The battle
So many heartening stories here that seem like an almost impossible dream at the moment. After 35 odd years as a smoker I'm only into day 11 of quitting. I just don't want to smoke any more. Whatever perceived pleasures I once might have from it have long gone; now, it's a habit. No, an addiction. I don't want to be addicted to cigarettes any more but they've got a hold on me and it really is a fight to break that hold. I haven't slipped up in those 11 days but there are just so many more to go. Years, maybe. Can we ever reach a point where that addiction is totally out of our system both physically and mentally?
Hi Grimbling, you are in the right place to overcome your addiction. The answers are yes and yes. Hang in there and you will overcome your addiction both physically and mentally but you will always have to be vigilant because there will be moments when nico-demon will tempt you and it’ll always be unexpected. Maybe jus a fleeting moment. However, once the initial physical pain is gone you’ll be free. NOPE - not one puff ever. Good luck.
A great start Grimbling, and the worst is over if you have gone cold turkey. What method are you using?
The physical withdrawal is that of ridding of the nicotine in your system in about 72 hours. The nicotine receptors will shut down in 3 weeks. (but not if using a Nicotine replacement.)
For most, withdrawals are mental, urges or desire to have a smoke. This is because of the daily routine, which we need to break. This psychological process is what is longer and more difficult overall. This is where the mindset is helpful. The premise is that if you do not want something , you will not desire, or Crave it.
Learning about nicotine, how you got hooked, how it altered your body to protect itself, you learn about yourself. So many benefits to quitting, and no downside at all, except in your head. Wanting and Believing are key.
Once successful, do always remember that it is an addiction, and just one puff can ignite it again.
You are here to become a non-smoker. Embrace and enjoy the journey instead of fearing it. Once you re-condition your mind the cravings will go
away. You will do great!
P.s Stage 1 is not much more intense than stage 2. With Smart Turkey you confront them both at once for about 3 days.
You confront them both at the same time for a much longer period of time on NRT. In the end you have to still quit nicotine. Champix works differently, no nicotine in it and it is supposed to lessen the desire so you adjust to smoking less and use adjustment time to change daily habits for ten days prior to quitting. If you do not make this adjustment, you will still have cravings. Mindset equals no desire, no cravings which equals Happy and Content.
I really appreciate those comments; this forum does help and nicotine lozenges have played a part too. Into day 17 now, and no slip ups. This includes perhaps the ultimate test on the evening of day 13 - having a beer with a mate and his wife who are both smokers. I've always smoked when drinking so that was a test, and having them smoking in front of me too was more of one. I found myself telling them that I'd already decided I was never going to smoke again and having a drink while they smoked wasn't going to change that. It didn't. In fact I was somewhat surprised to find that it was much less of a trial than I'd imagined.
It is nice to have validation of commitment. You passed in flying colours and can relax a little knowing you are strong and determined enough to confront and handle any situation that might arise. You are now a non smoker and act accordingly. Good for you!
Many thanks for your comment too, DAB57. I seem to be struggling more with what I call the mental attitude and that's where this forum, and feedback like yours, helps a lot. I'm sticking with the attitude, as best I can, that I just don't smoke. Not even don't smoke any more, or trying to quit. I just don't smoke and never want to; that's all there is to it. For whatever reason the last week and a half have been a significant struggle but it has got me to day 28.