Winning the battle

Hi everyone; here’s my update. Smoke free for 31 days now, and the general health improvements are noticeable. Week 3 was torture, and I’m still amazed at how I got through it. Since the end of that week, though, the cravings to have a cigarette are happening less often and with less intensity. Like so many on here I was in despair at times; all but ready to light up again because nothing seemed to be getting any better and there were no signs that they ever would. But they did get better; as they did for those who quit before I did, and as they will for those who are only just setting out on their quit journey.

It might well be premature to say I’ve got this monkey off my back but I am saying it anyway because my resolve to never touch a cigarette is that strong. The ultimate test for me was to have a cold beer (as a smoker I’d have definitely lit up while having a beer) with some mates who are still smokers and who did smoke in front of me. The first time that happened wasn’t as difficult as I’d imagined, but that smoke sure did smell good the next few times. I’ve been in that situation 8 times now and although I’m not yet finding the smell of cigarette smoke repugnant, its presence is beginning to annoy me.

I’ve still got a nicotine addiction to deal with (NRT; nicotine lozenges) but I’ll conquer that in time.

In looking back at what kept me going at times, this forum was definitely a factor. I’m so glad I found it, and hope it works as well for others as it has for me.