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Does Gradually Decreasing Cigarettes Work?

Posted in Hints and tips
schedule 1 Jan 2019

You would think that because we became addicted gradually, that we could do the reverse.

Many cigarettes can be skipped without being missed or causing withdrawal. How many do you reach for unconsciously? Some can be put off by doing something else for 5 or 10 minutes.

You can further reduce a couple by hating the inconvenience if you are making smoking uncomfortable. Tasting the poison while you indulge and thinking of what smoking costs and will cost in the future may further reduce your intake naturally.

These are great beginner steps, but not the way to do a quit. These methods should be learned now but not to the point of severe withdrawal . Here is why.

https://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_01_13_gradual_withdrawal.html

schedule 2 Jan 2019

Thanks Red. I don't know if the amount of smokes really matters when you go Smart Turkey , but less won't be any worse for sure. When we wake in the morning (its funny how we have no cravings for our 8 or so hours of sleep)we have no nicotine in our system. The point of reducing our smoking helps to exercise the 4 D's which we will rely on on days 1,2, and 3. I had no psychological cravings, because i was in the right mindset. That is why i told Pete to read and learn before just jumping, being discouraged and going back to smoking. Smart Turkey requires no will power past the first 72 hrs. I did it, my husband did it. I don't think anyone here disagrees with the mindset theory. I hope you will continue you efforts to make it an easier journey for those who will listen.

I might remind people that the cravings were just thoughts, a yearning..nothing physical.

Cutting your caffeine in half, eating breakfast and drinking lots of water are supposed to diminish feelings that for other reasons, may be interpreted as cravings or anxiety.

schedule 2 Jan 2019

With my quits my brain probably interprets a panic or threat or an anxiety without the smoke especially in the mornings. So you are most probably onto a thread of something important right there Happ!

And your right, they are just thoughts and cravings.

I'm back on the smokes to reduce my anxiety, because it got to breaking point and it broke me. But you guys are all correct about the mind-set because the mind produces thoughts, which turn into cravings on on and on it goes.................................

If we can change the way we think, we can change our behaviour .

Just because I'm retired from the workforce due to a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, I still believe I have the right to attain a status of a non-smoker who is happy and content

Thats what I want for myself and anybody else out there who wants it

May your quits not be as difficult as mine ATM

PEACE:)

schedule 3 Jan 2019

Everyone deserves to have control of their own bodies PuffnStuff. Have as many as you need for a time, like i suggest, cut down the ones you can put off, distract or get angry with...lol That is key for you, hate it, don't give it the power to twist your way of thinking. You are smarter now, you know how it took control. It might still have SOME control, but you now have more than it does. It may not seem that way to you right this moment, but you have learned and come a long way. Did you consider Allan Carrs book, where you read while you smoke, and extinguish your last cigarette when finishing the book. He will touch on much more than i can do here. I tried to relay a condensed version. It is step by step Puffnstuff...take your time, hopefully there will be something he says that resonates with you. Between the book, the techniques you have learned here, and my kicking your butt to the finish line, you will find your way to success. Take the money you saved on the psychiatrist and buy the damn book!

schedule 3 Jan 2019

Haha....With so so many of you advocating Allen Carrs book, It does seem to be the way to go for me, even though I had YOUTUBED Numerous videos from him. also joel and chris skyoles and plenty of others too.

They got me through 50 odd days smoke free.

I'll just re-gather my strength and full commitment before I have my final Effort.

Ive ditched the doctors and the antidepressants, so the damn book is my next step

schedule 3 Jan 2019

Im going to take a break from this site and concentrate on my preparation for my final quit.

good luck to everyone

schedule 4 Jan 2019

The beauty of reading Allan Carrs book is that there is no preparation PuffNoMore. Smoke, read, absorb , learn. If you don't understand , go back over it. Take your time. You may find out what it is that has been holding you back from letting go. I have always said it is about learning about nicotine, our addiction and ourselves. Then we can find our path to becoming a heppy non-smoker. May you be blessed with having that light bulb finally go off and set you free.

schedule 4 Jan 2019

If you are off the anti-depressants, there are natural remedies . Google them. Turmeric is one, A little is better than none, I add a little with ginger into a tsp of chicken broth for a drink instead of coffee. The salt is not good for you, but the properties of these and other spices are terrific. Chocolate (80% with banana as sweetner and freeze so you don't gain weight..makes 10 little treats. )and good thoughts, lavender incense all elevate your mood.

I am glad you fear failure more now than becoming a non-smoker. Open your mind and heart to Allan Car and you will find your way this time.

schedule 12 Jan 2019

I am adding a favourite story of mine about cold turkey and mindset. We wake in the morning with about 93% of the nicotine depleted. We do not wake to smoke.

Spiff's story and the comments that follow all his pages are well worth the read. Enjoy.

https://www.icanquit.com.au/story/13220/not-what-i-expected