Seeking Advice
I have not quit yet, this is more a post seeking advice on how to stay quit once I do attempt it again. Ive quit numerous times Over the years. I've smoked for 14 years. I have not tried quitting for the last 4 or 5 years. But each time I have quit, the longest it ever lasted was 9 months, every other day was just as hard as the first. Especially if I was around other smokers. Even after 9 months I craved them as bad as the first day, and eventually, I gave in to a half a smoke a day, to half a smoke when I was stressed, to a full smoke, to a packet a day again. The sheer smell of someone smoking smelt like caramel to me. Which I'm a big fan of.
I guess what I'm asking is, how can I find that strength to stay quit. Also is there anyone who has stayed quit for 9 months plus who can tell me the cravings go away? Each ex-smoker I have asked this, no matter the time, even decades pass. They still have the occasional craving. Can someone say otherwise?
Community Guru
We have been brainwashed and misinformed over the years. I also once thought that if cravings lasted for 20 years, that life would be better living and dying as a smoker. I was wrong.
We have occassion to remember times when we smoked, just like smell provokes a memory. That does not mean a craving.
A craving, or nicotine withdrawal is barely perceptible in fact. It is the psychological or habit of smoking, the ingrained action and automatic response to need that smoke as a reward or incentive. We smoked before, after and during chores. It was a prelude to and a reward after. We used in for anxiety, in grief and sadness, and we celebrated with it. We made all kinds of excuses to justify our habit and addiction of a stupid act.
No, cravings do not last when we let go of the past and move to the future with hope and gladness.
Be happy and relieved that you have escaped the clutches of the nicomonster. Be grateful that you can spend your money on worthwhile things and proud that you are working towards and brighter future. Read and learn how you are loosing absolutely nothing and gaining everything. And it won't cost you a dime!
Change how you think about smoking. You already know that you can beat the nicotine addiction. It is not the nicotine you miss, but the action of smoking. The reward, the essence of YOU, the feeling that something is missing or that you are giving up something that you love.
That is why we suggest spending the money saved on other "rewards". That is why the mindset is so important. Willpower is not the same as the mindset.
We can force our selves to do something, but that does not mean that we enjoy doing it.
You can make quitting smoking a challenge and feel good about your progress every day. You are strong and do not need it as a crutch. You are now aware that it does nothing but hold you prisoner. Feel good and happy that those days are gone. Enjoy your freedom, the self confidence and the pride that comes with this wonderful change.
CHOOSE to quit smoking with excitement and confidence. A wisp of smoke from a mosquito coil had my hubby reaching for the cigarette in the ashtray which of course was not there. That does not mean that he had a craving, just a memory and a reaction out of habit.
Read, learn and stay free this time around. No one ever regrets becoming a non-smoker. That should speak volumes.
Community Guru
When a "craving" or memory hits, let it go. The worst thing you can do is debate. You have made up your mind and there is nothing to debate. Remember the positives and keep moving into the sun.
Hi I have not quit for as long as you have and I have had ups and downs with my quit. Now though I am at a point where I feel I can safely say that I have quit for life. Just regaining ones full sense of smell is one of the great benefits of not smoking. Buy yourself some incense or essential oil and use it it is glorious.
When you get a craving it is usually about missing a cigarette at a time when you used to have one ( or 3). Try to put new things in its place, make a list. Revel in your new found freedom and joy.
Thank you so much for the advice everyone. That comment from "Happiness" does indeed speak volumes. I appreciate the effort you have gone to for the sake of helping another on their quit journey. It may be the extra strength that I need and you have some un-debatable points.