Cutting down to quit
I've tried cold turkey before and remember just how hard it was even though it only lasted 3 or 4 days. I did manage to get past that only to relapse a few years later after a very stressful event. This time I'm trying to cut down and started cutting back on 17 July, from 8 or 9 a day to what is now 4 a day. It was harder than I thought with physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings being intense like when you want food. It was quite intense so I started playing an online trivia game to try to distract myself. It didn't work too well but I have made it to today, 26 July and the withdrawal symptoms have gone down a lot. Cravings are a lot less. Mostly now it's the "addicted brain" telling me to just "stop getting yourself all worked up and have some cigarettes. You worry too much!" I tell myself, "Oh yeah, a disease would be a lot more terrifying than nicotine withdrawal..at least withdrawal is temporary". That said, how hard will it be to quit cold turkey from 4 cigs a day?
Until the tormenting habit is finished and never smoke again if its freedom you want? is yours.
Like you name knightshade, smoking is deadly and cutting down is what I found to be the most difficult part. Delaying smoking is good to a point but you have to make the decision and just grab that brass ring! I found ginger and turmeric tea helped curb my desire to smoke. Also a site like this where peers give good support and advice.
Desire change. Do not fear it, for this is the best thing you will do for yourself and it is possible once you choose to do it.
Thanks for your replies. I greatly appreciate them. I was still having difficulty cutting down to less than 4 a day. There's no nicotine gum or patches in my host country, I switched to the electronic cigarette on Friday but it is more addictive as the effect is faster. I still crave a regular cigarette but it's less and less.
In this country where I live, electronic cigarettes/vape pens are still more expensive than regular cigarettes.. nearly double the price.
That said, I feel a lot better with much more energy and look healthier but vaping continues the addiction.
Sorry about that. I clicked on "post" but nothing happened so I clicked it a few more times, not knowing it would appear like that multiple times.
Hi there, I just signed in and miraculously ended up here on your story/post They must be serious about making change's and improving ease of access for it's member's!
How are you going with it? (now that I'm here!)
Hi, thanks for your reply. The other day someone smoked outdoors about 5 meters away from me but this time I could smell the smoke quite strongly. I admit it smelled pleasant but I had no desire or craving for cigarettes. I'm vaping less and my health is good. Clean, fresh air is great. I'm so relieved that I rarely think about cigarettes. I really believe that this time I have finally beat smoking for good. I must be on guard though and never give in to a crave. Life is good now. Take care.