to the nicodemon, I have only been givenup 18 days, but it is seeming so much easier each day...did I ever smoke???

I went down my local tonight and a friend ( a smoker) asked if I could go out for a chat, I did, did I want a cigarette whilst he was smoking? NO, it stank!!!! believe me, get through this week and you will be home and dry ( ok there are the moments but nothing you cant cope with) you will notice so many benfits very quickley and you willnot want to return to where you were 4 days ago. keep strong- you will make it

if the urges are strong , have a drink of water, go for a walk, clean something, post on this forum...anything to distract you.

I look forward to reading of your ongoing success over the next few days xxx

[nsd_user663_56673]

Welcome Maya.. you are doing so well to have gotten to day 3 cold turkey.. hang on in there.. nothing worse than having to go back to day 1 and start all over again. I have *huge* respect to anyone who can do this cold turkey.. as Trea says, have a drink of water and sip it slowly whilst reading posts on here.. you can do this x

[nsd_user663_53658]

Hi Maya,

At 3 days your body has just about expelled all the nicotine. The first 3 weeks will see you through all of the physical withdrawal that there is and you will be left with the "habit" side of your addiction. This means that, over time, you will need to break all those associations that you have created over the years with smoking. These will be triggers attached to when you are tired, happy, bored, excited, angry etc. In other words, you have to learn how to be a non smoker.

Don't be surprised when something you haven't experienced in a while triggers a "want" for a cig, this is perfectly normal. When you have successfully gotten through that situation it will never be as difficult again.

In the early days distraction is a brilliant tool to combat any craves and wants. This forum is the best distraction you can find. Not only are there some absolutely lovely people on here, but you can learn an awful lot by reading old and new posts alike, and this will help you understand what is happening to you.

Stay strong and post as often as you need to. There is usually someone around 24 hours a day. I hope you let us know how you are getting along

Molly x

[nsd_user663_56511]

Day 3 on cold turkey ... Job well done Maya. If it was easy there wouldn't be smokers and you've already done the hardest bit. Top job so far!!!!

Keep us posted !!!!

[Unah]

What Molly says. I admire you for going CT. I gave in on day 3 and put on a patch. We all handle our quits differently and we all have different experiences.

Good luck

[nsd_user663_51711]

Maya, I can't add any more to all the great suggestions already posted but I wanted to say welcome and congratulate you because it isn't an easy thing you are doing, but it's just so worth it to be free of all the angst and things you hate about smoking. You've made a fantastic decision and a fantastic start. You'll find a lot of support on this forum so rant all you want. Someone will always be there to pick you up when you are fed up. xx

[nsd_user663_57022]

Made it!

Thank you so much for the great support guys!

I made it through day 3 woohoo! My mornings are getting easier, having coffee with no smokes seems normal now, but my nights are still nightmare. Last night I was getting so angry for no reason, my kids hated me (I feel like the worst mother, yelling for every little thing). It feels like it comes on waves, one minute I’m all calm, the next I’m so insanely angry! Also, I still cannot sleep well – tossing and turning all night long. This morning I woke up calm and happy, but I’m not sure about tonight. I also used to drink wine with my cigarettes at night, which I cut as well, so at night I’m double upset. I’ll try really really hard to stay calmer tonight. Wish me luck! The good news is I’m coughing all kind of gross things, which makes me think my body is healing.

Many hugs!

Maya

[nsd_user663_57022]

yes!

yes yes and yes!

I keep wondering, if it is that easy, why the heck I've smoked for so long?! Was I just plain stupid?

[nsd_user663_54332]

Well done, you're doing fab!!

yes yes and yes!

I keep wondering, if it is that easy, why the heck I've smoked for so long?! Was I just plain stupid?

Not stupid Maya, scared - we all were, but now we're free

[nsd_user663_57022]

scared, agreed! It sounds absurdish..to be scared of change that will make you happy, healthy, and will save you lots of money!..I should have listened to myself, my family, and friends sooner.

[nsd_user663_56237]

Well done Maya and welcome to the forum!

Try to do whatever possible (apart from the usual) to keep relaxed and unstressed. Treat yourself to a nice bath or a good book you can sink your teeth into.

Look forward to reading your Day 4 post!! X

[nsd_user663_54332]

scared, agreed! It sounds absurdish..to be scared of change that will make you happy, healthy, and will save you lots of money!..I should have listened to myself, my family, and friends sooner.

We all should!! I got plenty of nagging to quit, but was terrified of it and didn't want to stop either - am delighted i have though.

It's really silly looking back on it but hey, at least we've quit now