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1. justfortoday

   

   168 posts
   Registered:
   12 Aug 2019
   06 Sep 2019

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   I smoked my last cigarette last weekend (after my little slip), and started on the patch which has made the cravings “manageable”. Some days, like today, are harder but I’m able to apply the 4 “D’s” and move through it.
   
   Now here’s the scary part; I’m on vacation next week, and I’m worried I’m not going to be able to make it through without falling back into smoking. It seems the desire to smoke is stronger at home than it is at work and instead of looking forward to dedicating a full week to my art (I’m a textile artist), I’m dreading the fact that being at home might prove to be too much for me.
   
   The little voice in my head is already whispering, “it’s okay … just smoke while you’re off and then you can start a new quit when you go back to work …” The other voice (which I’m trying to cultivate) whispers, “of course smoking is an option, and then what? Start all over again? Yeah, that sounds like a super blast, not to mention the disrespect I would be paying to the days of not smoking I’ve already accomplished!”
   
   I have a basic plan as to how I’m going to manage the cravings, but any advice and/or insight would be greatly appreciated.
   
   Thanks all!
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   06 Sep 2019 in reply to justfortoday

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   I hated the addict in my head that kept talking to me those first weeks of my quit. It was a constant stream of reasons to go have a smoke that I had to counter with logic. 
   
   Being on vacation can be a really good thing. Take the time to wash all your clothes, jackets, curtains, bed sheets, etc. to get rid of the smoke smell. Go around your entire place and vehicles and toss out all smoking related stuff - butt cans, ash trays, lighters, packs of smokes, vapes, etc. Buy some Lysol and go to town spraying all surfaces to get rid of the smell. Clean you vehicle. 
   
   I went on a real cleaning binge early in my quit because I needed to do something 'ceremonial' to solidify my quit. 
   
   I started talking out loud to myself everytime the addict in my head started in on me. Odd as it sounds, it really does help to vocalize your frustrations and goals of quitting. 
   
   Write out a list of pros and cons for going back to smoking and keep that handy. (I bet the pros list will be pretty small). 
   
   

   Last modified on 06 Sep 2019 13:25 by atp
3. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   06 Sep 2019 in reply to justfortoday

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   As my quit passed the 7 day mark (in all past quits I never broke 7 days) I really started to bear down on challenging myself to keep going, and I really did not want to go through those first 5 days of withdrawal again (I went cold turkey). I started to value my quit more and more as each day passed. And I spent time looking for the benefits - was I breathing better? Did my food have more taste? Yup, those smokers I pass on the street stink of stale smoke that I never noticed before. My car smells better. My wife is cuddling up to me more, etc.
   
   One good reminder for me when tempted to smoke was smelling my fingers - they didn't smell of stale smoke anymore. 
   
   You need to find your motivators. 
4. elke, quit coach

   

   21 posts
   Registered:
   14 Jun 2019
   06 Sep 2019

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   Hello justfortoday, 
   
   good for you that you have made it already through almost a week, meaning that you have gone through the most difficult part. Like atp said it is really helpful to have something that keeps you occupied, both physically and mentally, such as some projects to work on. It definitely helps to keep your hands and mouth busy. When the cravings should get too strong, there is always the option to get some short acting nicotine replacement therapy (nrt), such as the nicotine gum, nicotine spray, nicotine lozenges or nicotine inhaler. You can also talk to a quit coach for more info, strategies and support.(1-866-513-5333) We are also here on the weekend Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5 (Ontario). 
   
   Stay strong! You can do this!