Welcome to the Community Forums

Smoke free 6 months, Nicotine free ~3 months Cancel

1. cuui

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   02 Jun 2018
   04 Dec 2018

   Link to this post

   Those time frames are rough estimates but sound about right given what I put in here when I joined up.
   
   It looks like this time I finally did it.  I'm not saying that smoking is something I'll never have to worry about this time, but on this quitting attempt I firmly stuck the to the NOPE philosophy and haven't/didn't mess around.  When my NRT's were done I didn't waver, just stuck it through the withdrawals.  
   
   The biggest hurdles were the mid-afternoon fatigue & irritability at work and ESPECIALLY the insomnia.  I have restless leg syndrome which seemed to kick into high-gear at night while going through withdrawals after the NRT's.  I thought it would never end.  I was so tired during the day and would think "There's no way I won't sleep tonight" but it kept happening.  But I made it through.
   
   I really don't think about smoking anymore.  I'm not sure if I'm unique in this way but now that the physical addiction is gone and the memories of smoking are fading, but I find it rather easy to put it out of my mind.  Even when I drink and neglect to make other wise decisions, I just completely block smoking out.  "Not worth it" is the recurrent theme.
   
   I will look in on the forum from time to time to offer you guys support!  Feel free to contact me.  All our quit strategies and experiences are different but I think there are definitely some useful things to share and offer advice on.
2. sarah, quit coach

   

   228 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   04 Dec 2018

   Link to this post

   Congratulations, cuui, and your long successful quit !! We really appreciate you sharing your experience too - likely some our members can identify with your experience (withdrawal, cravings, triggers, and stepping off NRT), and would find inspiration in your post.
   All the best in your journey ahead, and we certainly invite you to pop in and let us know how you're doing!
   Warmly,
   Sarah
   
   
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   04 Dec 2018

   Link to this post

   WooHoo Cuui,
   
   A huge congrats to you on your 6 months!  That's the way to do it!
   
   I can relate to the whole not sleeping thing.  I could fall asleep, I just couldn't stay asleep.  I woke up 3 to 4 times a night, so I was always exhausted.  That made it harder to hold on.  But we did hold on, and now look where we are.  I am so happy for you, Cuui.  Way to go.  Keep living by NOPE and you will be absolutely fine.  And do something nice for yourself.  You deserve it!
4. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   06 Dec 2018

   Link to this post

   Way to go cuui!!!!!
   
   It sounds like you've got that fundamental mindshift that you are a non-smoker. 
   
   Myself, I've actually been having a few more cravings lately.  Probably just a little more stress than normal.  Cravings have been fleeting and kind of go like this:  "Hey you should have a smoke.  But I don't smoke anymore.  That was weird"  and the craving is gone.  I still actually enjoy the victorious feeling everytime I dismiss the thought of having a smoke. 
   
   Keep up the great work.