Firstly, thanks for this forum, it might just be the thing I need. I'm 43 years old, 20 a day smoker for over 20 years and have tried to quit multiple times.
I put a patch on yesterday evening at 8pm but caved in at 10am this morning and had a cigarette. I've had another 2 since. I'm really running out of ideas on how to break this spell. Or maybe I'm running out of excuses.
I work alone, and even though I've had 3 cigarettes today, I have been completely unproductive because I've been sat here since 9am obsessing about cigarettes. That can't be my life, I need to work, I need money.
My new plan was to allow myself to smoke during the work day and not bring any cigarettes home with me at night, I saw someone here mentioning "bargaining with myself" and I know that's what I'm doing.
Written by
water77
Planning to quit
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It’s never easy to quit but it’s easier with a little support.💪
In order to quit successfully , we need to change our mind set. Otherwise we do indeed end up bargaining with ourselves. I smoked 20+ a day for 40+ years,this site has helped me so much. We are dealing with a full blown addiction, once we've got our heads round that idea everything else falls into place.
Please read the pinned posts,📌 there is lots of information there. You will find the posts to the right or at the bottom of your screen depending which device you are using.
May I suggest you drink plenty of water💧💦 to flush out the toxins and keep yourself hydrated.
Let us know when you are ready..........so that we can assign you a winners' badge and update our database,
If you feel you need any more help please don’t hesitate to ask. There is always someone here.
May I remind you not to post any personal information.
Thank you Tubby, I am reading through the pinned posts and that link now. I'm really struggling, but every attempt I've made to quit has been on my own, I've never joined a forum or anything, I'm hoping joining this group can make a difference. Reading the other posts and replies of people struggling and tips and encouragement to overcome it has got me a bit emotional to be honest.
I'm also writing down my reasons to quit, as suggested in your link, I've never done this before, and that too has got me feeling a bit emotional.
I am going to download Alan Carr's book, because that seems to be recommended a lot.
I just need to get past this stage of being obsessed with having a cigarette.
Thank you for this forum, I think it's an amazing resource.
Hello water77, well done on making the decision to quit. Quitting is not easy, as you already know.
I was a life-long smoker for 40 years, had a health scare whilst on holiday three weeks ago, which really frightened me. Decided there and then to quit!
I found this wonderful site and log in at least twice a day. It is an enormous help to know that there are others out there going through exactly the same withdrawal symptoms and everything that brings with it. The posts are great and really do help with quitting, if only that they take your mind off having a cigarette, whilst reading all the posts. Before you know it, so much time has gone by that you have forgotten that you haven't had a cigarette.
Good luck in your first 24 hours smoke free, everyone here is wishing you good luck and supporting you.
Thank yo so very much Sharon, I've only just started but I'm amazed at the help this forum is giving me.
Congratulations on 3 weeks, I don't want to make EVERYTHING about me, but you being a smoker for 40 years and 3 weeks cig free gives me such hope, so thank you!
You are very welcome water77, I am so pleased that the forum is helping you. Everything IS about you when you stop smoking, you become very focussed on yourself, just enjoy that
Remember, everyone on here has been a smoker and, sometimes, like me, for many years.....so it really is possible to stop (not easy). The support here is wonderful and very beneficial. When you are going through all the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and feeling miserable about it all......wondering why you are putting yourself through this ...the forum and the posts are really helpful.
Welcome water77, I think many of us feel like you do. Our sensible part of the brain says " yes I want to quit ,smoking is killing me " The other part of your brain which is addicted to nicotine is saying get a cigarette I cant cope"
The nicotine is the addictive substance that keeps you wanting to smoke. After 3 to 4 days the nicotine will have gone from your body. Thats when the brain starts the cravings, Be brave put on the patch and if needed have some other form of nrt too. So when the cravings are intense get some gum, mints, lozenges, or even a low dose e.cig. write down your reason for quitting Have a look at the post I have just put on today.)and pop it somewhere prominent to remind you why your doing this. Cravings will pass and eventually cease . Distraction and change of routine will help.
We all wish you good luck and look forward to supporting you.XX 🌼😊👍🚭
Again, I really appreciate this resource. So many new things to try, Someone on a post said to make a note of the cigarettes you actually enjoyed while cheating, and that's been a huge eye-opener for me. Like I've said I've had three cigarettes today (which is much less than normal), but after reading that post I realised I only actually enjoyed the first one. I think I will throw out the packet I bought, this morning. I have the patches and gum, and go all out for my first 24 hours smoke free in years.
I'm surprised at how helpful the breathing exercises seem to be also, I'm not normally one for that sort of stuff if you know what I mean?
I will post tomorrow when I've cleared my first 24 hours.
Look forward to hearing from you. Please dont worry if you succumb now and again. I always say you are not a failure if you keep on trying. Many members have a few attempts but do get there in the end. We never patronise , criticise on here we are all here for the same reason. xxxx
Keep trying till you win.. Cutting on your smokes to begin with is a good plan, u could also try increasing the time gap between each cigarette. When u are trying to quit, you tend to obsessively think about cigarettes/smoking/not smoking/etc, at least it was that way for me and I think u are going through the same thing. U just have to power through, that is the only option. Keep trying and one day u will be rid of this habit.
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