I start tomorrow.
Im 44. Ive smoked for 24 years, but its now time. Ive quit once before, around 16 years ago, lasted for about 7 months.
Have been planning for a few weeks for my quit date. Im using Zyban and have been on it for 6 days with 1 tablet, but tomorrow I start taking 2. I used Zyban last time and no physical cravings(only mental ones) but it does have side effects. Difficult to explain, but I can do is to say it makes my mind fuzzy. Anyway...
Must admit Im feeling nervous and a little bit scared about the days ahead. I want to quit on my terms and not when Im forced to by a doctor.
Also I cant justify spending so much money on it.
Ill try and post my journey in here, hopefully it helps others, but at least for my own strength.
Now has to be the time for me.
We are here for you PV. We would love to hear about your journey if you wish to share. It is good to have younger ones join realizing they need to quit before medical problems arise. Many of us refrained for decades because we didn't think that we could quit. We didn't have knowledge at our fingertips and an awesome forum to learn from and support us
Read stories and learn how to cope with the cravings that the habit leaves. Filling the voids left in your day with breathing exercises, a phone call or small chore helps them to leave more quickly. Cravings are just thoughts and once you realize cigarettes have never done you any good, you will not desire nor crave them. Embrace this journey to freedom as you would any good opportunity in your life.
Hi PV and welcome to a strong and supportive community. You are quitting for you but remember that there are others out there doing the same thing so you aren't doing it alone. I remember being apprehensive the day before my quit date so much so that the hour before the time came I chain smoked thinking to myself "I'll never be able to do this again"! Well, the time came and I can honestly say the sense of relief and freedom that swept over me was amazing. I can still feel it and holding on to that feeling keeps me strong. You are well prepared and as you have quit before are able to do it again. Get ready for a new life...it starts tomorrow.
Well I made it through the 1st day. Have chewed a lot of gum(non nicotine) and drunk a lot of water.
The day actual day has seemed waaayyyyy longer than usual. Seems to havve stretched out forever. Is that normal?
I think that what you are feeling is normal. I always used a cigarette has a reward. Do something, when i finish I'll have a smoke and then do that..... So many inbetween gaps to fill in. Fill them with a quick game on your phone or so some knee bends. Keep the mind and body active and find other little pleasure for your dopamine rush. uplifting music, happy thoughts and pamper yourself. You are worth it!
yes
it can bend TIME, it feels that way until you readjust your old smoke-break habits.
Just take it day by day.
You can break the addiction while you get used to the extra TIME.
Some people say that addiction and habit are two different things, but rest assured 3 days and the nicotine can be out of your system.
Apart from the habit, like filling in your time with a cigarette it is the nicotine that has you in its terrible grip PV, so much more than you think. It is normal to have the feeling of time standing still, maybe you can use something else to replace it for a while, I used chuppa chups (long lasting) and other chewable lollies as it was the hand to mouth that was missing for me. You can try other distractions already mentioned as this might not effect you so much.
Hi PV, congratulations on starting your new life now, I was told that if you manage to quit before aged 45 your body has a great chance of full recovery, I have had that in my mind for a few years and only just took the plunge after turning 48. I used champix. I want to get to 50 and look 50, not 5 or 10 years older as most smokers do. I doubt I will, the smokers lines are etched in, but hope to slow down the ageing to a more normal pace. I am over 3 months now and it still takes some time adjustment, but I just absolutely see no point in smoking now, there is not one benefit. Thankfully a lot of the younger ones don’t smoke, whereas in the 70’s and 80’s it was the done thing, everyone, everywhere, I even remember teachers in the playground smoking. You are going to feel and look so much better in such a small amount of time, the body is an amazing thing. Keep up the good work
Hi PV,
The physical addiction may be almost over soon! And thats an enormous thing to get through. Push on with it, regardless of the extra Time or the idle Time, we have all had to deal with the void in the beginning. Its part of breaking loose of any addiction and any habit that has been repeated for many years. At times its going to irritate you. Sometimes,feel empty. But, everyday you remain smoke free is killing the addiction and breaking the 'old' habit.
Happiness is right, PV. You quitting now is so much better than waiting. I am 58 and have gone the a few major health issues. You're welcome to read my story. Good for you for deciding to quit. I guarantee this group can help, if you let them. 6 months Tod from me, thanks to them.
Thank you so much everyone. Your advice and support has really helped me last few days. Im so grateful for it.