Going backwards

[chrisiemull]

Hi all.. I was doing so well last week and now I'm back smoking. Being off them for nearly two years and thinking just the one was going to be ok and now I'm discussed in myself smoking all the time now. There are the devil .

[Nozmo Valued Contributor]

You're right there!

Don't be disgusted with yourself; It's REALLY hard, having been there before, to start again after a lengthy quit. It's just so easy to just fall back into the habit and stay there.

What about setting a date and working up to that? My advice would be to just keep trying and to keep reminding yourself why you want to quit.

[Izzzy 1 Month Smoke Free in reply to Nozmo]

I'm 4 weeks today, don't feel bad with yourself, fall down get back up, I've been tempted today, now I'm going for walks, that helps

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Don't feel disgusted with yourself. You have learned the golden rule of quitting smoking, that is, not one puff, ever. I made exactly the same mistake. I thought it would be OK but within hours (literally), I was back smoking full pelt. This is the nature of our addiction.

On a brighter note, your are now wiser and when you are ready you will be able to stop again. Don't give up on yourself. You are worth so much more than smoking has to offer you. ☺☺

[chrisiemull 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to mushen]

Lovely words thank u

[car-d]

I think a lot of us have been there, myself included. I am learning that my defences can never be down. That nico demon does not play fair.

You will know when the time is right again. Back in June I stopped for almost a month cold turkey then ended up smoking and the whole time I kept thinking "tomorrow I'll start quitting again". It took 2 months for that "tomorrow" to come but I did go to my chemist and am on the patches to help which have been a godsend for me.

Good luck with your decision.

[FordyP 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hi chrisiemull . I think that a number of us have been there. You are right they are the very devil. After my last failed quit it took me a while to get my head back in the right place to quit again. Once I did though it felt right and even though the first few weeks were still a nightmare I was better prepared to face the whole "I've got this beat and so just one wont hurt" predicament. I have never got as far as you did in a quit but I am absolutely determined not to smoke again. I know only too well what it is like going back to the beginning and starting all over again. I am now just over 6 months quit CT and even though I do not get many craves anymore I intend to jealously guard my quit and not let myself become a victim of complacency again. As difficult as it is - and lets face it, it is bloody difficult - I am sure that you will benefit from your failed quit in the long run. Make sure that it makes you stronger in making this quit THE quit

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome to our community chrisiemull - sorry to hear of your relapse after 2 years but thank you for sharing with us as it just proves the rule NOPE and that we must never get complacent. I am just over my 1 year milestone and have had Mr Nico come knocking just before I hit the year but resisted. It can be tough at times no matter how long we are quit depending on the circumstance we find ourselves in.

I would suggest setting your new quit date as soon as you can - and please don't be disgusted in yourself, you are very strong to have quit for 2 years and the greatest lesson has been learned - you will not make the same mistake again.

We look forward to seeing in Day 1 real soon