failed on day 5

[nsd_user663_61504]

hi all,

im new here but thought that joining a forum would help with my quitting smoking.

lasted 4-5 days cold turkey and had an extremely stressful 2-3 days prior to failing.

basically i got overwhelmed with the situations i was in and caved in.

i started smoking again last night approx 9:30

seems like stress is the main trigger for me.

any advice would be appreciated

[nsd_user663_56237]

Hi Dave, welcome to the forum I agree with Doodle in that it's best to drag yourself back up and start again. Be prepared with any NRT that you need, or if you'd like to quit cold turkey then set up a plan of action for when those cravings set in.

Some good tips for beating cravings are going for a walk, drinking a glass of water, sucking on lollipops and/or boiled sweets. I also found that talking myself round (ie "you don't need one RIGHT NOW, so see how you feel in an hour") seemed to help a craving pass, the idea being that by the time it passes you no longer want a smoke anyway!

Some quitters can recommend self help books as well. I personally found Alan Carr a great read and found that it gave me a better understanding of the addiction.

Good luck. Use the forum as much as you can and you'll be just fine. X

[nsd_user663_61320]

Hi Dave,

Welcome and you're in the right place.

Read everything you can about smoking, you have to understand the addiction before you can beat it. Make sure you get the fact that you are giving up NOTHING, you are choosing to quit because you want a healthier, wealthier life.

Join Karri on Monday and get out of the prison.

[nsd_user663_61094]

Hi Dave

Glad to have you join us. I echo what the others have said really. This forum is a fantastic support network. Next time you stress don't smoke, just post. There is always somebody here

[nsd_user663_60964]

Morning The Dave

First thing is don't beat yourself up about it. There are few on the forum who haven't tried and failed at least once if not many, many times before it sticks. The main thing is that you're determined to quit, you're here and you've learned from the experience. You'll get gallons and gallons of peer support and good advice from everyone on the forum as we're all in the same boat whatever stage of quit we're currently at.

I agree with Doodle that having some NRT to hand might help. You don't have to use it if you prefer to quit CT but just knowing you have some patches or lozenges or whatever in case of emergency quit-breaker scenarios might make all the difference to you next time.

Whatever you decide, we will all be here to help you on your journey. Good luck Dave, and do keep posting.

[nsd_user663_54332]

hi all,

im new here but thought that joining a forum would help with my quitting smoking.

lasted 4-5 days cold turkey and had an extremely stressful 2-3 days prior to failing.

basically i got overwhelmed with the situations i was in and caved in.

i started smoking again last night approx 9:30

seems like stress is the main trigger for me.

any advice would be appreciated

Hiya and welcome Dave

This place really will help you, it's fab!!

Don't beat yourself up, and don't look at it as a failure ;cos all that will do is drag you down.

You got off to a good start, take the positives from that and get back on the quitting wagon as son as you can. Don't leave it too long 'cos you know you can do it!!

Maybe you need to use some kind of NRT? Perhaps some gum or lozenges to take when you're stressed as that's your trigger - you don't have to use it all the time, just when things get on top of you

Also, what Sarah Lou said

You can do this!!

[nsd_user663_2681]

Hi Dave,

The first week is so up and down, your not a failure, you are finding your feet

Agree with others recommending NRT, it might just be what you need to get you up and running, good luck xx

[nsd_user663_52101]

What the others have said

And just because you failed this time,don't give up on the forum.

Pick yourself up and start again.We are all behind you.There isn't a person here who hasn't had several attempts at quitting.....if you reall want to quit you will....post rant and read..

[nsd_user663_54332]

Welcome to the site I'm gone cold turkey and when I'm stressed chewing gum, deep breathing, going for a walk, putting some music on or reading a book work.

I always have chewing gum with me where ever I go.

Hope some of that helps good luck on your quit Dave :D x

Chewing gum is fab, gives your mouth something to do and gives you something to concentrate on!!

Think in a way, quitting smoking is bit like having a toddler, when they're throwing a wobbler, it's distraction time

[nsd_user663_61085]

Hi Dave

I started my quit on 5th Jan, and am currently on my 3rd restart.

Not ideal by any means, I know :mad:

BUT

I'm learning about my triggers as I go, some of them real, some of them invented by my head in order to create a scenario in which smoking is the ONLY answer :eek::eek: - yes I'm particulary good at finding someone or something else to be responsible when I'm playing out these games in my head

What I do know is that failing to try is so much worse than trying and failing.

Keep at it, get your head back to the place that wanted to start the quit, and start the quit....take it day by day, be willing to be a beginner every morning

Good luck and hope to see you around the forum again soon

Mina

[Spanishverbs]

Hi Dave and welcome, I got to day three and then was back to day one, did it straight away and I believe that was better as I remembered how it felt to have to go back.

I am now on four weeks not finding it easy though but determined, use the site it is a real help

Good luck

Xxxx.