nerak47
48 posts
Registered:
23 Jan 2018
20 Jan 2019
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Good morning Franny,
My decision to stop smoking started long before I actually 'stayed stopped' - for me, quitting was a slow and steady process. Cutting down was also a process. Smoking was an unconscious habit for many many yrs; changing that habit can't change overnight.
You are right, smoking is in our routine. I noticed how ingrained smoking was the longer I stayed stopped - and you will also. Being aware of how intrusive smoking is, is part of the process - now you may have a better idea of how to stay stopped.
For me, mornings were the toughest. Coffee in 1 hand and a smoke in the other hand and 2 smoke before I even thought about something else. I challenged myself to wait until at least I had that first coffee and then light up with my second cup (some days, I drank that first cup pretty fast so I could get to that smoke).
The thought of quitting smoking made me panic...breaking down time into manageable chunks of time seemed to work for me. There are a lot of helpful and doable suggestions to help with those 'impulsive' moments...take what you like and what works.
I have an addictive personality and so:
I have tried the cold turkey thing...oh my gosh! Kudos to those who have quite that way - never again
I've tried the patch numerous times - made me very sick as I continued to smoke through the sickness.
Same with the gum..
Wellbutrin help reduce smoking for a bit, but the stress was stronger
I had given up... I was going to die with a cigarette between my lips.
Champix made me feel nervous and was my last desperate option. Wanting to quit was stronger than smoking now. I haven't had a smoke since Feb 6 last yr...17 more days and I'll be a non-smoker for 1yr.
Keep posting and poke around and read the posts...a good read and sometimes a fun read. Glad you're here and have made 'the decision'...(the rest can follow)
nerak