Cold Turkey Quitter

[nsd_user663_60999]

Hello everyone,

I have just smoked my last cigarette. I watched myself smoke in the mirror and smoked it all the way down to the butt to make sure the smoke was good and hot and burned the back of my throat. Then I threw out the tobacco and filters and ran the cigarette papers through water before I turfed those out as well.

I smoked my first cigarette wen I was 11. I am 48. The last few years I have felt my health deteriorate and my anger rising - not only for picking this digusting habit up in the first place - but for letting it go on so long.

I have tried patches, gum, hypnotherapy and pills - you name it - I've tried it. This time it's cold turkey - no more pissing about with 'cessation crutches' which only prolong the withdrawal. The kicker this time is finding out I have periodontal disease and feel movement in some teeth..... Getting this attended to will run into thousands of dollars and I am absolutely livid with myself for ending up in this mess!

I quit for three months a few years ago and the strongest recollection I had was no longer being able to relate to my former smoking self - she seemed like someone I knew a long time ago that I no longer see - and didn't really miss.... I want to feel that way again - it was so empowering!

I would also write to Phillip Morris and send photos of all the things I bought for myself using money that would otherwise have been spent on cigarettes - they never did reply to any of my emails :). Very therapeutic indeed!

I have been lucky to avoid any serious smoking related illness to date - but understand the odds are stacking up against me. My reason for quitting is simple - I want to live.

[nsd_user663_60557]

Good for you Witchy, hope you make it this time. CT was the only way for me too after 50 years, didn't see the point in swapping one addiction for another, but boy am I suffering for it, I don't know which are smoking cessation symptoms and which are menopause lol Onwards and upwards, you can do it

[nsd_user663_60999]

Thanks folks - it's wonderful to see replies posted so quickly - a sign of a vibrant community.

I fully intend to take as much as I can from the forum - and give as much too.

[nsd_user663_49415]

Great post and wishing you all the very best in you quit.

Similar story; started when I was 11 did n't quit till I was 52 (and never thought I would). Here I am 18 months later a definite non-smoker.

It can be done. Small steps, one day at a time, and use this place. Some fantastic people in here, much better at it than me, to encourage you all the way.

[nsd_user663_60999]

I begin

Thanks Esso. I am so embarrassed about how long I have been a smoker - but good to know there are others out there who share my history ( or is that herstory? ) I was going to start the post advising that I managed to wake up, get dressed and have a cup of tea without lighting up. I don't feel 'achievement' I feel rather pathetic that I consider managing this is something to write about..... I feel good writing it anyways.

I noticed how quickly I got my s**t together this morning and realised how much time I waste dickering around smoking and drinking coffee before I get out the door - usually a couple of hours and 3-5 smokes...

This morning I walked the dog, showered, dressed, had breakfast in under an hour.....

Spending the day with my sister today ( who has never smoked ) at a shopping centre ( where you can't smoke ) and distracting myself with the post xmas sales.

[nsd_user663_29008]

Way to go - hats off to you for quitting on the big day

[nsd_user663_18145]

Hi and welcome to this wonderful place

Thanks Esso. I am so embarrassed about how long I have been a smoker - we have all been there hun and wonder wtf we were doing to ourselves:eek:

but good to know there are others out there who share my history ( or is that herstory? ) you have def found the right place as everyone here understands what your going through and we will support you as much as you need

I was going to start the post advising that I managed to wake up, get dressed and have a cup of tea without lighting up. I don't feel 'achievement' I feel rather pathetic that I consider managing this is something to write about..... I feel good writing it anyways.

Distracting your mind is the main key for the times you automatically think i need a ciggie i know to begin with they are really strong but i promise you the further along you go the weaker those thoughts will get taking up a new hobby or even an old one again will help keep your mind and hands busy will help plus reading as many of the threads on here especially under the tip section will help you big time

I noticed how quickly I got my s**t together this morning and realised how much time I waste dickering around smoking and drinking coffee before I get out the door - usually a couple of hours and 3-5 smokes...

This morning I walked the dog, showered, dressed, had breakfast in under an hour.....

Spending the day with my sister today ( who has never smoked ) at a shopping centre ( where you can't smoke ) and distracting myself with the post xmas sales.

hope day 2 goes well for you hun onwards and upwards is the only way to go

[nsd_user663_60999]

Day 1 nearly over.....

Thank-you Carol - the immediate kindness extended to me by this forum is touching - in fact I am feeling a little overwhelmed and teary at the moment - I am not feeling sad though - so that is all that matters. I expect I will be going through a rollercoaster of emotions over the next few days - my only focus is to stay strong. Today was good though - not too many cravings - I think the anger is still simmering. I went for a long walk with my boy - and am now having a lie down while I post. Long day shopping today so am feeling rather tired too. Early night I think to avoid any late night cravings. Am a bit worried about to orrow as I don't have anything planned which is definately dangerous. Maybe a movie marathon perhaps?

[nsd_user663_18145]

Thank-you Carol - the immediate kindness extended to me by this forum is touching - in fact I am feeling a little overwhelmed and teary at the moment - I am not feeling sad though - so that is all that matters. I expect I will be going through a rollercoaster of emotions over the next few days -

your more then welcome hun :)and yes those emotions are going to be all over the place but will settle down in time sipping water will help and taking slow deep breathes

my only focus is to stay strong.

breaking down the day into sections and keep reminding yourself how long you have gone will help to keep you focused there are afew free apps you can download to your phone that will help too

Today was good though - not too many cravings - I think the anger is still simmering. I went for a long walk with my boy - and am now having a lie down while I post. Long day shopping today so am feeling rather tired too. Early night I think to avoid any late night cravings. Am a bit worried about to orrow as I don't have anything planned which is definately dangerous. Maybe a movie marathon perhaps?

sounds like a plan watching some of your fav films is always a good idea

dont forget to pamper yourself having a nice soak in the bath with some lovely smellies will work wonders

you will notice that your sense of smell will improve and your tastebuds will change what you used to like you may well find tastes different i know i had to change my coffee brand and became a BIG chocolate fan :eek: where as before i didnt really eat much and it used to sit around the house for months sometimes ending up in the bin because it had gone white :rolleyes: now i cant have it in the house :eek: as i need to eat it all :p so i only buy it now and again

oh having an early night will help too as your sleep patterns may well change everyone is different but just remember that what your going through is quite normal i know before i found this place whenever i tried to quit before i would think that what i was going through wasnt right and would give in mostly when i was out having a drink as that nasty smoking demon would tempt me back with thoughts of one wont hurt or i can quit tomorrow

Stay strong and focused you will get there

[nsd_user663_60999]

Day 1 nearly done

Thanks again Carol - I will take your advice and attend to the day in blocks - I am already looking to pickup tix to the Hobbit Pt 2. This quit has to be the last one - I am so tired of being afraid for my health all the time. It has worn me out over the years. I think that is what this is driving me this time. I simply cannot go on with the constant stress smoking causes me to feel. It's almost like the cigs and stress are on par - and the stress is winning over the desire to smoke. It's a horrible place to be.... I haven't seen a doctor in years - because I don't think I could handle any more stress associated with tests and xrays..... and any susequent findings. I now need to have regular periodontic sessions for the rest of my life because of this stinking habit - and they're painful and expensive. What a stupid stupid idiot I have been - taking a beautiful clean healthy body - and treating it like garbage. I cannot fail this time. I simply cannot.

[nsd_user663_49415]

Thank-you Carol - the immediate kindness extended to me by this forum is touching - in fact I am feeling a little overwhelmed and teary at the moment - I am not feeling sad though - so that is all that matters. I expect I will be going through a rollercoaster of emotions over the next few days - my only focus is to stay strong. Today was good though - not too many cravings - I think the anger is still simmering. I went for a long walk with my boy - and am now having a lie down while I post. Long day shopping today so am feeling rather tired too. Early night I think to avoid any late night cravings. Am a bit worried about to orrow as I don't have anything planned which is definately dangerous. Maybe a movie marathon perhaps?

The emotional up and down is really, really natural. The first few days are quite traumatic. The ending of a dedicated 30+ years daily routine leaves one feeling quite disconnected and open to all sorts of emotional ups and downs. Take it one day at a time, and as Max says give yourself a huge pat on the back every time you pass a milestone, however small that bit of progress may seem. Cravings are just that, cravings; not a requirement to pump poison back into one's body, and cravings can be overcome. And they will lessen, both in intensity and regularity.

72 hours and all of the nicotine is out of your body. Entirely. For ever. There is no longer any physical requirement to end the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. They don't exist anymore.

You seem fairly well informed and information breeds success. I have every confidence your quit will be successful.

[nsd_user663_60964]

I have nothing but admiration for you- going CT on Christmas Day takes some doing. You sound extremely determined and I'm certain you're going to make it

[nsd_user663_60999]

One day down

Feeling much better now - thank you. I had my last cig on xmas day because it is my birthday today - and wanted to mark my new smoke free 'birth' on the same day. Feeling a bit nervous about tomorrow - today went reasonably well - and don't want to get complacent. I will just keep reading through the material available on this site and posting my progress.

[nsd_user663_60964]

Happy (smoke free) Birthday!!

I have even more admiration for you now.

[nsd_user663_40088]

Big claps for going cold turkey and starting on the biggest trigger day of the year! lol you wont regret it! accept for a week you will feel rough. then for a month you will feel 'strange' and then by 5-6 weeks you will barely think about smoking!! It feels so long in the early days but you will get there and feel brilliant! ROOTING FOR YOU! XXX