PuffNoMore and other Newbies please share your story

You may hate NRTs, however they do help a lot of people and are better than smoking and a step to stopping completely. Your comment on the expense of NRT is not completely true. A two pack of Nicorette Spray can be purchased for around $38 and lasts from 10 days to two weeks for the average heavy smoker, a lot cheaper than a pack of cigarettes per day and a lot healthier than smoking.

Hi John. There is no argument that nrts are a much better choice than cigarettes. Nor the fact that any smoker would definitely be saving money. It is an aid to quit, that is fine. I am just hoping people take the time to break the psychological links between (ie, after meals, with coffee, , especially a hand to mouth aid which mimics smoking so much)Take this time to break patterns and make the transition to a non-smoker is all i am trying to convey. You mention a spray, which is not like pretending to smoke. I should change to it to break that hand to mouth habit.

Look at it this way. I quit cold turkey, which meant i went through a nicotine withdrawal for 3 to 5 days first. I went through more withdrawal trying to cut back prior to quitting itself. So i decided to rip the band aid off quick so to speak, and get it over with. I didn't have cravings after that because i was in the right mindset (not feeling deprived) while others seem to go on for months or more. This is the psychological part , retraining the brain, actions, etc which should be done when using nicotine based replacements. It is just quitting in reversed i think. A quit is a quit however done. I just want to see less suffering.

In addressing PuffNoMore, I was trying to say that what he/she was using was equivalent to 2 cigarettes worth of nicotine. Look at the inhaler for what it is designed for ... to replace nicotine.(and cut down nicotine gradually which was the the worst part for me) Yes, to aid in quitting, but it is still nicotine, and if they feel they can function as a non-smoker then get off the merry-go-round.

In short , maybe if i were to have used an NRT. I would go with the inhaler designed like a cigarette for a week, using half of my usual nicotine intake, while smoking half of my usual cigarettes, but taking them both standing idle and as unenjoyable as i can. This would make you realize how much it rules your life. Secondly, since not enjoying, you would automatically naturally cut down without feeling deprived We don't even remember half of the cigarettes we smoke , let alone enjoy them. Meanwhile you are learning to live as a non-smoker, which is what you are striving to achieve. The second week just use the inhaler as much as you want. No cigarettes, but you are still getting your ncotine. By now you would probably being smoking about a third of what you were up to. Who wants to waste time smoking a fake? You have adjusted to your new routine, feeling free except to get your fix. At this point you could try a spray and again resent when you had to leave something to get your very unenjoyable fix. When you truly want to be free of it and become a happy Non-Smoker go cold turkey!

Doing it this way seems more humane. How are you feeling deprived? You can have all the nicotine you need, just not in the fashion you want it. But you are here to become Non-Smokers. You can't have it both ways! Sooner or later you either cut down again on the nicotine and have cravings, or just cut the cord. I don't know that quitting from 3 a day is any less painful than 40 day nicotine wise, it is the adjustment in life without having it

In short, wean the cigarette from your life. Then stop taking the drug.

Hi Happiness,

I wasn’t trying to be critical of you or your ideas so please accept my apologies if my comments came across as personal that was not my intent. I agree that mindset is the hardest part to get right, this is easy for some people but unfortunately extremely hard for others. With that being the case I was trying to make it clear that NRTs are an option that may help some people the same as some of the medications that can be prescribed by doctors.

I still haven’t had a cigarette but know I am only one puff from starting again. Thanks for your support as with others and congratulations on quitting.

No worries John, we are both on the same page. Soon i hope a lightbulb goes off for you and the others to make it an easier journey. Believe in yourselves and you will get there regardless. Truly embrace living life as a non-smoker. Know that you don't need a cigarette for anything, because it never gave you anything in the first place! Laugh at the little voice pleading now... "feed me,pleeaaasee?" and smile knowing it is dying a befitting death. You are in control now. You can do this

Im on the same page too!

I'm so glad you are on the same page PuffNoMore. It would make me even happier to know that you are not in the least enjoying your inhaler. That you realize it contains nicotine (however little) . I hope you have made significant steps in changing your life (routine) as to exclude the ACT of smoking from your life . I hope that you regard HAVING TO use your inhaler as in the same category as having to take your MEDICATION. Yes, think of it as a medication. Do you need it? Yes, for now. Is it a prescription? Yes. Do you want to be on it forever? Do you look forward to taking other medications?

The sooner you start living as a non-smoker.(And you were once one... albeit a long time ago, but can you still remember how to ride a bike?) Embrace the life of a non-smoker, you are through the longest part of this journey. That is the damage the nicotine caused over the course of many years, its brainwashing us into believing we need it. Once you are truly a HAPPY NON-SMOKER... you can kick the nicotine to the curb knowing it is only 3-5 days before you are totally free. 3-5 days of cravings, which are not painful, but in fact almost negligible... mere fleeting thoughts.

There is the possibility that in the right mindset you may not even have these little urges or thoughts. I think i did only because i expected to . Never did i dream that quitting could actually be easy. When my nicotine withdrawal stage was over, i had joined a quit group and thus more incentive to quit and more knowledge of why i had become addicted. Yes, had to face the fact i was an addict. Knowledge is powerful. I encourage all to read and learn . Above all STOP DESIRING what you are here claiming you don't want!. Say it... I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER CIGARETTE EVER AGAIN! Most of all MEAN it!

Playing devils advocate here with you in hopes it pushes you and others buttons. I so wish that other people have easy quits too. I know you can do it PuffNoMore, cause I'm here to kick your butt over the finish line. xo

I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER CIGARETTE EVER. I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER CIGARETTE EVER. I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER CIGARETTE EVER. Yep, got it!

I read the posts, learn some lessons, adjust my mind-set and I'm happy to get my butt kicked over the finish line! You guys are cheaper than my Psychiatrist:)

But seriously, I am only using a cartridge of nicotine at times of severe stress and craving. And being almost 7 weeks smoke free I'm almost used to my life without smokes. xox

Its good to know you are comfortable in your new life as a non-smoker PuffNoMore! Even if you are not as comfortable enough to write your own story (Page )lol. But it is nice that we have our own little meeting place here on this page. Anyone is welcome to join in conversations, or help me to kick PuffNoMores butt over the finish line! Rolling in dough now, what with the money on smokes saved and on psychiatrist fees! Loving every minute of it...loving the attention........loving the new found freedom, loving being a happy non-smoker!

Psstt.

Now that this is our little meeting place on your page. I am well pleased with you because your threat of kicking my butt has prompted me into action.

For i have cut my nicotine intake in half!

just one cartridge today

ps; If I was a happy non-smoker, I would not have picked up the anti-depressants from the doctor today. But, that's another story

yours sincerely

its all good

but no joke

true story

addiction

sucks!!

One day at a time PuffNoMore. Step by step. Hand in hand. We will get there!

I'm going alright.

Thanks for all of the research and literature

It comes in handy at times of boredom. And lets face it. We mostly smoked out of boredom. And habit. And addiction. And relaxation. AND TO FILL IN TIME> Its driving me to anxiety. So much time to fill in.

Smoking has really taken away so much life from me that I really should hate them.

So I know that you are retired now PuffNoMore. Do you have any hobbies? Do you still drive? Got Family or Friends in the area? How Long have you been retired?

I have been winding down on my waitressing shifts over the last couple years. I thought i would be bored this past 5 weeks but keep occupied here on Icanquit, playing poker on line (and out on Sundays) Cleaning walls of smoke, curtains and carpets. Its funny how once we quit smoking a lot of people like myself seem to go on a health kick. I like to research the best foods to eat for detox, different minerals, fiber, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and still be able to maintain my weight. Since falling accidentally into this quit with my ginger and turmeric lung cleanse, I keep finding those two spices on superfood lists everywhere. I take Vitamin D now that it is winter and likely depleted being hard to get other than from the sun . I decided to start taking magnesium which with all the toxins that we take in and it gets rid of, we may be deficient. Since magnesium helps our organs to regulate over 700 body functions, It is vital to keep our bodies functioning properly to defend itself. Magnesium also gets rid of the metal toxins like mercury and lead. It also combats flouride (yes the stuff they put in our water here, and in toothpaste)

Just been researching and trying to do the easiest, least expensive way to detoxify within reason by good food and simple measures. Hubby and I decided to start mixing nuts and seeds to sprinkle on oatmeal, blend fruit and veggies for smoothies to ensure we get our leafy greens that we may not otherwise eat. Everything in moderation of course. Even Kale (raw is not good for you) You can get too much vitamin A and too much selenium (in clams) Its a giant jig saw puzzle just to eat well.

Do you or others have any health suggestions to help in restoring our bodies? Keep up the good quit all. Think positive!

No suggestions really

I take magnesium, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), multi vit/min tab each morning in addition to blood pressure and now an antidepressant tablet.

I am glad you take magnesium being vital to alot of body functions. . Vitamin D is one vitamin most lacking if you don't get enough sun in warmer weather. Sitting in a window taking in rays will not work here in Canada. I found an article for you to read on anitdepressants and found 2 natural rememdies that have been tested and work as effectively as prescriptions, and i am sure without a lot if any of the side effects.

I was wondering if you were put on the high blood pressure pill after the antidepressant. They cause hypertension. So does smoking, overweight, stress alchohol, which you should not have either taking antidepressants.

Did you know that there is a hypertension, stage i or pre hypertension also known as essential hypertension, for which there is no found cause. Do you think maybe it is because our bodies naturally rise our blood pressure to ensure the organs get the vitally need oxygen? Secondary hypertension is usually because of an organ dysfunction for which a second prescription to remedy that would also be prescribed. In all likeyhood your blood pressure has not been taken properly.

Has your doctor ever asked if you just had a smoke, a coffee within the last 30 min. If it was high did he take it again? They should take it until the readings are 5 point difference. BP is higher in the morning, and lower in the evening. The pharmaceutical industry is worth billiions, lobby for governments Food for thought.... literally. I am no doctor, but have you ever read the list of side effects? I think i will stick to a good diet, exercise , moderate alcohol and keeping quit on the smokes!

https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/depression/2-natural-antidepressants-found-to-be-as-effective-as-prozac/

ps. turmeric contains the curcumin which is used in curries. I will need to look up how i can use saffron.

Me again. I just looked up saffron and it is the most expensive spice in the world at over $500 an ounce. I think i will keep on taking my ginger, turmeric everday along with other cheap goodies like garlic, cinnamon, chia seeds, almonds, flax seeds and using good oils like olive and coconut. I just read where walnuts, which i knew where good for you, and sprinkle on my oatmeal, has a membrane between sections (so i will start buying them whole) which you soak 5 sections overnight, simmer 15 to make a tea which shrinks or prevents tumors. Turmeric shrinks tumors too. I figure anything that can shrink them will prevent them. ???

I would love to hear other health/food comments.

Missing my buddy PuffNoMore. I hope your absence is because you are having a great Holiday Season and don't have time for us or the cigarette. That would be awesome for you. Please let us know how you are doing and what other videos may be of interest.

Hi Happ,

Did you have a few too many drinks with jojo story? Dont feel so bad. I spend my time drinking alot of beer and beer would be a trigger to smoke and for 50 odd days of trying not to light up, it drained me of my energy and determination. Also, the last 20 days my NRT use was slowly but surely reduced and since my girlfriend spent xmas and new years interstate, I was home with the dogs and thought i'd smoke a packet over a few days while she was away and nobody would know. By then it was too late and I was hooked again, damn it.

I have to go pick her up from the airport now and tell her I'm smoking again unfortunately

Basically my resolve was affected by alcohol and I gave in. My YES/no chatter got the better of me. Thx for trying to help people on this site

Take care

hi PuffNoMore. Yep, my health kick and not used to the alcohol. I could have chosen better words, I just wanted her to learn before jumping. The mindset is known here, but not even so much on the other site i was on. One consolation is that i hope i saved Pete from a suicide jump , and prepared him for Smart turkey. Things just escalated with her once she misunderstood my intentions for her to smoke, my not caring about her past quit, as it is this one that matters. Yes my tone was harsher than i realized. I apologized because i really did overstep later on. I am not proud of it.

I hope you will keep trying friend, i will be watching and keeping to myself for the most part. I have pretty much said all there is to say.I will be here for you if you want me to be when you are ready. Take care of yourself.

thank you happ

Back home and all is well

Not planing and plotting my next move from the nico demon right now, But rest assured your info does help more people than youll ever know. Keep it going, although think of delivering it in a Slightly Different Way. You can do it. Most people rely on most of your stuff.

You cant please all of the people all of the time

Why don't you think of at least continuing to hate smoking, and just do it in your shame place. Don't forgive it and take up your love affair with it again. View it as medication. Hate how it rules your life as you have to go stand in the corner and be its slave.

I didn't want, and had no right to persuade you to abandon your choice of quit soI simply supported you. You have nothing to lose by at least giving Smart Turkey a GO. You are already Smart. The cravings will not be any worse than what you have experiended. After roughly 72 hours you may be free, or at least regained those 50 days.

I am hoping this makes sense to you. It may be the fear of this final step of ridding yourself of all nicotine that has caused all your anxiety.

Your slip may be your salvation. Always think positive. And NEVER quit the quit!

Hi PuffNStuff.... lol..sorry, had to change the name. I i start up again i will change mine too. Better to laugh and learn than to be down on yourself and add to anxiety.

Layin low and hoping to continue to help the ones that appreciate my sharing. I enjoy reading all the posts, but we are all different. I intend to help Pete through , and i hope he doesn't think my method is a joke, as some may. He seemed over anxious to jump with no floatation device. So did Jojo, to my error. Funny it happened after i had posted all could really think of anyways. I have my own agenda now in not "Quitting" but "Starting". Too much time on here, which i enjoyed, but haven't done much in the way of exercise. Walking is fine, but i need more and something at home, so I am going to do it the fun way with Zumba on line.

I stopped by to check out my posting under my What is a non-smoker. No pressure. When ready. Meanwhile be happy. Positive attitude will bring positive results. x

Found some surprising sources of caffeine that you may want to stay away from. Less than 16 mg in 3 Tbs.oc cocoa mixed with banana compared to 95mg in a cup of coffee. and around 60 in tea. Even decaf has caffeine. 2 or 3 coffee is actually beneficial for health as it reduces stress but more can cause sleeping problems, headaches and anxiety and dehydration. Since you thought it might be relevant:

You probably already know that alcohol causes anxiety. It blocks transmitters in the brain. The following is about 12 Sources of Caffeine.

https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20313656,00.html

I'm adamant that tonight will be my last day smoking. I wont be buying anymore packets. I'll probably write my own story and announce my intentions and where I have come from. This journey started in September. I think Ive given PeteF some good advice, it'll be interesting to hear from him again

Thx for the link's

My pleasure if the links help. Try the meditation one too. Now the colour red reminds me to be happy. Some nice smells to comfort you, like lavender, or put some water with apple and cinnamon on simmer.

I gather you listened to Allan Carr's audio . I did the ritual after I had already quit smoking just to reaffirm. The toilet bowl was a fitting coffin.

My hubby had those little urges for about 3 days, but nothing significant. (He read the book) I am sure that if you do have any, they won't be any more than what you had just before you slipped. You will have regained those 55 days, which i believe i am today. and remember that those urges that used to torment you, are its death throes. It is no stray dog. Don't feed it and you will thrive on this journey. I know you can do it. I believe, you believe that you can too.

10 things not to do while Becoming a Non-smoker

https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-for-when-you-quit-smoking-impatience-2824899

Thank you Happiness. I find the links very helpful, if only to put More Space and Time between now and my last smoke 5 days ago.

Ive added St Johns Wort to my diet and it seems to be easing my depression.

I am glad that you found something to help with your depression. I am also sure that you researched St.John's Wort to make sure it is compatible with any other medications, etc..... 5 Days Nicotine Free! Great work! I trust the cravings are not any worse than while you were on an NRT. , hence you have made significant steps to end your dependency. It will get easier day by day PuffNoMore. You are winning this battle with this little monster. It is wheezing its last breaths now .

You have been living as a non-smoker for some time now. You have made positive changes in your life . You have had to make more than most, but it just shows us the grit you are made of. Think positive. You have not lost those 55 days. You learned from them and they will speed up the process of regaining your freedom. One day soon you will feel there is something missing. No more urges! The day will come PuffNoMore. Believe it!

I'm certainly feeling more free-er, or less addicted to whatever is connected to the smoking habit. Yes, the urges of my thoughts are easing away day by day. I know I havent reached the freedom land yet. The closest I felt I got to freedom was about the 30 day mark Before this current mental illness re-appeared. The depression is starting to leave me lately so this effort will become easier.

When I feel that all urges are gone I'll continue my count from 55, but until then I'll keep treating this very carefully.

I hate those smokes.

Your language is indicative of a changing mindset. I am glad you have the depression under control now. It was a major hinderance in your quit according to statistics. But what are statistics? Did those people use this site, with these people, or even know about mindset. Damn statistics, I bet on people, and you my friend are going to make this journey to the end and be an inspiration to all who resonate with you. I can only imagine , but have not felt the despair some have. They are strong enough, like you to fight back and overcome. Those are the mentors on this site.

Stay positive. Stay focused. Stay Committed.

Missing you buddy. Hope all is well and that you will drop us a comment. xo