habit is harder than addiction
I'm 106 days today, which is awesome. I love not smoking, the extra time with my kids, the extra money, the sense of smell, taste, energy, easy breathing. I've put on some weight but have also started exercising and eating (instead of smoking for breaky) so will deal with that in due time, and feel better for the effort. I know that I do not need nicotine in my body anymore for any reason.
What I'm finding tricky is that I know how good it is that I have stopped smoking..and I really don't want to be a smoker..but I keep thinking about having a smoke. It's the association or habit thing rather than an actual physical craving but my gosh its annoying and I hope it goes away soon. I need to make sure my brain is really switched on to quitting at certain times (I've just had my first uni assignment due since I quit smoking and that was a test and a half...grades might be a bit down for a while :)) By now I would have thought it would be plain sailing...and I'm not saying it's still hard, but it is still there.
Just want to let everyone know, body cravings are hard but they go away pretty quickly..keep on guard for HABIT cravings, your brain is trickier than you think.
Well done on the 106 days. Craving for a smoke is unpleasant. I have even dreamt that I was having a cig, what a relief when I woke up and realized it was only a dream.
But the cravings are getting milder but not going away .... yet.
Feeling proud of the achievement makes up for it all though.
well done on getting so far.im at day 11.my partner is at 13 months and she still gets craving but like u said they do come and go.i have learnt that.anyway well done ....
Hi kdv. I'm at 110 days and I agree wholeheartedly. Habit is way harder to kick. Thing is we "rewarded" ourselves every hour or so and now we don't. We need to find some other kind of reward. It is frustrating and yes, I've dreamt of smoking too. I won't go back tho - never again. We need to pat ourselves and each other on the back... So well done kdv. Keep up the great work. You're awesome!
You're great kdv. We're all having those thoughts about wanting a smoke at random times. Happened to me today at a time when I would have usually rewarded myself with a smoke break. Had to really reprimand myself for the serious consideration I gave that thought for about 20 seconds. Then I laughed at myself for considering giving in. Forever vigilant! That voice is a real sleaze.
Oh thank you so much kdv, what you wrote is exactly what I wanted to put into words. While I'm still only new to quitting the smokes(I've been through the hoops of quitting alcohol, and won!)It is the habit I find the hardest. My patches must work a treat as I don't have any withdrawal symptoms but every single thing I do in my life I associate
with smoking. Your post and those who responded have helped me so much, thank you.
Yep, I know the feeling too, especially the last 2 days. Last night I think, no know, I would have had one if there had been any in the house!
hugs xx
well done kdv on your 106 ( now 109) days.Thats just awesome, I think most of us can relate to the "thinking of smoking " part,Im sure we are all experiencing that.I think thats the really annoying part about no longer smoking,Is yeap we can kick the habit, but why do we have these strong crazy thoughts still after all this time. I guess it just proves how addictive the fags are and what punches those evil fags are still pulling on us, trying to get us to cave in after all this time.
But lucky for us, we can share these experiences and draw strength and experience from each other.
Keep strong xoxoxo
Hi kdv, the brain is indeed a tricky devil and those habit thoughts are annoying, I agree!
I naively hoped that thoughts of smoking would disappear after a few weeks (I'm only on 37 days). People I know who gave up years ago used to tell me how "easy" it was, but I cannot understand it as (like Pauly) I associate smoking with just about everything in my life.
Maybe there are two kinds of people who smoke and some are more easily addicted/compulsive/habit-forming than others? Just a thought, anyhow. I know which boat I am in -- the compulsive one!!
It's good to be reminded to stay vigilant and be realistic about the effort involved in staying quit. Thank you for your post, kdv. Keep strong! xx
Awesome stuff kdv. People like us (aspiring quitters) need motivating messages like yours:) I am into my 37th day and I have not taken any alternate nicotine intake of any kind so far (things like patches, nicotine chewing gums etc). Amazingly, I had a dream this morning that I am puffing onto a cigarette as well-and trust me, it was scary indeed! Just like Gerry1 I heaved a sigh of relief when I woke up to realise that it was just a dream:) Hope all of us and many more accross the world (who are trying not to smoke anymore) succeed!!! CHEERS!!!