First month
Oh my goodness ... quitting is the devil... day 32... I have scoured the internet daily, well hourly some days, as I fidget away time or a craving over the last 32 days. Most helpful site has been this community at I Can Quit. So I decided I should contribute instead of just free loading off your fabulous stories. All of your shared stories have helped me. I realized that even at day 32 I still need to read these stories so have decided to join the club. My quit plan has been patches and I slapped my first one on 1st January 2019. I had used patches before but just for travel on planes. They were great so thought right I can do this full time. I was so not prepared for the process of quitting and what was ahead. I thought the patch would make things easy. Dingbat ! The psychological cravings and habit breaking were and still are at times excruciating. I had no idea about these. It’s like the devil quitting. But I have persisted somehow. I have learnt there is no answer or trick for me on how to manage the days or at times each hour except to know... this too shall pass. And, reading the stories in this forum from real people, aussies interstate who are live doing the same thing. On 1 Feb I hesitatingly dropped down to stage 2 patch. Thought this would be a crisis... but it’s no worse than any other day. That’s been my experience. I jumped into the forum today because I was wondering if it’s going to be like this forever - is this my new normal ? Feeling agitated, stressed, anxious in constant waves ... seems even those logging hundreds of quit days have these waves. Sigh. This too shall pass is all I can tell myself. Anyhoo that’s a bit about my journey. Thanks to all for their stories and the kind people who answer, comment and encourage. It’s awesome.
Hi Shamrock, its nice you decided to participate in the community. Many people are unaware of what it involves psychologically to quit, which is the longest part. It is normal to go through the stages of anger and depression before acceptance when giving up a friend. We recommend that you stop viewing the cigarette as anything but the enemy and instead remember how much it has stolen from you and actually given you nothing in return. Once you hate it and no longer want it, you will not desire, or crave it.
Accept that you began this journey to become a non-smoker, which means exactly that... you will not smoke. For now take it a day at a time, be comfortable on the patch and change your associated behaviours and how you feel about that stick. Don't get down on yourself, but instead direct your anger at the insidious addiction. Take some solace in the fact you will soon be free, that the cravings are its death thralls.
The cigarette only relieved what it'self created. We craved cigarettes many times a day for many, many years. Now is the time to change the tune to "Now I desire my Freedom" Believe you can and you will.
Hey Nuts thanks for your response. Interesting you just de-patched and essentially went cold turkey. Was this any worse than they first few weeks quitting on patch ?
Hey Nuts thanks for your response. Interesting you just de-patched and essentially went cold turkey. Was this any worse than they first few weeks quitting on patch ?
Hi Happiness. Yes I am one of those people who has absolutely no idea about the psychological aspect of quitting. It’s been such a surprise who smoking was obviously my response for every emotion I experienced. It’s been hard work mentally to reconnect with myself. It’s been more about this than wanting a cigarette. I haven’t actually wanted a cigarette at all or been tempted. I have had a few fleeting thoughts that last literally 30 seconds but even so not many of these. As such I have not felt the need to hate cigarettes, I have merely said goodbye to them and am moving forward. My motivation is daily, to make another day, to move through another bout of unexpected anxiety or stressful situation. It’s cerainly the best challenge I have had in a long time and plan to never have to do again ! As I said, it’s the devil to quit. But thanks for your comments, it’s nice to know there is support out there and someone has bothered to take the time to read my rant !
I am always glad to be of any help and enjoy reading others stories and opinions. You did ask a great question, as have others.....What is normal? The definition is conforming to standard, usual , expected. So no, you won't feel normal, until you accept the new "normal" Its like starting a new job. You are familiar with the aspects it requires, but until you know "the ins and outs" it just feels different and takes time to adjust and feel comfortable. Eventually it becomes a routine, and you will rediscover auto-pilot. There will then be no anxiety, stress or apprehension connected to this new transformation.
You are doing well Shamrock. Read, learn, change, and accept. Positivity goes a long way in this game. You are well on your way to a successful life change.
Hi Shamrock,
I finally joined today after regularly visting this site. I can relate to your quit journey and just wanted to share that I gave in after 3 months 3 days ago and have realised that I just want to stop again as it was as horrible , smelly, and expensive as before.
I am getting some patches today to be ready for tomorrow.
PS I hate trying to find a spot to smoke where I am not going to affect others.
Keep going and trust you are not alone in this. x
Hi Shamrock,
I finally joined today after regularly visting this site. I can relate to your quit journey and just wanted to share that I gave in after 3 months 3 days ago and have realised that I just want to stop again as it was as horrible , smelly, and expensive as before.
I am getting some patches today to be ready for tomorrow.
PS I hate trying to find a spot to smoke where I am not going to affect others.
Keep going and trust you are not alone in this. x
Welcome Shamrock, im with you 110% personally for me wuitting is the devil, and it takes sheer guts and willpower. Yes mindset helps but personally I wasn't one that found this quit business easy. I struggled but what got me through was determination. You are doing amazing, so you hang in there buddy, you're getting there one day at a time. I promise you it does get easier😊
Hello to all that read some of the truths and start to doubt that they could quit smoking. Anyone can, really. You too can understand what nicotine did to you and decide to fight back. Take the baby steps and get started with my post "If you've Given Up, Given Up. Try This!" i think it is a good starting place. Best to all.