Hi guys i came on this forum last year and did so well. then i started and stopped 20 times or more and here i am again desperatly wanting to quit but feelign like i just cant do it. I really need help. I am overwhelmed with this addiction. can anyone help me here? i just cant do it on my own.
@jacq Not sure if I am in a position to comment as I am on day 88 and still in the quitting phase. Perhaps that makes me qualified as my quit is still raw.
There is no one right way to give up smoking, it is whatever works, but what worked for me was Not Another Puff, cold turkey, so no cheating and no NRT.
Break it down into small manageable time periods, like on this forum, hours then days. I did not give up forever as that was too bigger thing, I started with getting through the day and then to the week end and just kept going.
The cravings last much longer than you think, prepare yourself, as for me it was 6 weeks and did not really stop until 2 months. Time the length and frequency of cravings, they are not as often or as long as you think.
Write down your reasons for giving up and keep them in your wallet.
Always have a water bottle with you, I was going to the bathroom every other hour I drank so much.
You have to retrain your brain as certain things will trigger a craving, try and do things slightly differently, mix up your routine.
I did not do any work for the 1st month of my quit, I am literally still catching up 2 months later.
Exercise was the only time I was not in hell, try and do as much as you can and it also makes you tired, you cannot smoke while you are asleep. Not that sleeping helps as your sleep patterns go to pot.
I cut down on drinking alcohol as most of my bad decisions happen when drinking. I still went to the pub, tried to not mix with smokers and when it all became too much went home early.
There is no such thing as just one cigarette, no matter what the voice in your head says. At best, it just puts you back an hour when you will be in exactly the same place, at worst you are buying a pack of tabs. I slipped up on Day 20, had a great evening, but the next morning the temptation to buy cigarettes was stronger than ever.
I know when you are giving up it feels like the pain will never end, but it does.
Smokers who quit are amazing, you are amazing.
Be good and lucky.
Could you imagine how awesome it would be if this quit was the one? If you quit now, you will be over everything and able to enjoy Christmas as a nonsmoker, best Christmas present ever.
