Here we go
So quit day is tomorrow... already dreading it.. part of me feels what’s the point, damage will already be done, but then my sensible head says, it might not 🤷♀️ I smoke rollies, been smoking about 35 years... hope I can stay strong... I know health wise I need to do this. Good luck to everyone on their journey
Welcome Trasi, you know full well there is a point, you found your way here like the rest of us because ypu want to quit whilst its a choice. All you need to succeed is to want to quit more than you want to smoke. Focus on what smoking has really done for you, I can assure you that it's nothing positive. They rob us of so much, health, $$$, time and dignity. Smokes are not your friends they are just little poison sticks and the addiction keeps us at it. I think you can do it, don't hope you can stay strong, you fight to stay strong. Just keep busy and just focus on getting through one day at a time. Remember too the nicotine part is actually the smaller part of the addiction, the harder part is breaking that habit, so therefore it's psychological. When thoughts/cravings come along don't entertain them, just keep busy and stay focused 😊
Thanks Leeann, yep your dead right.. it’s def the psychological part that’s the hardest.... I’m already struggling with it and haven’t quit yet 🤔 hopefully I’ll be writing positive posts in a few months. Well done on your success... hopefully I’ll be there soon 😊
Hi Trasi. Not one puff ever. That's what I have known for almost 4 years. Dat know ow nay posts on this site have reminded me of that. A cigarette is not a reward. You know oh so well that it is not. Many years ago I had just one and then many more on my way to being a smoke once again after 3 months quit. I get so many reality checks on this site to remind me that one puff will lead to the next and the next.... No return... You will get much encouragement and understanding on this site. Do post. Talk about your success and challenge others. Who said it was an easy path. Wish you well. May you find the strength to persevere.
Community Guru
Hello. You have been given a lot of solid advice and please read over them again. So true and so vital in understanding , in accepting and moving forward in a more positive way. Quitting can be as easy or hard as you make it.
Better late than never , and true of quitting smoking as well. The body is a powerful thing capable of mending even after years of abuse .
The psychological part is 80%, and yes habits can be hard to break. There is really just one thing you have to do. MAKE UP YOUR MIND> The Mind is also very powerful. Thing you can and you will. Have doubt and you let another part of your mind start bickering with your made up mind, and it tries to undermine it.
Understand that smoking never did anything but cause misery. It is the nicotine which addicted you and keeps you reaching for a cigarette to relieve the craving it gives you (Feed me, feed me). Sure go ahead and relieve it, and you will keep on doing so over and over and over. You have to be strong enough to kill the addiction and get the nicotine out of your system. NRT's of course like the name implies , has nicotine and can help in the process, but sooner or later you do have to take that step. Champix has none and shuts down the sensors that give us pleasure when smoking, so that you don't get that jolt of pleasure that you crave. Find other things to excite your dopamine like chocolate, happy thoughts, music, incense, and other little pleasures.
If you have doubts than you can't address ask the forum. If we can resolve your fears or feelings in the right direction, it can make a huge difference in your journey. Read, for knowledge IS power. Believe for your mind once made up can make it easier than you think!
Community Guru
P.S don't start this journey on a negative note. Do not dread or fear it. Embrace it! Look forward to it with excitement and certainly that it will be the trip of a lifetime. Once taken you will benefit in so many ways for many, many years. Best of all it costs you nothing. Nothing but faith and belief in yourself or higher power.... but belief. Others do it , you can too!
Goodluck!! This is day 2 round 2 for me.. The first time i dreaded giving up as well.. I found confronting my cravings head on worked and using a mantra " I dont need a cigarette it needs me" or " this is just a habit i don't need this.. I. AM. STRONG."
Hi trasi welcome to the beginning of recovery, I smoked over 30 years, I also thought is there any point as damage done, last year went on bp meds due to high blood pressure, have immune disorder that is worse if you smoke, constant sinus infections, the list goes on. I am just past 2 months quit, and my blood pressure is dropping that I think I will have to reduce medications, no sinus pain issue in last 2 weeks, no lingering cough (just still a bit of gunk clearing) I cannot believe how quick our bodies try to recover. Every day now, especially if I think about that stupid ciggie, I apologise to my body for the mistreatment, it is thankful, I feel and look better, and if there is damage done, me and my mind and body will be well enough to fight anything, it is never too late.
Hi trasi....congratulations on a great decision to quit. I’m just writing this to offer reassurance. I am 68 years old, and started smoking at 14 yrs. I quite cold turkey on April 4th 2018. It was a tough gig, but I had to do it because I got a lung infection and couldn’t breathe. That had never happened to me in my life before. I had lost my dear husband a year before, and was smoking a lot more than ever. When I quit, the grief became doubled......cigarettes were my best friend after my husband died.
I have not had a day of sickness since I quit. I increased my daily exercise a lot, and can now run 5kms. I had never been a runner before! Walk8ng and running became my new focus.
I hope this helps. I believe that if I can do it, anyone can do it. I wish you all the best , and a strong will to be master of your own life.
Thank you everyone for your lovely comments, Support and advice. Haven’t had a ciggie yet but I am vaping. Kinda feels like cheating but it certainly is working at the moment. I keep reading your comments to keep me going, so thank you all 😊