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1. orangegirl535

   

   1 posts
   Registered:
   24 May 2018
   24 May 2018

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   Hello there!   It seems ever since I had my first cigarette I’ve been “quitting” ever since.   I really want to be successful.   I am active and enjoy a lot of activities but also love/hate my “dirty little habit”.   I am terrified of lung damage and the possibility of not being able to live the life I want for years to come because of this habit.   Smoking has been a part of my life for a long time.   I’ve tried many times to quit.   Sometimes going a few months but it always comes back into my life.   I know this is my own doing and giving in to temptation.   I hear from people that the cravings never go away and that feels like a tough mind set for me to get over.   I’m a couple days smoke free at this point and it feels like a constant battle.   Wanting cigarettes and also having a lot of self talks about all the things I want to accomplish in life and how smoking compromises all my goals.   
   Really just looking for support and tips from quit smokers on how you make it through the bad days and low moments.   How when your brain is screaming for nicotine do you cope and continue to maintain your smoke free lifestyle? All tips and tricks are welcome.   I would love to in a year from now be able to look back and say “I am one year smoke free”.  Feels like a tall order some days.  
   
2. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   24 May 2018 in reply to orangegirl535

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   Hi Orangegirl535,
   
   Welcome to the smokers help line forums. I have been coming here to read others' successes since I quit almost three months ago and it has helped to read through the posts for tips that have worked. I quit by using 4mg nicotine lozenges and gum then after some time stepped it back to 2mg. I do very little of that now. It helps when there is an occasional craving which is now much less than before. I also pay attention to the 4D's:
   
   Delay. The urge will pass whether you smoke or not.
   Deep breathe.
   Drink water.
   Do something to take your mind off smoking.
   
   I also set out a clear list of my reasons for quitting and my goals and rewards as well. I have rewarded myself with an item on my bucket list when I hit particular milestones.
   
   Wishing you all the very best in your quit and I hope to hear more from you in these forums.
   
   Eagerquit
   
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   24 May 2018

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   Hi orangegirl535,
   
   Welcome to SHO.  So glad you decided to join us.
   
   You are right to fear lung damage and damage to the rest of your body.  Smoking is one of the single, most harmful things we could do to ourselves.  And it will definitely hurt the quality of your life if you don't quit.  The good news is that your body will start to heal really soon after you quit.  But what do you do about cravings?
   
   I used to do things to try to distract myself, like read a book or play a computer game.  I also kept myself really busy.  So instead of getting everything I needed at the grocery store in one trip, I deliberately only bought one or two things, so I would have to go back almost every day.  I drank tons of water.  And I would wait 10 minutes, and then another 10 minutes, until the craving passed.  And it always does pass, eventually.
   
   I also told my family and friends that I was quitting, which helped to keep me accountable.
   
   Hope this helps, orangegirl.  Hang in there, it will get easier with time.
   
4. emily, quit coach

   

   247 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   24 May 2018

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   Hi orangegirl535,
   
   Welcome to Smokers' Helpline Online and congrats on quitting smoking!
   
   As you can see this is a great place to come for support and tips when you need it. I know you've been given some wonderful advice already but if you need extra support or would like to talk you can always feel free to call into Smokers' Helpline at 1-877-513-5333.
   
   Look forward to reading about your quit journey.
   Emily