Struggling
It's 145 days for me as a non smoker and I have really been struggling with mental cravings a lot? I don't drink alcohol, I'm single and I'm dealing with complex trauma on a daily basis and I'm not working at present, so I guess I'm looking for a stress relief and some fun and unfortunately my mind associates cigarette smoking with both these things, as that's what I did for 31 years Doh? Addiction is a hard thing to change. I have been reminding myself, how gasping for breath because smoking has given me emphysema, is not any fun, nor is any of the other hundred health problems and diseases that smoking causes? So any encouragement would be nice, right now as I don't have much support with this, except for you guys and only you guys really understand what cigarette addiction is really like. I really want to be free of this addiction, and the thought that I'm missing something good in smoking, when the truth is I'm not and cigarette smoking has no positive benefit at all to me or to living a happy ,fun life 😎
145 days is such a long time to go and risk going back to square one. Im day 263 and cant quite believe it but its real! You wouldn't enjoy it anyway so why succumb….keep telling yourself that. There's no one thing I can tell you that helps because we are all individual however I did find allowing myself the thought, almost reminiscing I guess, then moving on. Let me try to explain, there were heaps of times when I would think 'oh this is when I would go outside and have a ciggie' like when on the phone for a chin wag, or having the last puff before heading out (without them cos none of my friends smoke),then I would just move onto something else, reading or getting involved in a TV program. Try to focus on one thing, I know money is a factor but for me its the smell. When I smell a smoker now I am so embarrassed to think I smelt like that. When or if you start looking for work, surely youll stand a better chance if you smell sweet! Good Luck and treat yourself to something nice when you reach a goal.
Hi miss Lizzy, you have done really well 145days. I smoked for 50yrs and am on 90 odd days quit. I go through the mental trauma as you cause i did enjoy smoking and it was part of my life. However just before i quit i developed some copd and was advised by specialist to stop smoking or that it will get very serious. So, yes i gave up for health issues and if you have some emphysema please stay off the smokes. I find other ways to take my mind of the buggers....like walks, reading, doing puzzles and also i use small amounts of nrt lozenges. Lizzy you have to try hard and say to yourself "they are doing me harm...why continue to smoke" Do not regress after the effort you have put into quitting..... i think it does get easier as time goes on. Good Luck.
Hi Miss Lizzy, wow 145 days I am so very proud of you, it's 100 days for me today, and I am proud of myself also. We all need to take each cig not smoked as a a big win, yes I too still crave cigarettes occasionally but I am continually surrounded by smokers smoking, I still love the smell and worry that I am not strong enough to continue, then I come on this site and realise how far I have come and how supportive everyone is knowing we are all trying to do this together makes me determined not to let anyone including myself and you guys down. I was an avid reader, but find reading while having a coffee a very strong trigger for me, so I don't read like I used to, I do still pace and have started walking, I also am planning to start an exercise group on Monday. So please wish me luck, think I going to need it, so Miss Lizzy take a big deep breath and start again you can do it, yep we can do it if we all stick together and continue to support each other, sending you a big hug.
Hi miss Lizzy I haven't lit up for two & half years that first year was very hard but like any addiction when trying to quit your brain always has battles on why you should lite up that first year I totally kept myself away from stressful situations to help understand my gravings I also stopped coffe only drank herbal tea & it is better to find some one to talk to a friend or family member these little changes helped me I hope they can assist you
Hi miss Lizzy I haven't lit up for two & half years that first year was very hard but like any addiction when trying to quit your brain always has battles on why you should lite up that first year I totally kept myself away from stressful situations to help understand my gravings I also stopped coffe only drank herbal tea & it is better to find some one to talk to a friend or family member these little changes helped me I hope they can assist you
Hi Miss Lizzy. If you read all the positive messages on this site you will soon realize you are not alone...
Thanks guys for your encouragement😊, it does help so much. And yes the first year of change,is always the hardest as you are dealing with life anew ,without your crutch., and that in itself is scary and stressful? Cheezel, you have so much strength ,I don't how you handle all the smokers around you and stay so positive about quitting? I guess that's the point really?, quitting smoking is a positive thing not a negative and I just need to keep telling myself that everyday😊
Hi Miss Lizzy, you're such a star. You have helped so many people on here and encouraged them and me. You're an amazing person so don't let that Nicodemon tell you otherwise. Remember, see that 6' tall cigarette and punch him in the face. He has no power over you and you know it!!!!!! Stand (or sit) tall, deep breath in..... (can you feel that clean air?)...... and out.... and in....... and out. That's clean fresh air in your lungs. Remember how amazing you are, I couldn't have got to nearly 5 months without you on here. Hugs x
Thank-you white willow, I couldn't have got this far without your amazing encouragement, you always make me smile😍
Hi Miss Lizzy. That's a great honest share and believe we are right behind you with this. We all identify with what you are going through in different measures.
You are an invaluable icanquit member and have become a winner and great contributer
Keep going and keep posting.