Starting over - with a new weapon

I’m a 40 year old male who has smoked since I was 17 years old. 23 years of smoking!

The time has come where a change has to occur in my life… the cigarettes MUST go!

A bit of background about me - about 15-20 years ago I was playing professional sport and managed to hide my smoking from coaches and team mates. My smoking didn’t really have much affect on my fitness. I guess I was quite lucky.

Fast forward to 2009 when my sporting career was over, I was involved in a deadly critical incident where I spiralled into a deep state of depression and ongoing ptsd problems. I started drinking heavily, increased my smoking to 20 - 30 cigarettes per day and engaged in some high risk behaviours. I also put on 20 kilos.

I continued smoking, drinking and bad behaviours for many years and it ended up costing me my marriage 5 years ago.

Things probably got worse after the divorce but about 6 months ago I decided enough was enough and something had to change.

I got some professional help, cut down on the alcohol and started to train and get fit again where I got myself into very good shape again. But continued to smoke.

On Wednesday I purchased a 0% nicotine vape and on Wednesday night I had my last cigarette. I have been using the vape for the last 3 days and I haven’t missed a beat. No cravings, no withdrawals, absolutely nothing! I plan to keep vaping for maybe 3 months then kick that habit also. I’m a bit confused as to why I am finding it so easy to use when I should be suffering some sort of withdrawal. Maybe I am finally really ready to kick this habit!

By saving $200 a week, I’m sure I can do a lot more with my kids and even take them on a nice holiday towards the end of the year.

I have read many other stories on this website and have found inspiration from other peoples experiences.

Keep up the good work everyone, I look forward to contributing as my journey progresses.