Slipped but didn't fall
Hi, so I'm 67 days smoke free from my initial quit date however I had a small slip about 10 days ago. I had had a small bingle in my car the day before. I was feeling pleased with myself as I had sourced a new guard and headlight assembly from the wreckers for a good price and had the afternoon free to fix my car. I thought I would have a beer while I worked and it was going ok except I hit a few challenging nuts/ bolts etc and started feeling stressed. I don't work on cars much these days but did a bit when I was younger and the work was always punctuated with a smoke while you thought about a problem or whatever, I wasn't expecting to feel triggered as I was around 8 weeks quit and had been feeling reasonsbly comfortable so I was unprepared for the craving, my neighbour then turned up also with a beer and proceeded to light up. I got the f.... it's. and said "I'll have one of those", he looked a bit shocked as he knew I was quit but handed me a smoke which I lit and smoked about half. Just then my partner turned up after being away for a few days working, she works in health and had been stressed particularly with the pressure of the current pandemic and changes at work. I didn't want to stress her further or disappoint so I stubbed it out and went back to my NRT, which is gum and inhalers. I haven't smoked since and told her about it a few days later. On reflection I think the unexpected but very old, powerful and ingrained trigger of the situation coupled with stress, frustration and opportunity led to this lapse.
On the upside I was able to refocus on my goals, use my quit methods and not allow one cigarette to become two then buying a packet and back to smoking. I experienced increased cravings for about a week after this and kept using the stategies which have been working.
Hope my story helps someone.
Cheers
As you say a slip but not a fall. Doesn't seem worth the craving intensity to go through again for the sake of a few puffs. Some might not be as lucky either. Remember why you quit and how much your life has been enhanced without the demon in tow.
Good recovery Kenstar.
You have worked out it already Kenstar, it only takes a second to cave in and a week of anxiety to even yourself out again. NOPE (not one puff ever) Every day.
Congratulations on your 67 days.
Any Excuse for a smoke. Oh yes, thats how I used to think. Needed a smoke before starting anything. Always a reward smoke after a job well done. And always a smoke in between if the job got a little bit difficult.
Loved your story. It described the old smoking days exactly.
I hope you continue on here, because You write Quite well. And I hope you learnt your lesson 1o days ago?
You also explained that you had increased cravings for a week after that half a smoke! There;s lesson #1 right there!
NOPE is the solution.
(Not One Puff Ever)
Hi Kenstar,
......................I'm so impressed with your story and I feel I should highlight your explanation of how one can start the smoking ritual all over again after many weeks or months of Quitting.
I Quote " On reflection I think the unexpected but very old, powerful and ingrained trigger of the situation coupled with stress, frustration and opportunity led to this lapse. Un Quote, and I implore others not to be tempted with a few puffs, because, the following week may put us under more anxiety and stress due to cravings.
eloquent story Ken. I challenge you to meet me at our 100 day smoke-free achievement's.
It remains all in the mind.