5th time quitting this year
I have been a smoker on and off for 10 years. Longest period quitting 18 months but failed due to the reasons below.
For work I have to travel in close quarters with 6 people and have found that this is my BIG BIG trigger to start smoking again (especially if i'm feeling insecure and anxious). Often in these situations i think to myself 'that cigarette will save me from these feelings', or, 'that cigarette will help me connect with a person 1 on 1....which will then save me from these feelings'.
I know these feelings are real, but the response i have to these feelings are erratic and delusional and it must stop. I am now on day 8 no smoke - been using Champix for 12 days for the first time and it's been great so far, bar one day which led to me quitting.
(Past attempts NRT, cold turkey)
No cough now, waking up is a dream, and I am active and clear headed.
I think it is going to be important for me to work on exercises to not resort to my regular vice when a social trigger pops up.
have been practicing breathing techniques and mindfulness which are great tools to keep working on.
Thank you so much for your stories, i feel lucky that they are all here to read for when we need support.
Take care of yourselves.
Hi Cjcj. Welcome to this wonderful, informative site. Take a look around and see all the success stories. Soon you will be one of them and people envying you! We are proof it can be done, and every quit is different. I am sure you will find something that works for you.
Having confidence in yourself, and realizing that the cigarette in no way contributes to that except in your head, but is rather the cause of your insecurity on some level . A member, NotThisTime, posted a wonderful video which is a must watch. (Video Link) It is Nadia Davis CBQ Method of quitting smoking, which i watch a video on You Tube, then signed up for the webinar (free) was sent more invites (and more free video after NOT joining) . All free information and ideas to use as tools for a quit.
Allan Carr's book(s) are also excellent if you can get one at the library as i did free. Or buy one, or join Nadias CBQ, all for less pain and more gain in the wallet sooner. These two methods still require that you WANT to quit. But you have to take the steps to learn about nicotine addiction and yourself in order to achieve this mindset or mindful desire. Once Step at a time. You have taken the first steps cjcj and we will be here with you till you reach the end of the journey.
Welcome cjcj firstly never mind about past quit attempts as today is a new day and you've made a fantastic step in finding and signing up to this website. I know think happiness said it all we will help and back you. I personally have had more starts than pharlap at quitting with my best being 7 years but I have done lot s of 3 month quits. That is all in the past for me now I struggled a bit this quit and struggled t o grasp the mindset but sticking with this site has taught me to retrain my brain to quit feeling like a smoker Who can't h a 've a cigarette but to open my eyes and really see those putrid little poison sticks for what they are. You do not crave something you despise. Basically post often read all the stories it will give you strength and let you know you are not alone. Again welcome to your last quit you too can do this l like many others on here. We are not special we are just over the slavery and took our power back 😊