My story so far
Hi all,
I am 54 and smoked for 41 years. I was 20-25 a day on average when I stopped but used to smoke double that for quite a few years some time ago. Anyway it was making me feel not so good mentally and physically so here is what I did
193 days ago had last cigarette – however, not counting this as I replaced the smoking with vaping 12mg nicotine, then reduced strength over this time up to 43 days ago when I cut out nicotine completely and started vaping water only – which I am still doing.. the crazy thing is.. I will panic if I don’t have it or go to shop to buy a bottle of water if im out and about just to fill it.. however, this panic and use of it is getting much less. But, the feeling of having a smoke is not getting less!
I’m still finding I get extremely anxious for a smoke and think about it quite a lot every day. I feel that the reason for me still experiencing these sensations of anxiety is either one of the following:
1. Deep down I really don’t want to quit and could happily continue smoking?
2. I am still using an ecig with water only – no enjoyment there just get a slight throat hit with the heat – so by doing this.. am I making it worse as I am getting some comfort from it but its not giving me what I need?
3. Is there another reason?
4. Or is this completely normal to feel like this at this stage?
Because I am still finding it difficult I started to look for advice and support and that’s when I came across your website/forum.. I downloaded Alan Carrs EASYWAY and Ive just started to read it..
I also have a copy of Paul Mckenna Quit Smoking today without gaining weight with hypnosis CD but haven’t tried this yet
Any advice of why I am still finding it hard and what to do would be very much appreciated
All the best
legepe
PS: Great Website..!!!!
Welcome legepe. It is not at all surprising that you are feeling confused.
You have only addressed the nicotine part of the addiction, and not the psychological aspect of stopping smoking. I like you smoked for decades, but had no qualms in becoming smoke-free once understanding that I was giving up nothing.
I doubt very much that restarting smoking at this time would bring any real pleasure. You would hate yourself. Dispise that you had nicotine beat and then foolishly relented.
You instead, gave to a great site for insight as to why you feel as you do. It is normal.
Learn the mindset that you will hear so much about. It really does work. Allan Carr is the master, so you are in good hands.
Don't skim the book. Understand every point he is making. You CAN stop vaping which is replacing the former action.
Good job on the conquering of the nicotine addiction. How long it takes the psychological part is up to you. Read, research and make up your mind that you are NEVER going back to be a slave.
Thanks a lot guys for your support.. very much appreciated! It just gets depressing with the constant feeling of want and not able to fulfil it.
I will keep it up though.. I dare not have a smoke now.. even though I would like to try.. but feel/know the consequences would be way too high.. and yes I would hate myself for it. Next step - to fully read Allan Carrs book and quit the vaping
Speak soon
legepe
Thanks a lot guys for your support.. very much appreciated! It just gets depressing with the constant feeling of want and not able to fulfil it.
I will keep it up though.. I dare not have a smoke now.. even though I would like to try.. but feel/know the consequences would be way too high.. and yes I would hate myself for it. Next step - to fully read Allan Carrs book and quit the vaping
Speak soon
legepe
Thanks a lot guys for your support.. very much appreciated! It just gets depressing with the constant feeling of want and not able to fulfil it.
I will keep it up though.. I dare not have a smoke now.. even though I would like to try.. but feel/know the consequences would be way too high.. and yes I would hate myself for it. Next step - to fully read Allan Carrs book and quit the vaping
Speak soon
legepe
Thanks for your comments everyone... I understand and accept its largely in my mind..! ive properly "burnt" it in every single day for the past 41 years .. but I have to say I am feeling the desire of balance between - wanting a smoke and not wanting + is weakening on the prior and strengthen on the later. We are all different so I guess timings of my story so far will differ from yours.
I believe with time it will get easier! I will continue to refuse a smoke and the thought of it..!! I intend to stay strong because I already feel Im breaking down the structure of the "habbit" and it WILL COLLAPSE!
Good luck to every one else...! stick at it.. and I am sure we all will be happy in the long run we did!
Hi lovelies,
Firstly thank you to does who kindly have sent messages of encouragement they are most appreciated. Today is my second day and for the most part it hasn’t been to hard, apart for the fact that I’m not getting rewarded with a cigarette after each task I complete eg. wash clothes clean house which when I actually think about It I’m really a sad person that needed to reward my self with a cigarette to feel good, acknowledging this fact, at this point I have recognised that is a reall trigger for me.
Can anyone tell me about the breathing, has any one had issues with breathing if so can someone please give me some advise and is it normal.
I wish all great success on your journeys because I know this path we have all chosen can and is challenging, and at this point with all that is going on in our world.
Talk soon 🙋♀️
Hi salby well done on your 2nd day.. keep it up...! its normal to have those triggers.. I have the same.. not sure what you mean with the breathing though.. you will need to give more details