Tomorrow is my start date, but feeling apprehensive. Tips?

[AshSmash]

I have set my quit date as tomorrow, but today I feel like I'm going to fail already. Have failed at the start of the year, no smoking for over a week and thought 'i could just have one' with a friend. Stupid mistake. Any tips to get your motivation back, in preparation for tomorrow?

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome Ash, and congratulations on your decision to quit again tomorrow.

In my opinion what is vital in a quit is a positive "can do" attitude, 100% focus, determination and knowledge on what is happening when you quit. The "just one" unfortunately is the nicodemon's favourite trap that gets so many people. Make that vow to never have that "just one" again and above all BELIEVE in yourself, you can do it this.

:)Wishing you every success for tomorrow, stay close to the forum and post as often you need to. I look forward to reading your progress....

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Hey Ash, just a quick post wishing you well for tomorrow, big day for you as best decision you have made to quit, keep us updated, strongs Xx

[AshSmash in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you Rowens!

[Nozmo Valued Contributor]

Hello Ash, how is it going? I also lapsed recently so I have had to start again. The secret of success is the ability to survive failure! Just keep going!

My tips would be to keep a low social profile for a couple of weeks, especially if your friends smoke. Keeping away from alcohol is also a good idea as that changes your whole outlook and that "just have one" though creeps in.

Best wishes

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Nozmo]

Great post and advice Nozmo!

[nsd_user663_59644]

Hello, from me. I have decided to say to my self, just keep going,

Read and post often, I find it helps me

Looking forward to your up dates

[AshSmash]

I've put out my LAST cigarette and the determination is BACK! Woo! This forum is helping already. Thank you for the support you guys! Will let you know progress as time goes on! Nozmo, when is your quit date?

[Nozmo Valued Contributor in reply to AshSmash]

I've already started my quit Ash - been off them since 4th January. I quit last year for almost three months, then had a wild smoking frenzy over Christmas, hence the mention of the lapse. I've tried it several times over the last ten years and have quit for three months, six months, two and a half months...half a day!

You sound like you're in a good place at the minute, and up for the challenge, so go for it! Post on the forum if you find it hard. We're all here to help and encourage. If you fall off the wagon, don't be afraid to admit it, just get straight back on it. Nobody will beat you up about it.

Wishing you all the best.

[AshSmash]

I still have tobacco in my house and have given in ALREADY after not smoking all day. So mad with myself right now. Going to have to keep you guys a bit closer to hand than I thought. That's fab Nozmo, at least you know you can go a while without one, hopefully this time it'll be the end of it!

[AshSmash in reply to AshSmash]

For the record, I live with two smokers... Finding their bacci and trying to avoid it was the reason I lapsed last time. I'm going to ask them to hide it. I'm so sorry, I feel so guilty ☹️

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to AshSmash]

Hey Ash, don't feel guilty, you are very brave to come on here and share. You need to speak to your housemates immediately about their smoking and set some rules - whatever is best for you that won't be a trigger. You have be selfish and only look out for yourself to get you through this early stage.

Make that pledge NOW that you will never smoke again and get back up. Set up a plan of things to do for the next month tonight that will keep you busy. Stay strong, focused and determined and post often....

[Nozmo Valued Contributor]

It's easy done Ash, especially when there are other smokers in the house. Don't beat yourself up about it.

​Try to think how you can make it easier for yourself to stop. Maybe try a different approach? Are you doing it cold turkey or using any quit aids? (patches, gum, e-cigs, champix?) The NHS website gives some good advice on different options and how effective they can be.

Whichever way you do it, do it your way, the way that works best for you.

[AshSmash]

I have been trying cold turkey the last couple of times and this time. I do have an ecig that I found really good and prolonged smoking abstinence going back last year. But on the other hand, found it really easy to just forgive myself for a couple of cigs. Nicorette gum, I have tried and failed with. I quit for 2 years cold turkey when living with a non smoker, so I think I have more of a problem with environmental triggers. Home (unfortunately) and social occasions. The addiction is definitely there, don't get me wrong, I smoke more than i ever have. But coming home is the worst trigger. Currently writing a rewards list of what I can do when I've been really good... Don't worry, 'have a smoke' isn't one of them!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to AshSmash]

Good for you Ash, you know what you have to do, wishing you strength and success, you can do it!