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1. franny

   

   41 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   13 Jul 2019

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        I have tried many times to quit smoking and will give it my best shot again today.  This is it!  I must maintain motivation and really put in the effort.  I have quit many times for 3-5 days, 2 months (once) and tried champix.  The champix treatment really didn't work out as it made me instable emotionally.  I am now on the patch step 1 and really want to succeed.  Any thoughts or hints would be appreciated.  Have a great weekend everyone! :)
   
2. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   13 Jul 2019 in reply to franny

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   Hello Franny,
   
   Congratulations on trying to quit again. Please don't be hard on yourself for past attempts since it usually takes many attempts before you are able to quit for good! Think of these past attempts as learning opportunities or practice quits.
   
   I'm sorry Champix didn't work well for you, hopefully you will have better results with the nicotine replacement patch.
   
   What kind of hints are you looking for? To deal with cravings or withdrawals or what exactly? Hopefully we will be able to brainstorm some hints.
   
   Come here often for support and good luck!
   
   Renee
   
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Jul 2019

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   Hi Franny,
   
   It is great that you are going to try again, and that you said that this is it.  What you have to do now is really commit.  That is, when you are tempted, remember why you want to quit, and mentally tell yourself that you will not give in no matter what.
   
   I started my quit while on vacation.  I went back to work Day 5 of my quit.  I remember staring at my purse and being tempted to put my cigarettes in my purse before leaving for work, just in case.  I don't know how long I stood there warring with myself, but it was a while.  Ultimately, I said to myself, "What are you doing?  You wanted to change your life by quitting smoking, it's already Day 5, don't let this addiction ruin everything for you."  And I went to work without bringing any smokes.  That was 2.6 years ago and I have been a non-smoker ever since.
   
   Which quit attempt is the one that will work?  It is the one where you put your foot down.  You prepare yourself for battle, understand that you are going to go through some rough times, and recognize that it will all be worth it.  That you are worth it.
   
   There is no magic involved.  NRTs can help, but ultimately the choice is yours.  Live by N.O.P.E., Not One Puff Ever.  It may be difficult to turn down a cigarette, but it is much easier to turn down one puff.  And if you never have another puff, you will reach your goal of being smoke free.
   
   You can do this, Franny.  This is your time to shine.  Kick this addiction to the curb.  You will be much better off without it.
   
4. franny

   

   41 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Jul 2019

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   Thanks for the comments everyone... I am still smoke free and not struggling as much as I thought I would be.  I am on vacation at my Dad's, so this makes it a bit easier, but I am hoping to put time in (smoke free) and gain strength before I head back to my place at the end of the month.  I am using lozenges and they are really helping,   So far so good.  I think I will also put together some type of document with things I can do or try so that I can deal with BOREDOM!!!!
5. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   15 Jul 2019 in reply to franny

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   Franny,
   
   Much as Treepeo said - you need to want to quit. I tried so many times and usually relapsing within 3-7 days, until I finally went 'all in' so to speak. 
   
   Once I got to about week 2 I started to realize I hadn't thought past the actual part of quitting. I didn't know how to be a non smoker. I felt bored not going for a smoke, in a way i missed the routine. I started to try some new things - making steel cut oatmeal in the morning (the kind that takes a half hour to cook), reading some new books, cleaning out my garage, van, desk, etc. Something and anything to keep busy. Soon I started to get used to not smoking. Now 6 months later I enjoy grabbing my morning coffee and stepping out on my deck and just taking in the clean morning air. 
   
   
   

   Last modified on 15 Jul 2019 08:58 by atp
6. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   15 Jul 2019

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   Congrats and making it to Day 3 of quitting, Franny!  I am glad to hear that it's been easier than you predicted and you have kept yourself occupied with your dad. Writing a list of things to keep you distracted along with perhaps your reasons for quitting is really a good idea.
   
   Using the patch in combination with the short-acting nicotine replacement therapy (lozenge, inhaler, gum, spray) can be vey effective along with support. If you find you need further assistance please don't hesitate to call us and speak to any of our quit coaches.
   
   Smokers' Helpline 1-877-513-5333
   Mon-Thu 8:00am-9:00pm,
   Fri- 8:00-6:00pm
   Sat-Sun 9:00-5:00pm
   
   Keep it up and realize it will get easier over time.
   
   Jenna C
   
   
7. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   15 Jul 2019

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   Hi franny,
   
   You know what you want, its up to you to make it happen.
   
   Nicotine is the addiction.  Smoking is the habit.
   
   Often its the habit which is harder to break.  Perhaps why things seem easier while on vacation at your dad's place - your habits are disrupted.  To stay smoke-free at home, think now of some new habits you can incorporate into your life to replace smoking.
   
   You got this!
   
   E
   
8. franny

   

   41 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   16 Jul 2019

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   oooohhhh... i am struggling today!!!  I've been craving a cigarette since this morning.  But I am taking lozenges and going for walks.  Although the cravings are repeating themselves, I am realizing there is an end to them and getting up and past them with physical exercise... I WILL THINK N.O.P.E.
9. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   17 Jul 2019 in reply to franny

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   Franny,
   
   Keep your eye on the prize and keep your quit going! 
   
   Those craving can be all consuming at times, but they do pass, just keep yourself distracted, wait a minute, then another minute, etc. 
   
   I made an awful lot of tea those first few weeks of my quit. The focus and time it took to stir and lifting and lowering the tea bag looking to make that perfect tea allowed me to redirect. Just do anything to keep yourself occupied when that craving starts to come on....
   
   
   
10. franny

    

    41 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    17 Jul 2019

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    You guys have really nailed.  Unlike all other previous attempts, I must commit and want this quit - like you've mentioned - GO ALL IN.  My past attemps have failed because I think I didn't really try to get past the cravings.  I would just tell myself that I would quit after a few more smokes.  I need to realize that there will never be a good time to quit and that I cannot smoke 1 cigarette - as mentioned NOPE - NOT ONE SINGLE PUFF EVER AT ALL!  I am drinking more water with a straw which is keeping my hands and mouth occupied and am starting to feel a difference in my energy level... I feel pretty good.  So I will do everything I must to stay quit.
    
    Happy wednesday everyone!
    
11. franny

    

    41 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    18 Jul 2019

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    I caved this morning and smoked 4 cigarettes.  I felt awful.  It takes away all my energy and makes me feel tired.  I hope and pray that I will succeed in this endeavor.  I am sick and tired of smoking.
12. atp

    

    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    18 Jul 2019 in reply to franny

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    Franny,
    
    You slipped, no big deal. So now go and get back to your quit. 
    
    Funny how you wanted to smoke so badly, but then felt awful. Tells you that you are ready to kick this addiction to the curb. If you are sick of smoking you need to tell yourself that you are better than a lousy smoke.
    
    Figure out how you can avoid this next time and you're going to get there as a result. 
    
13. linda, quit coach

    

    146 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    18 Jul 2019

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    Hi franny,
    
    Congratulations for all the hard work and efforts you put into this quitting process!
    
    I’m sorry to hear that you had a difficult time this morning. To have a small slip or setback is very normal, it’s only a part of the quitting process and a learning experience. Please don’t feel too bad about this…It`s okay to slip. Things can get easier with "practice" and you will get better and stronger! 
    
    You have worked so hard on this and you did your best. We just want to encourage you to keep doing the things that worked for you such as drinking water with a straw, keep your hands and mouth busy etc.
    
    You know yourself best franny and you have the strengths and skills to beat the cravings. They can be tough but know that they don’t last very long and they can lessen over time. Do everything you can to overcome those cravings. You can go somewhere else or do something else just to distract your mind for a few minutes.
    
    Franny, with all your great strategies, your strong motivation, perseverance and commitment, we believe that you can succeed! Keep going strong!
    
    Take care

    Last modified on 18 Jul 2019 12:18 by linda, quit coach
14. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    18 Jul 2019

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    Hi Franny,
    
    Okay, you slipped, it happens.  I think we all go through that.  Just get back on the quit bandwagon as soon as possible.  Don't let that slip define you.  You are strong enough to start your quit again.
15. franny

    

    41 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    19 Jul 2019

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    I'm back at it.  I haven't smoked today and really don't feel like it.  I am engaging in talk therapy as well, with counseling on the phone with a therapist once a week.  So I can set goals until our next chat and work to get them done.  I think I am afraid of quitting 'for the rest of my life', but that if I take it one puff, one cigarette at a time, it will add up to something.  I am going back home sunday night, so I need to be prepared to be back in my usual environment.  Lots of exposure to smoking as most people in my apt. building smoke and sometimes the hallways stink... but I find it more disgusting than anything so I guess that is good.  
    
    Have a great weekend everyone!
16. atp

    

    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    19 Jul 2019 in reply to franny

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    Good for you. It takes a lot of strength to get back to a quit. I can admire that in you. 
    (In past quits of mine when I broke down I just gave up and went right back to smoking. Years later I regret that weakness). 
    
    When you get home on Sunday do yourself a favour and toss out all your smoking stuff, lighters, ashtrays, etc. Spend some time to clean up and freshen up your place. It makes a big difference. 
    
    You should also call Smokers' Helpline 1-877-513-5333. I think they even do text support as well. 
    
    
17. franny

    

    41 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    23 Jul 2019 in reply to atp

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    Thanks... I'm going to call the help line tomorrow.  I plan on using them whenever I feel the urge to smoke.  My return home is going well.  I seem to have trouble finding balance.  I know that I have problems with the all or nothing mentality... so I'm kind of afraid of slipping.  I've had good days since I'm back... super motivated, exercise, ate right, but I'm afraid to lose my motivation.  I need to prepare for those times and not hit myself too hard on the head if I don't do everything exactly as I wish to do them.  One thing for sure... I don't want to resort to nicotine NO MATTER WHAT.
18. jenna lee, quit coach

    

    265 posts
    Registered:
    28 Jun 2018
    24 Jul 2019 in reply to franny

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    Hi Franny,
    
    That all-or-nothing mind-set can be daunting for sure. Taking it one craving at a time seems to be the way to go for you. That being said, preparation is key in terms of having strategies to manage cravings and triggers. Hope you find ones that work for you.
    
    You also mention motivation; I wonder if there are also strategies for his aspect of quitting. Can you write reasons to quit on the pack? Can you leave a list of benefits of posted in the places you usually smoke? Sometimes it takes creativity. What about reminders or notifications on your phone... 
    
    If you do call today, we look forward to hearing from you. I also want to give you credit for reaching out to us here at this forum for support. It goes to show your determination.
    
    Best,
    
    Jenna Lee
19. optimist

    

    57 posts
    Registered:
    11 Jul 2019
    17 Sep 2019 in reply to franny

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    Where are you Franny?  How are you doing?
20. merline, quit coach

    

    124 posts
    Registered:
    12 Sep 2018
    04 Oct 2019 in reply to franny

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    Hi Franny,
    
     Congratulations for all the hard work and efforts you put into this quitting process!
    
    “I don't want to resort to nicotine NO MATTER WHAT”. Wow, I feel a lot of determination in this sentence.
    
    How's everything is going so far?
    
    One day at a time!
    

    Last modified on 04 Oct 2019 12:02 by merline, quit coach