- Home
- Community
- Getting started
- Slow and steady
Slow and steady

So I've been a week on zyban, I noticed that I started using my vape as a crotch to pacify my anxious desire to remove myself from a location and situation.
The vape and smoking fulfilled the empty parts, the times that I used to use for self reflection.
Where I'm at...
My desire for coffee and nicotine is non existent, the action of smoking is my demon.
I have removed the vape completely from the equation, I enjoy the flavour too much for me to successfully beat the habit.
I am learning techniques and tools to manage the anxiety I am experiencing such as, aromatherapy, deep breathing, minimising my coffee intake. (Just enough to reduce the withdrawal symptoms from caffeine)
Journalling when I can, a space to self reflect and ground myself.
Not having a cigarette as soon as I get out of bed.
Changing routines.
And keep active, never allow myself get "bored"
I'm down to 6 cigarettes from 20-15 per day.
I'm allowing myself to take one step at a time, nurture the journey and form new habits.

Cutting down on smokes is commendable, but if you injest nicotine, you are still under its control. The habit is indeed the hardest part and perhaps you should reflect on that each and every time you have a smoke. Try to see smoking in a different light......take it in private as you would any medication. We smoke to stave of cravings. I am sure you think you enjoy the taste but are there not better tasting things like chocolate, licorice, or cinnamon gum to enjoy just as much?
Self reflect over your coffee. As you mentioned, the effect of caffeine is stronger once we remove nicotine, and so should be limited . Many confuse these "jitters" with withdrawl from nicotine. I suppose in a sense it is, but can be remedied.
Don't sell yourself short. You too can quit smoking just like millions of others. BELIEVE it!
Keep busy, and stay positive. Change is possible and usually for the better!

Hi Happiness, thanks for your comment. The way in which you format it comes across condescending in nature. And it is not the sort of support I need, please stop commenting on my stories.
Thank you.

I apologize if my writing format offends you , as I did not mean it to. I think you listed some great steps and I wanted to clarify the relationship between caffeine and nicotine. While you have succeeded in kicking the nicotine addiction, zyban has no nicotine , as does other aids, NRT's which Do contain nicotine. A few people do not realize that.
You are doing well, please carry on and support others. I wish you continued success although I will not make further comments on your posts as requested.