Dialogue with myself

[nsd_user663_64003]

It seems crazy that I have this fearful dialogue with myself that all will NOT be well if I quit. Its so cunning. Smoking makes me feel bad but SEEMINGLY smoking convinces me that smoking is the solution to make me feel better. Does this make sense? I'm trying this forum for the first time. I think it will help to have you folks on my side to ward off the crazy thinking. I've not been able to quit on my own and actually I'll convince myself that Ill keep it secret so if I fail I'll only disappoint myself. This already feels good to be able to get this out of my head. I'm hoping I don't smoke tomorrow.

[nsd_user663_59644]

Hello, lovely to have you with us, indeed it maks a lot of sense to me at least. But have realised when we quit, our head does not fall off, and actually nothing happens, nothing at all,

That said our body's start to recover, That in it's self is amazing!

Are you going ct, or using champix?

Great your here we've all had day ones, but got through ,

You can to.

Looking forward to reading your posts

[Incy_Wincy]

Hi Tim

Not crazy at all - I remember feeling just like that, and I'm glad you reminded me about it, because I'd forgotten just how controlling the addiction was. It's good to keep these things in mind! Scary to think that even one's thoughts aren't one's own in the grip of nicotine - I had endless arguments with myself where I absolutely knew the right thing to do was quit, but half of me totally refused to accept it.

I was also exactly the same about keeping my many quit attempts secret - until I came here, and sharing the process has helped me get through 10 weeks now I can tell you that if you keep positive and remember all the reasons you wanted to quit, and celebrate all the good things that happen after your last smoke, (I made lists of everything!) celebrate every hour you're free, if you need to - then it gets easier really really quickly.

And read lots, and post here often if you can, it really helps

Good luck!

[nsd_user663_58050]

Hello Tim. And welcome. You're going through the battle many of us quitting face, the two sides of ourselves playing a tug of war, with ourselves! I have that much less than I used to but it's still lurking around. My quitting side had been winning for the last 9 weeks though (using champix but now moving towards quitting that, an experience in itself).

When I first started preparing to quit I was advised to post here and check in daily. I set my quit date and posted on here, didn't check in and failed at the first hurdle. A week later I posted on yelling of my failure. People were very very supportive. Then over the next few days I cut back, cut back and one day didn't have any......whilst posting here virtually daily, including the arguments I was having with myself, like the ones you are at the moment. It isn't easy but as people on here show it is easily possible. All the best to you.

[nsd_user663_63964 in reply to nsd_user663_58050]

WELL DONE! 9 weeks... that's AMAZING! x

[nsd_user663_58050 in reply to nsd_user663_58050]

Thanks very much Celestine!

[nsd_user663_63741]

I remember so well having the exact same arguments with myself. How on earth this dreadful addiction got us believing our world would end if we quit when in fact it's quite the opposite life is so much better without those smelly white cancer sticks. We have more money, we don't smell and the health benefits are far too numerous to list. We have to adapt and make a few changes to try to avoid the triggers, but as each day/week goes by the triggers are less and less. Joining this forum was most definitely the best thing I did, so supportive, and encouraging to read the success stories. Nicotine is one very strong addiction so it takes time but with help and your own determination you can win through. Good luck and keep us posted

[nsd_user663_63964]

Hi and welcome Tim and well done for joining us and trying!

Nicotine is a very powerful drug and relapse does NOT mean failure. It also does not mean previous treatment (if any) is not going to work again.... this my second course of champix (1st course was a few years ago). I am one week behind Incy, going into my 8th week and 3 weeks clear of nicotine (I think Incy is doing better on the nicotine front :)).

Have a read of this link: drugabuse.gov/publications/...

It gives a guide on addiction and what it is.... go easy on yourself.... trying is the most important...

What's the worst that can happen to you if you stop smoking?

You simply go back to smoking..... (Allen Carr :))

Keep posting Tim, lots of great people here with fantastic suggestions x

[nsd_user663_59644]

Hi and welcome Tim and well done for joining us and trying!

Nicotine is a very powerful drug and relapse does NOT mean failure. It also does not mean previous treatment (if any) is not going to work again.... this my second course of champix (1st course was a few years ago). I am one week behind Incy, going into my 8th week and 3 weeks clear of nicotine (I think Incy is doing better on the nicotine front :)).

Have a read of this link: drugabuse.gov/publications/...

It gives a guide on addiction and what it is.... go easy on yourself.... trying is the most important...

What's the worst that can happen to you if you stop smoking?

You simply go back to smoking..... (Allen Carr :))

Keep posting Tim, lots of great people here with fantastic suggestions x

Just to echo, what's been said above, just to add, when it tough, push n post and read often it helps

[nsd_user663_63999]

It is odd isn't it what our minds do to us. I have been having lots of conversations with my 'smoking self' they run along the lines of ' Well, I realise that we are not smoking at the moment, but surely in the summer when you feel better, we can have one then?' or 'One won't hurt really, will it?' The latest line of conversation starts, ' If we are diagnosed with something terminal and given 6 months to live, we might as well start smoking again might we not? It won't make any difference then' My non smoking self replies quite well but I have to say that she thought the latest line was a bit desperate

It's very interesting this giving up smoking business, I had no idea I was a schizophrenic until now

[nsd_user663_63114]

Smoking is bad for you. You know it. Turn that dialogue off in your head it is just nonsense. The sooner you give up the better. You will get support here all the way, and it can be hard work at times. All the best and let us know when you quit