Want to stay quit.
Hi my name is Nathan
I gave up smoking 7mths ago after I was diagnosed with Emphysema. At the time I had a problem with smoking and the Poker Machines. I was quite messed up and depressed. Has anyone else experienced anything like this- it's pretty full-on quitting smoking and having Emhysema. I don't want to smoke. Can't go near the pokies either. It's pretty full-on. does anyone relate to this? Any response would be much appreciated.
Hi Nath001. Congratulations on 7 months free of the slavery and improving health! I am hoping that that is what the title you wrote indicates.
I also feel that although you don't want to smoke you are having difficulty keeping the motivation to stay quit. I am hoping your emphysema is under control these days. My borderline copd was my reason to quit smoking, but I didn't think i could quit and didn't until a bad spell 3 years later and then looking up a quit site. Once seeing others quit and that I would have help to do so, I did. I read Allan Carr after i quit cold turkey, and also had my hubby smoking beside me for two weeks until he read the book and quit as well. It is a must read for everyone what ever stage you are at. Reading this site regularly gives new ideas, reinforces beliefs , gives the enjoyment of some wonderful heartfelt stories and a chance to help others.
You seem to take immense pleasure in new things and quickly become enamoured with them like your hot chocolate. Again i remind people to cut down on caffeine once cutting out nicotine because it's effects aren't diminished by nicotine now. Enjoy a variety of things , water, milk, juice, soda. Variety is the spice of life! Remember how happy you were once you found your singing group . Find something else to interest you besides poker if gambling has become an issue. Replacing things with new experiences and joys will also rise our dopamine and we will not miss or crave a cigarette. I once used to love bingo, but thankfully overcame it. I found better ways of spending both my money and time rather than sitting in a smoke filled room. I once enjoyed playing the slots occasionally at the casino, but these days find more pleasure in playing on-line poker where i play horse which is a variety of games within a poker game. Not only is it free but i have made friends to chat with at the tables. Your poker is a game of chance, mine is a calculated game of odds and much more entertaining . I also have a local bar that hubby and I go to where it is FREE poker, (the bar pays the co-ordinator ) The players in turn support the bar by ordering drinks or meals. A nightly restaurant voucher for $20 to the winner and monthly tournaments with prizes too! Everyone needs a night out and meeting new people is great too. If you fear it is an addiction this might not be good to try, but if it just something you enjoy to do but it costs you too much to do so, there may be alternatives.
Quitting smoking is depressing for some people , especially if they feel forced to as you did. Finding the good in something rather than dwelling on the negatives (and there really is no negative to quitting smoking!) does far more good than moaning about something you can't change. Well , you could decide to smoke again but why after seven months....or seven days? You know you can do it and should take pride in finding that perseverance in you. You have grown and have the tools to keep on growing and achieving other goals in your life. Be Proud!
You had immense response to your prior posts. I suggest that you take the time (and newbies as well) to read them and of course the replies and suggestions as well. Put the past behind and move on to better things and thoughts!