Friend relapses after 9 months
Always disappointing to learn of people who've succeeded in quitting only to take it back up months, a year or even several years later. Proves the power of the addiction and that's what we must fight. He's back on track but also very disappointed in himself for letting his guard down.
Hi Wendy as you know the cravings for the duration we been quit are very very minimal. Therefore if you take your mind of it for just a minute they do pass. Need to be determined. I have friends that have been quit for 6 yrs, 8 yrs etc and they tell me they gave up because of health reasons and they no longer even think about smoking and yet are happy to be conversing with smokers in the same area. It does not bother them. This is the mentality we need to achieve to be true quitters.As time goes by we will achieve the goal. We need to distract ourselves when urges hit and we should at least reach the lengths shared by Lia, Dobbin and others on this site that have gone the distance. So, smile, perservere and do not feel sad because we have no reason to feel like that. Bye and all the best.
Hi. I must say that the cravings did come and go for the first 12 months but then seemed to disappear. It is very rare that I have any thoughts of smoking after 500 plus days and it is such a real gift after the early struggles. just stick out the pain for a while longer and the cravings will go.
I am on day 3 of my second attempt to give up smoking! The last time I was off for just over 5 years but then was offered one and in a moment of weakness and drunkenness, accepted and that started me back down the slippery slope.
My words of wisdom would have to be never ever think "its okay, just one wont hurt" Take it from me it will. Giving up smoking is a lifelong commitment and I believe that once you're a smoker you are always a smoker, if you stop then you are a smoker who is choosing not to smoke. This might seem negative but fore armed is fore warned.
I have used Champix for both my attempts to stop and I have to say they certainly make it a lot easier. Just remember that every day you get through is another day closer to the time you wont even think about having a smoke.
Good luck to everyone starting this journey...