I don't want to go through this again!
I'm 49 years old and been smoking since I was about 18. I've tried quitting before, several times with patches, gum, champix. I would always fall in to to two traps. 1. I've had such a hard day, I'm stressed. I need my smokes. 2. I can have just one, I'll be fine with just one. I called these traps for a reason. Both have stopped my quitting path in the past.
This time, I decided to use patches again. Maybe they lesson the cravings, but I found them annoying as they would sweat off. After 11 days. I stopped using patches.
I find it's all in our thought and feelings. I think I want a smoke, makes me feel like a smoke. So, I am using different thoughts. Like, I want a smoke. No, I am having a craving that will pass. Don't get me wrong, it's hard! I am eating apples and carrots when I have cravings. It's been 4 weeks and 4 days since my last cigarette.
Best part is, I will not put myself through this process again! Bugger that!
My dad quit after after 40 years, he carried 11 cigarettes in his pocket everywhere. He said that worked because he knew he could one when he wanted, but chose not to. That didn't work for me.
I saved one patch incase of a strong craving.... it's not used and won't be. It's all a matter of a mindset for me. I do have bad days, times (after eating). I won't let a man control me, so I won't let nicotine control me! (something my dad also said to me, you put men in their place, put nicotine in it's place)
I think your Dad is a very wise man.
It makes it easier to quit when you think of smoking in a different way.
You only think that you need one, but there is 1) no such thing as just one for us addicted nicotineers. 2) Smoking does absolutely nothing for you, just good advertising and lining the tobacco industries pockets. 3) You only hate not smoking more than having that smoke because of the cycle it creates. You don't smoke because you enjoy smoking.
You have come a long way Huggerbear to have done this all to turn back now. The worst has passed and the pluses are boutiful.
Remember that we only have to quit once. Once you do, check in with us and remember that. Be grateful for the freedom and benefits bestowed on you. Remember that you are free from illusion and missing nothing.