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1. cuui

   

   7 posts
   Registered:
   02 Jun 2018
   01 Jun 2018

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   Got addicted to nicotine 7+ years ago by smoking marijuana laced with tobacco.  Quit doing those, but then started up on cigarettes.  Quit cigarettes several times, didn't really develop a thorough addiction until the last 3 or 4 years.  In those 3 or 4 years, I have substituted smoking with the lozenges, 2mg and 4mg, and have severely abused those over a time.  I have stomach issues and they aggravate them.
   
   Quit those things completely about 1.5 months ago for two weeks.  Told myself during withdrawals that I'd never go through that again...but began bumming smokes off people for a dollar and pursuing them fiendishly, but only 1 or 2 a day.  Then spiraled out of control (again) and usually with me, when one thing goes, the the rest goes.  Meaning all my healthy habits dropped off, started drinking heavily again, fell into the hole.
   
   Right now I haven't had a cig in 24 hours but am using the lozenges.  I intend to stop using them completely within the next few days.  What I have found is that NRT doesn't really work with my quit plan, because I end up abusing them.  I am considering the patch, but am really determined to be completely clear of everything and not have the psychological relapse this time.
   
   Look forward to reading everyone else's messages.  I decided to sign up to this time (have before, when addiction wasn't so severe) because I really want to be done with these things, nicotine addiction in general.  I find it impossible to have any self-respect or healthily maintain other aspects of my life when I'm smoking.  I am very all or nothing like that.
2. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   02 Jun 2018

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   Hello Cuui
   
   Welcome to helpline!
   
   First of all Congrats in go back to Live, Determination and preparation is the key to success.
   The good think is you are not alone, here you will find a lot good support, but you have the power, because you are worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   
3. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   02 Jun 2018

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   Hi Cuui,
   
   Welcome to the Smokers Help Line forums and congratulations on your decision to go smoke free. You will find a lot of helpful posts in these forums. I quit several months ago using the NRT lozenges and gum and now only have one when a craving side swipes me. I can understand your concern about abusing these nicotine products. Perhaps your doctor could prescribe an alternative such as Chantix or Zyban to control the cravings.
   
   I practice the 4 D's:
   Deep Breaths. Breathe in and breathe out slowly, as if you were smoking a cigarette.
   Drink Water. Drink lots of water all day long, especially during a craving.
   Distract.
   Delay.
   
   All the best with your quit journey.
   
   Eagerquit
   
   
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   02 Jun 2018

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   Hi cuui,
   
   You have a great understanding of what will and won't work for you.  That kind of insight will really help you in the process of quitting.
   
   I can relate when you said, "I find it impossible to have any self-respect or healthily maintain other aspects of my life when I'm smoking."  That is how I used to feel, too.  But when I quit, I started to take steps to change other aspects of my life, because I knew those changes wouldn't be in vain any more.  And it was nice to start to care about myself again.
   
   I am so glad you are going to quit now, cuui, before your addiction becomes even worse.  Eagerquit is right.  If you follow the 4 Ds it will help you deal with this process.  And please keep posting.  We are all here for you.
5. jennifer, quit coach

   

   103 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   02 Jun 2018

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   Good Evening cuui,
   
   As the others have said, welcome to Smoker's Helpline Online, we're so glad you're here!
   
   It sounds like you've gained a lot of knowledge through your quit processes, what works, what doesn't, and what motivates you to quit, that will go a long way as you make changes this time. Know that there is tons of support both here in our Online Support Community and also through Smoker's Helpline at 1-877-513-5333, where you can speak to a Quit Coach about any aspect of your quit.
   
   Really like how you decided to sign up to Smoker's Helpline Online to set up support and share your own experiences with quitting. Hope we'll see you here often!