another time once again another era
So when I was 32 years old and after on again off again smoking cigarettes since the age of 15, I decided on giving a quit for good. My job at that time ( this was 1988 or so ) encouraged us to give them up, even had smoking cessation classes, and paid for a new product on market nicotine gum. Now all these tools enabled me to finally give up those nasty things, My real quit was due to seeing and handling a smoker's lung ( in plastic of course ) along with 1 week's worth of cigarette butts in a plastic bag, before starting the NRT, and putting 1 cup of water in with that. So when it came time to give of the NRT I began to look at that bag of old wet nasty smelling cig and stuff, it was enough to make me puke. The final day of NRT, I opened that nasty bag of butts and smelled it. NOT good, and it did the trick. Not to say I went though many withdrawals we all have faced as well. especially since this was before the costs, and health risks were so out in the open.
Unfortunately, 2 years later I had a relapse after lunch with what I thought to be a "harmless " cigarillo which for those whom do not know of these are a small flavored cigar https://swishersweets.com/cigarillo/?age-verified=0f0cf63a3e
boy was I wrong... going from a single one after my lunch meal each day for the next 3 or so months to a after dinner, and then all the time, up to 10 per day for the next 20 or so years... so this will continue
Thanks for the tip off. The juul is not available in Australia and I dont want to start vaping anyway. My problem is smoking, which I have to stop and forget about them. Not sure how or when I'm going to do that?
I really enjoyed reading your story above. That human lung and the cigarette buts and ash story sure helps.
Anyway, I wish you well in your next Quit
Did the nicotine gum do anything to help you Quit all those years ago,
Yes, the nicotine gum was very helpful but it could become a monkey as well. Many that were in the class at the time with me, had a difficult time reducing the usage of it, to the point they just started smoking again. Difficult trade off to make if not used properly. I've tried many different types on quitting tobacco products, and I have used many. The planning and reduction seems to work the best for me, my problem is sticking with it. Funny though, I cannot stand smoking cigarettes to this day, and still have not smoked them. That trick with the leftover butts and ashes in a big bag mixed with water made a huge impact on me. Not to mention, the Lung !
On to present day, its been day 35 here in America for me, cigarillo free, lots of stress ( teenager in the house ) along with coughing that has improved, but still hacking up nasty crap for years of abuse to my lungs. sleeping has improved significantly, breathing has also improved but not as much as expected. Even though I do many deep breathing exercises each day, I'm hoping my O2 levels are better. Here's a bit of information concerning that health issue.
https://lunginstitute.com/blog/oxygen-saturation-means/
Disappointed in blood pressure results, I expected a larger improvement at this time, guess I will have to continue to monitor to see the changes.
Hi Geo
Sorry ot took me so long to respond
The cravings i get come from put of nowhere
Subconcious I guess
They can be very strong and unpleasant
I really really want a cigarette
However thru experience with these
Cravings I have learned that after 5 minutes or so
They are gone
Not sure what causes them
The knowledge that they will cease rather quickly
Really helps. Me to deal with them as I know they are a temporary inconvenience