Stories & experiences

Became a smoker during covid in 2019 and quickly progressed to a packet a day. Some of my friends smoked, most did not. I also retired during that period and with more free time and limited ways to spend it due to covid restrictions, smoking quickly progressed as my vice of slavery. It was never my intention to smoke post covid but my habit had become integral to my daily routines and in any case, I could always stop tomorrow. I tried to discern what it was about smoking that I enjoyed yet despite not being able to put my finger on it, I did not want to give it up and had little motivation to do so. After all, there was always next year to do that and the new medications I was prescribed since I had started smoking (Blood Pressure etc) were relatively cheap. Intervention: Feb 2022 - Heart Attack and Surgery. As hospitals do not allow smoking and I could not get out of a hospital bed for a week, I endured an enforced form of abstinence. Offered patches etc but decided to do it cold turkey as the hospital medications were having a calmative effect. I was surprised as to how minimal my cravings were and I didnt really think about smoking during my hospital admission. That was until the day I was discharged and I had my first strong craving the instant I got into a car to go home (I always 'lit up' as soon as I got into a vehicle) and then when I got home. Over the next few days I resisted the urges to smoke and realised how strong my routines had become associated with smoking. I made significant changes in that area (taking a short walk - breathing exercises - speaking with friends - altering the physical environments of areas in the home where I had previously smoked). Four weeks in, I have a spring in my step, money in my wallet and the urges to smoke are being replaced with stronger thoughts of why an otherwise healthy and sane individual would start or keep smoking in the first place. I have read many stories in this forum about members laping and relapsing, it gives me insight as to how easily it can happen to me. To those that have tried and lapsed, I suggest you do not define yourself by your relapses but rather you decision to pursue a smoke free life regardless of them. Good luck to all.

I have gone from a chain smoker to 1 every hr . I am trying as hard as I can to cut down so I can just give up . I am on patches now I am going to get there.

Amazing! I'm on day 12. This time i'm really pushing through it. Looking forward to 21 days! :D

Day 28 yabadabadoo

I’m on day 1 and i feel good that I decided to quit again. I intend to make this one last. It helps a lot to read all these posts.

I’m on day 1 and i feel good that I decided to quit again. I intend to make this one last. It helps a lot to read all these posts.

I’m on day 1 and i feel good that I decided to quit again. I intend to make this one last. It helps a lot to read all these posts.

I’m on day 1 and i feel good that I decided to quit again. I intend to make this one last. It helps a lot to read all these posts.

Day 21 for me how good does it feel xx

I am trying. At least with every cig I smoke I think wether I can delay it. But I give in feeling there is much time available for my target date.

Are you still smoke free

Hi all,
Day 2 and feel the need to smoke creeping in. Mouth has a metallic wet feel I always get when I cave and go out and buy a pack of smokes. I'm determined to not give in, but i always start with good intentions and then I fail. I've failed soooo many times so early on. Its crazy, I've got to the point where I don't like the taste of cigarettes but find it incredibly hard to quit. Done some gardening but then wanted a smoke as some kind of reward. The mind is a mean weird thing sometimes

I am over smoking and looking forward to the other side (smoke free)

Its all up from here.

Congratulations 🙏🏼
Hi I'm quite happy for you; well done ✅
I've set today as my *quitdate 🌻
(I've already slipped up & I just know that I can do this) 🦄
Thank you for your time I appreciate your support 🤗
I AM INSPIRED ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2nd day today. Lockdowns are my trigger. Don't smoke most of the week then hammer them on weekends, always with alcohol.

Way to go!! ^__^ I'm going to start working on it at a slow pace myself and to me it's quite a daunting experience but just gotta keep going!!

I've really missed you guys because I liked your writing and stories so much. Been away mates: open heart surgery: aortic valve replacement, triple bypass and pacemaker. I guess all those accumulated years of smoking paid off in damage to my heart. Congratulations to 21 days. It starts with one day and you've gone 21 and that's a huge milestone.

taht's great. How did you achieve it? I want to quit please help me.

It's normal

Can anyone tell me if this is normal I

Look I’m sitting at the three week mark still baking my head of coughing up tar flecks and my lungs feel red raw startling to wonder weather it was worth quitting

I am sick of smoking and sick of the cost. Have tried so many times but continue to go back
Really want to do this

Thank you 😊

Hi Jessfreeof. Sending you much deserved congratulations on your 3 week quit. It is a terrific milestone. Stay in the mindset that you are in and you will conquer the battle easily. There maybe a few bad withdrawals here and there but, they, as you know are very short lived. You are doing great and you have this. You have put another dent in the banks of the nicotine suppliers and given that money back to yourself. In addition to giving yourself a more healthy you. Love and Light, and much deserved CONGRATULATIONS!!

Thanks guys I really appreciate the support👍😊

Wonderful attitude. You've got this!

Well done jess great job 😊😊🎉🎉

Hi Jass, so happy to see you back on a horse.. :) you are getting benefits of non smoking and really enjoying them.. 21 days sound to me you have the worst behind you and smoke free life wainting for you in front.. Keep going findings ways how to do it instead of excuses.. :)

21 days ! That's great :) No reason to ever look back :)
We hear some talk about the 3s, and, from what I have read, and from my experience, first, 3 days / 72 hours, nicotine is out of your system, and your brain is screaming for more. Then it takes around 21 days for your body to fully recover from the addiction. After that, all that is left, is your habit, routine / addiction to the act.. All of this can be hard, or easy, depending on your mindset.. Quitting really can be as easy as one makes it :)