Day 1 (again)

[nsd_user663_58865]

Hi everyone

I'm sorry for just jumping in without any introductions or previous posts. I've basically been lurking for a while, trying to figure out if I think a forum would be helpful...I've quit seriously twice before for 3 months, but now I've been smoking for almost 10 years, I'm getting really anxious to quit for good.

I'm in my mid 20s and I think that if I quit now I can pull things back on track but I'm having such a hard time doing it. I'm going to Scotland at the weekend and I've always found that I find quitting easiest when I'm away from the every day routine & habit of day-to-day life. With that in mind, my quit date is tomorrow. I want to get the first couple of days out of the way and then enjoy walking in the highlands knowing that I'm not smoking, not feeling like whatever I do, however healthy I feel walking in the hills, is meaningless because I'm still smoking.

I feel like there's something wrong with me sometimes - when I try to quit, I almost immediately feel great. I look forward to not smoking and I don't suffer with irritability or headaches or anything like that. My problem isn't really even "cravings" as such. It doesn't matter how far through my quit I am or how good I'm feeling, I get an urge to smoke - literally, a fleeting thought - and I act on it. I can't seem to wait it out or try and embrace it - I just smoke. And it is a massive barrier for me.

I would really welcome any help or tips or encouragement...I'm at a bit of a loss and starting to feel quite desperate about the whole thing. I hope you can also forgive my lack of forum etiquette as well - I'm just feeling a bit lost.

Thank you in advance. And sorry for the essay!

[nsd_user663_54332]

Welcome Nikki

You've made the right decision to quit now - like Kat I quit mid 20's too and it was a hell of a lot easier than quitting at only 28. it was always soemthing to do "when I'm older" because (even though it's stupid) I really enjoyed smoking up to just before I quit. Definitely get the "just wanting to" thing, have been exactly the same.

What I'd recommend is reading Allen Carr books because they do change how you see smoking - they helped me and think they will you as well.

Don't feel desperate or bad, or anything like that - loads of people say it but if I can stop you can, my last cigarette was 7 months ago!!

Basically, post here as often as you like, don't be afraid to ask questions, rant, scream or whatever because every one of us has been through it too!!

[nsd_user663_58865]

Thank you for such a lovely reply Kat I think you're right about my age - I do sometimes feel like I've got time so what will a few more weeks do, but if I keep thinking like that I'll never quit. Ever! I have the world's worst will power, really dreadful, so when I feel motivated like I do now, I feel like I have to seize the moment or I'll get stuck again for the next year or so.

I will look at the video you've recommended, thank you. And I totally agree about knowing which cigarette would be the one - it's amazing how I basically gamble with my long term health every day, sometimes without even a thought.

I'm a big believer in positive thinking, but I've got this little demon inside that's always saying "the minute you get the urge to smoke you'll do it" and it's really hard to silence!

Thank you again for replying, I really appreciate it.

[nsd_user663_58865]

Hi Gemma

I've tried Allan Carr and I agree, his books are great when you're in the right frame of mind - I've tried reading them when I'm not set on quitting though and I want to strangle him! What's with all the capital letters? I'm feeling very motivated at the moment so I'm going to take the book on holiday because I feel like I'm in a place where it will do some good

I think there will be a fair few rants from me, so apologies in advance - but thank you for your reply and for the encouragement, it's very much appreciated. In already glad I decided to post - it's really nice to talk to people about it - my other half is lovely, utterly supportive, but he's never smoked a day in his life and I think he really struggles to understand how frustrating it can be to want to quit but not be able to do it.

[nsd_user663_57259]

Well done on making an excellent decision. Just remember - never think you can have just one - its not possible!!!! That's the best advice I can pass on.

Have a lovely time.

Sarah

[nsd_user663_52101]

Nikki hi, reading your post you could be me!I do exactly the same thing...well did...not any more.iI hope I have learned something with each attempt.

I agree with the others you are young so give up now before the health dangers really take hold.Dont be like me giving up yr after yr.....and now realising the damage I have done cannot be reversed.

You are doing fine and just take day by day...........

[nsd_user663_54332]

Hi Gemma

I've tried Allan Carr and I agree, his books are great when you're in the right frame of mind - I've tried reading them when I'm not set on quitting though and I want to strangle him! What's with all the capital letters? I'm feeling very motivated at the moment so I'm going to take the book on holiday because I feel like I'm in a place where it will do some good

Hiya

I definitely agree!!

Couple of years ago I was really beating myself up about having started smoking *again* (I was a real serial quitter) so I had a look on amazon for his book. I didn't like it much *but* I guess it was more that I wasn't ready to quit and as much as I hated admitting it then, was still enjoying my fags too much to listen? This time was a lot different!!

He is rather, um, irritating at times though

I think there will be a fair few rants from me, so apologies in advance - but thank you for your reply and for the encouragement, it's very much appreciated. In already glad I decided to post - it's really nice to talk to people about it - my other half is lovely, utterly supportive, but he's never smoked a day in his life and I think he really struggles to understand how frustrating it can be to want to quit but not be able to do it.

Definitely no need to apologise!!

Flipping heck, I've ranted plenty on here - it's partly what this place is for 'cos it lets off steam and stops us grabbing a ciggie.

Glad you've got support, but no matter how hard they try, people who have never smoked don't really get how it feels!!