View Full Version : The next step - giving up smoking.
Stan_Lite
10-05-2009, 20:55
As part of my "cleaning up my lifestyle" programme, I always stated that, when I got below 15 stone, I'd pack in the fags. Well, the time has come. I weighed myself yesterday and I was 14 stone 13.5lbs. As of sometime later this evening, I will be an ex smoker.
I'm really not looking forward to this. So far, I've changed a hell of a lot about my lifestyle. I've started eating a healthy, balanced diet, I've started taking regular exercise and I've cut my alcohol consumption drastically - this has seen my weight drop by over 30lbs since the end of January.
All that is a piece of piss compared to what I'm about to undertake. I've been a smoker since I was 17 (nearly 27 years) and have tried and failed many times to quit during that time. For the non-smokers amongst you, quitting nicotine is very very difficult. it is a highly addictive drug and it's hold on you is phenomenal.
I'm hoping the determination and will power I have applied to the rest of the programme will carry over into this, the final part of the plan.
I have some nicotine chewing gum in case the cravings become intolerable during the first few days but I'm hoping I can go completely "cold turkey". That's where you guys come in. I would appreciate the same sort of encouragement I've been getting for the weight loss/exercise phase of the plan.
I'll post regularly to let you know how I'm getting on and I will be honest. If I start to weaken, that's when I'll need the help and encouragement of my friends.
Thank you for reading :)
I'm scared :(
You can do it Stan :) Good luck xx
Knipples
10-05-2009, 21:03
You can do it Stan, feel free to contact me if you're having a wobble.
Im sure you know this already but the actual physical cravings only last for 2 minutes at a time so if you can get through that two minutes by keeping yourself busy until you forget about it (until the next one comes along obviously - its just about keeping yourself distracted :) )
Good luck x
Del Lardo
10-05-2009, 21:10
Best of luck. I suggest you buy a bag of carrot sticks to munch on when a craving hits.
Stan_Lite
10-05-2009, 21:10
You can do it Stan, feel free to contact me if you're having a wobble.
Im sure you know this already but the actual physical cravings only last for 2 minutes at a time so if you can get through that two minutes by keeping yourself busy until you forget about it (until the next one comes along obviously - its just about keeping yourself distracted :) )
Good luck x
I've got a full day planned tomorrow including; moving furniture, my usual walks, washing and polishing the car, taking photos of shiny car, killing bad guys on the PC and basically anything I can think of to keep my hands and mind occupied.
Stan_Lite
10-05-2009, 21:11
Best of luck. I suggest you buy a bag of carrot sticks to munch on when a craving hits.
I've heard that tip before. I have a bag of my favourite Chantenay carrots in the fridge I can chew on if need be.
Good for you Stan. Keep posting and we can all remind you of the positive benefits of sticking to it :)
Someone once pointed out a site that shows roughly how much you've saved by not smoking. Try putting the money you would have spent aside and treat yourself as a reward. If nothing else, it gives you something to look forward to for keeping at it.
Whatever happens, good luck and I'm really impressed with how far you've come. I've lost a little myself but not even close to what you've done.
Good luck :)
When my Dad gave up smoking a pipe, he started eating pomegranates and found that helped a treat. It kept him busy 'preparing' it so to speak like he would have done with his pipe.
Don't know if it'll help you as it's a different sort of thing but never know :D
Good on you Stan, you can do it :) As an ex-smoker, anytime you want to talk you know where I am!
Stan_Lite
10-05-2009, 21:24
Someone once pointed out a site that shows roughly how much you've saved by not smoking. Try putting the money you would have spent aside and treat yourself as a reward. If nothing else, it gives you something to look forward to for keeping at it.
Whatever happens, good luck and I'm really impressed with how far you've come. I've lost a little myself but not even close to what you've done.
Thanks Mark. I've heard the money saved thing is a good incentive normally but I don't actually spend a lot on fags. With me working away, I get all of mine duty free so it only costs me about a fiver a week.
Good luck :)
When my Dad gave up smoking a pipe, he started eating pomegranates and found that helped a treat. It kept him busy 'preparing' it so to speak like he would have done with his pipe.
Don't know if it'll help you as it's a different sort of thing but never know :D
I love pomegranates so that might be an idea - they're buggers to get into right enough so the preparation would be time consuming.
Thanks to all so far for the encouragement :)
Stan_Lite
10-05-2009, 21:26
Good on you Stan, you can do it :) As an ex-smoker, anytime you want to talk you know where I am!
I may well do that. if I get close to throttling Kelly, I'll contact you first, rather than commit murder :D
By the way, I'll be keeping track of my progress in my blog, specifically here (http://bigstan528.spaces.live.com/?_c11_BlogPart_BlogPart=blogview&_c=BlogPart&_c02_vws=1&partqs=cat%3dQuitting%2520smoking).
semi-pro waster
10-05-2009, 21:57
Best of luck with that, it's no doubt a big change but I'm sure it will be absolutely worthwhile as well.
Stan_Lite
10-05-2009, 22:08
That's it. I've given all my smoking stuff to Kelly to hide away. I'm not going to bin it all until I'm sure I'm not going to relapse.
Good on you, go for it :)
I've seen nicotene patches work quite well if you do start to have major problems with going cold turkey, keeping busy is definitely the key though.
Good Luck with it Stan :)
You've done well with the weightloss and I know this is a harder challenge, but you obviously have the motivation and momentum.
Go for it! :D
BB x
I love pomegranates so that might be an idea - they're buggers to get into right enough so the preparation would be time consuming.
Yeah it kept him busy :D Plus I think it helped with replacing the routine of preparing his pipe to preparing the pomegranate.
He didn't use any gum or patches etc, just pomegranates and willpower, I was really proud of him :)
Really keeping everything crossed for you and this final big challenge Stan. I'm sure you can do it. And Kel, if you're reading this, you should be doing it too :p
Stan_Lite
11-05-2009, 08:28
So far, so good. Been up for half an hour and the main sensation I'm aware of is confusion, rather than craving - my brain seems to be confused as to why I'm not on my 2nd or 3rd cigarette by now, like I usually am. I keep catching random thoughts passing through regarding when and where to have a cigarette - very odd.
Breakfast time now.
Really proud of you Stan, your determination and results are truly inspiring. I'm so so pleased for you too.
If ever you need some help, or you want to chat I've dealt with a lot of people that have quite and managed to stay off them since. If ever you fancy a visit too, you know where I am. :)
At this rate I'll be coming for you for health tips!!! :D
You can do it Stan and good on you. :)
leowyatt
11-05-2009, 09:06
Good luck Stan :D
Don't think there's much I can say in here to help you Stan other than good luck.
Oh, also if I every see you with a fag in your mouth I'll kick you square in the nuts ;D
Oh, also if I every see you with a fag in your mouth I'll kick you square in the nuts ;D
Good point. I'll join in too ;D ;D
Davey_Pitch
11-05-2009, 10:21
Good luck Stan, after your amazing results with your weight loss I'm sure you can do it :)
\o/
Good luck Stannerooo!! We're behind you all the way!
Stan_Lite
11-05-2009, 13:46
Well. I've managed to get through to and beyond lunchtime. I must say, the physical craving I was expecting just isn't as strong as I thought it would be. I'm finding it easy to resist the physical urge. What I'm not finding so easy is coping with the feeling that something is missing.
Smoking has been a part of my life since before some of you were born - it's become such an integral part of who I am that I can't help feeling that I'm no longer whole. I know it's a negative part of who I am (or have been) that has gone but it's not easy telling yourself that the feeling of emptiness is a positive thing. I don't know if I'm making sense here or whether my nicotine starved brain is making me babble but it makes sense to me :p
Del Lardo
11-05-2009, 14:07
Well. I've managed to get through to and beyond lunchtime. I must say, the physical craving I was expecting just isn't as strong as I thought it would be. I'm finding it easy to resist the physical urge.
This is to be expected from my experience. The first day is comparitively easy compared to days 2-5 when your body really starts to miss the nicotine.
LeperousDust
11-05-2009, 15:03
Yeah don't let your guard down so-to-speak just yet or you might get hit hard by it over the coming week....
****ing well done though mate, really nice to hear :)
Possibly have a read of the Alan Carr book although i think you're still meant to be a smoker when you do so, but it seems that its actually pretty damn good, my parents benefited from it a fair bit, Dad stopped, mum still smokes but it's changed her anyway...
It's a few weeks before the nicotine is utterly out of your system, that's when the chemical cravings should fade to nothing until the next time you get a whiff of smoke from somebody else. That will stay with you forever probably, but it's a fleeting craving that won't last long. In it's place though (as you've already found out) is the hole it leaves. The routine ingrained in you to roll and fag and light up. Keep yourself occupied with something else, so when you find yourself at that time of the day where you'd normally be going for a smoke, make a hot drink instead, or make a phone call, run a bath, anything that will keep your mind active instead of thinking about lighting up.
I've only smoked briefly and I can only begin to imagine how hard it is to give up when you're a long term smoker like yourself. Just focus on the positives and remember that smoking isn't who you are, you don't need to fags to get through the day, even though at some points over the next few weeks, you may think you do. Best of luck and don't give up on giving up. :)
I thought the nicotine was gone within only a few days but I could be wrong.
I thought the nicotine was gone within only a few days but I could be wrong.
No you're probably right, it's something else that takes 1-2 weeks to leave your system. :)
What happens after you quit smoking?
20 MINUTES
• Blood pressure drops to normal
• Pulse rate drops to normal
• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal
8 HOURS
• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
24 HOURS
• Chance of heart attack decreases
48 HOURS
• Nerve endings start regrowing
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced
2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS
• Circulation improves
• Walking becomes easier
• Lung function increases up to 30 percent
1 TO 9 MONTHS
• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
• Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection
• Body's overall energy increases
1 YEAR
• Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
5 YEARS
• Lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half
• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker five to 15 years after quitting
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's
Link (http://www.healthecommunities.org/stqpafterquittingtimeline.asp)
Day by day timeline (http://www.quitsmokingpillsnow.com/quit-smoking-timeline-the-cessation-day-by-day)
Pretty scary that carbon monoxide levels take 8 hours to get back to normal. That means smokers typically rarely have a normal level of carbon monoxide|oxygen in their blood? Apart from just after a full night's sleep.
I remember my Dad loved it when his sense of taste improved :D He'd smoked for years since he was in the army as a teenager so don't think he could remember what food tasted like before ;D
What that list doesn't mention is that cigarettes are a mucas suppressant (IIRC), so you may find you get a buildup not long after stopping smoking, complete with coughing etc. Stick it out and it'll pass.
Keep it up dude!
Stan_Lite
11-05-2009, 17:49
Day by day timeline (http://www.quitsmokingpillsnow.com/quit-smoking-timeline-the-cessation-day-by-day)
Thanks for that link Sam. reading through it gives a more realistic idea of what to expect. All the other websites I've visited (including the NHS) focus on the positive effects of giving up smoking whilst choosing not to mention How difficult it will be and what to expect. That blog seems much more realistic - actually warning you what to expect but encouraging you to stick with it as the positive benefits outweigh the few days of misery.
I remember my Dad loved it when his sense of taste improved :D He'd smoked for years since he was in the army as a teenager so don't think he could remember what food tasted like before ;D
My Dad was the same. He had to stop taking so much salt on his food - he'd been covering his food in salt for years to make it taste of something and when he quit, his food tasted disgusting.
Kell_ee001
11-05-2009, 18:07
Really keeping everything crossed for you and this final big challenge Stan. I'm sure you can do it. And Kel, if you're reading this, you should be doing it too :p
One of us at a time or we wouldn't come out alive ;D I will be cutting down a little through this anyway as I'll be avoiding smoking around Stan obviously :)
Fingers crossed for you s'ah :) You're doing great so far, keep it up :D
Thanks for that link Sam. reading through it gives a more realistic idea of what to expect. All the other websites I've visited (including the NHS) focus on the positive effects of giving up smoking whilst choosing not to mention How difficult it will be and what to expect. That blog seems much more realistic - actually warning you what to expect but encouraging you to stick with it as the positive benefits outweigh the few days of misery.
I noticed that too - a lot of the results I got when searching were similar to the other timeline I posted, all positive "you have less chance of dying of something here" style but I was hunting for something a bit more in-depth including the nasties as I thought that would be more useful knowledge to aid supporting you
Stan_Lite
11-05-2009, 19:35
I noticed that too - a lot of the results I got when searching were similar to the other timeline I posted, all positive "you have less chance of dying of something here" style but I was hunting for something a bit more in-depth including the nasties as I thought that would be more useful knowledge to aid supporting you
It certainly is more useful - that's a pint I owe you :thumbup:
Piggymon
11-05-2009, 20:50
Go Stanley ! :D
The most difficult thing I found was breaking the little habits.. first ciggy of the morning, after food etc.
I went cold turkey and survived on chewing gum. I gave up Jan 05 and I can honestly say I've not even had a puff since.
The cravings do only last a few minutes, although it seems like longer. Just ride them out, find something else to do and they will pass. You'll soon find you're not a slave to the cancer stick, you're not sitting somewhere wondering when you're going to have your next ciggy and it's a lovely, lovely feeling.
I'm behind you buddy... you can do it ! :D
Stan_Lite
12-05-2009, 07:18
Well. Day two is here. Been up for about half an hour now and I'm pretty much where I was last night. Still feeling like something's missing but no serious cravings yet. Got a few things planned for throughout the day to keep me occupied so let's see what day two brings.
Do 20 jump jacks every time you catch yourself thinking about having a fag. That'll put you off :p
TinkerBell
12-05-2009, 07:45
Well Done Stan :D You are doing really well :)
Kate is right, that should do the trick :p
Smoking is a dirty habit, you will smell lovely without the smell of fags on your clothes :D (I have this problem and I don't even smoke!)
Stan_Lite
12-05-2009, 18:15
Piece of cake this quitting lark :p I thought I would be worse today than yesterday but I'm actually feeling much more comfortable with myself today. I'm still getting the feeling that I would like a ciggy quite often but it's not a terribly strong feeling and is over quite quickly.
Been keeping myself busy with housework and washing, polishing and sealing the car. Been out for a walk this afternoon and replaced the PSU in the media PC in the sitting room this morning. Also did some ironing this afternoon and made a big casserole which has been divided and frozen.
I've left myself a few things to do tomorrow. I'll do the dusting and hoovering, I'll wax the car and do the interior (hoover and polish), shift some stuff about, do some more walking and anything else I can think of. Just trying to keep myself busy until the worst bit is over with.
Doing fine so far. let's see what tomorrow brings.
Knipples
12-05-2009, 18:21
Good on ya Stan, keep at it.
:)
Stan_Lite
13-05-2009, 07:02
Day three has dawned and no real drama yet. Not really feeling any more desperate today.
To be honest, I'm slightly disappointed it hasn't been tougher. I had steeled myself for a hard, painful slog and the worst I've had is a slight discomfort so far - maybe the worst is yet to come :dunno:
I wonder if this is doing anything to my weight loss? I've felt some slight urge to nibble but have forced myself to keep it to a minimum. I'm not sure how the shift in chemical balance affects weight loss/gain - I suppose I'll find out on Saturday.
Good going Stan :D Your nuts are safe :p
Del Lardo
13-05-2009, 07:18
Glad you're finding it so easy, long may it continue!
Piggymon
13-05-2009, 07:20
Well done Stan :)
Just keep eating as you are and if you feel peckish outside of normal meal/snack times, chew some sugar free gum, drink some water or find something to do to keep your mind off it.
By all accounts things are 'easy' when it's normal, I imagine it's hardest when stress, having a bad day or whatever makes you crave it more, or if you're out in the pub with mates having a drink (seems to be the worst, lol).
That said, workmate of mine was a smoker for 20odd years, decided to give up 3 years ago..still going!
Good luck with it Stan! Just think how nice it'll be in the crappy winter not having to keep going out in the rain when you're at the pub :D
Chuckles
14-05-2009, 00:46
That's probably about right. I'm a pretty light smoker (Only a few if I'm on the beers) and can go weeks without any without thinking about it but I normally end up having a couple if I'm grumpy about something.
Stan_Lite
14-05-2009, 07:28
Good morning and welcome to day 4 of Stan's clean-up campaign. Feeling fine and not much change on the cravings front - i.e. just a slight desire for a cigarette but nothing that's not easily dealt with.
Was nice to go to the cinema last night and not feel too uncomfortable while watching the film. Before quitting, 2 1/2 hours in a cinema without a cigarette would have been very uncomfortable but last night was just fine and next time, should hopefully be better as I should be over it completely by then.
Little bit of a sore throat this morning - which is apparently to be expected (I should expect a cough soon as well, apparently). Apart from that, no serious side-effects - only positive feelings. I'm pretty sure my sense of smell is improving but that's kinda difficult to quantify.
Big thanks to Kelleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Although she hasn't joined me in giving up, she has been smoking in her room rather than in the same room as me which has undoubtedly helped :)
Piggymon
14-05-2009, 07:33
Just wait until the taste buds come back ;)
Knipples
14-05-2009, 08:01
And the coughing is a good thing, it means your lungs - specifically the alveoli - are coming back to life! :)
Before quitting, 2 1/2 hours in a cinema without a cigarette would have been very uncomfortable
Do you reckon this was simply because you knew you'd be having a cigarette when you got out, i.e. just the anticipation?
You're doing so well, Stan. Dead proud of you. Keep up the good work :)
Eventually, you'll start to realise how bad smoking smells, so you can start to ban Kel from smoking indoors and force her to quit :cool:
I find myself in agreement with lostkat on both counts. :)
Stan_Lite
14-05-2009, 10:19
Thanks all for the encouragement.
One thing I would like to say.
I will not attempt to use my success to "force" Kelly into quitting. If she decides to quit of her own accord, I will support and help her if she wants.
I spent many years as a smoker and was subject to similar badgering on numerous occasions - oddly enough, I never managed to stop after being badgered into trying. I have been successful (so far) this time mostly due to the fact that this has been my choice - I have quit when I wanted to and how I wanted to.
I refuse to become one of those hypocritical ex-smokers who criticises and shuns smokers (especially my friends) - that would be condescending in the extreme.
Also, positive encouragement is very helpful to myself and anyone else trying to quit. Negative comments like "it's a filthy habit" or "it smells disgusting" do not help, they make me feel resentful not remorseful.
I can understand and appreciate people trying to help and I don't want to appear ungrateful for the wonderful support I've received so far but could we please keep it positive and please don't use my situation to put pressure on my flatmate to do something she's not ready to do (or anybody else, for that matter)?
Many thanks :)
Makes sense Stan :)
I know my Dad was very much a 'I'll quit when I want to quit' person because really it was his choice to start, so he should be allowed to choose when to stop too! And like you said, you need to do it for you which you clearly are.
Anyway, really pleased it's going well for you and I hope it continues :D Fingers crossed your taste buds return fast :D That seemed like a turning point for my Dad because suddenly there were noticeable benefits for him!
Stan_Lite
14-05-2009, 11:58
Throat is really rather delicate now so having lots of Jasmine tea with Acacia honey to soothe it - seems to be working and tastes yummy to boot :D Only a slight cough so far, will see how that develops later.
semi-pro waster
14-05-2009, 17:33
Well done so far and keep up the good work. I've heard a fair few people say how much they enjoyed getting their sense of taste back after quitting, sadly for my dad he never got his sense of taste back even after he quit - he's anosmic. ;D
Well done Stan :D
Its been about 7weeks since I have given up for the 2nd time in my life, started smoking at 13.
I have have times where I really crave but it passes really quickly I just ignore it and get on.
I have 3 kids to keep me busy and when kids are at school I still have Ella to keep me on my toes and it really helps.
Stan_Lite
14-05-2009, 20:03
Well done Stan :D
Its been about 7weeks since I have given up for the 2nd time in my life, started smoking at 13.
I have have times where I really crave but it passes really quickly I just ignore it and get on.
I have 3 kids to keep me busy and when kids are at school I still have Ella to keep me on my toes and it really helps.
Well done you :)
It's much easier when you have something to keep you occupied. I find the hardest moments are during times when I'm at a loose end. If I stop for a while and have nothing to do or think about, I start to get cravings.
Most times, I find something to occupy myself with but sometimes I just fight through it - I can't keep busy for 18 hours every day, I have to be able to sit down and relax some time.
I can't keep busy for 18 hours every day, I have to be able to sit down and relax some time.
Get a Rubiks cube or a deck of cards to keep your hands busy.
Yeah that was the hardest part for me but it does ease off, I still struggle 1st thing with my morning coffee but its easier than it was.
I do miss the smelly little buggers but I feel so different since giving up, I have more energy and don't feel so yucky 1st thing in the morning plus I don't stink anymore lol (no mean comments Faysh :p) all in all its a really good feeling not smoking.
oh and 1st week is the hardest I found both times I have given up so you are doing so well :)
As Rich said, the big test will probably be when you're really stressed or out with friends who smoke. They're the biggest draw for smokers aren't they really? Socialising and stress-relief.
All good so far though, good stuff. :)
plus I don't stink anymore lol
*closes mouth*
Stan_Lite
15-05-2009, 22:13
Five days under my belt now.
Got confirmation earlier regarding flights for work. After 7 weeks at home, I'll be flying out to Egypt a week tomorrow.
The rig is likely to be a challenge as the only coffee shop/tea shack one has access to while on shift is also the smoking area for the main deck.
I've stepped things up tonight - I've got the whisky bottle out and told Kelly to feel free to spark up in the sitting room. If I can scoff half a bottle of malt and spend time in a smoky room, I should be able to cope with anything that comes up. I'm not actually in the same room as the smoke (I'm in my "den" cos Kelleeeeeeee's watching "Horton Hears a Who" on the living room media PC since hers can't cope with the HD) but I'm passing through regularly and stopping for a chat long enough to get a lungful. I've always had difficulty in the past not smoking whilst drinking alcohol and smoky rooms are always going to be a danger. The theory is, if I can combine two of the most difficult scenarios and pull through, I'm ready for anything :D
The theory is, if I can combine two of the most difficult scenarios and pull through, I'm ready for anything :D
Good luck :)
Hope all went well tonight Stan :D
Stan_Lite
16-05-2009, 01:15
Well, that was easy. Contrary to my own expectations, it got easier the more alcohol I consumed. I am now, well and truly squiffy and I couldn't care less if I never saw another fag again.
I think I've got it licked :D
*closes mouth*
sofa ok for you?
Well, that was easy. Contrary to my own expectations, it got easier the more alcohol I consumed. I am now, well and truly squiffy and I couldn't care less if I never saw another fag again.
I think I've got it licked :D
woo go Stan :D have you got loads of crap coming out of lungs? I coughed for 3weeks with gunk on lungs it was nasty :( can't believe I put my lungs through smoking.
Stan_Lite
16-05-2009, 11:22
woo go Stan :D have you got loads of crap coming out of lungs? I coughed for 3weeks with gunk on lungs it was nasty :( can't believe I put my lungs through smoking.
No gunk yet. I'm not looking forward to that bit but at least it'll make my lungs cleaner when it does come up.
Another test this morning - hangovers have always been a time I like to smoke but fine this morning, no real cravings to speak of. I'm hoping I've pretty much got this licked now, that's nearly a week and it's getting easier.
Happy to hear that it's going well and that it all seems to be going relatively easily for you.
As long as you don't let your guard drop too far, it sounds like you'll be fine. Well done. :)
well done Stan. With regards to the distraction thing there is something I used to do to take the edge off the first few minutes of craving:
Tense up all your muscles in your body, hold for 10 seconds, then release. This technique helps take the edge off a craving or emotion. Repeat a few times if needed. You can also tense up and release your fists, arms, face, upper body, and legs one at a time.
Also have a look here (http://quitcoping.blogspot.com/2008/01/nothing-to-lose-try-tapping.html) and the site she points to here (http://www.tapping.com/). it's a bit kooky but free and got to be worth a try if you find yourself struggling. I was advised to try it for anxiety attacks and I've found it quite useful. Not sure if it's the actual technique or the distraction, but I don't really care, it seems to work.
Agree too on the negativity, obviously people are just trying to help but the more people told me about how nasty a habit it was and how bad it smelled and how you *should* give it up, the closer my hand got to the packet. I don't like being told what to do, and with my nerves not in the best place and my temper more likely to go off, it wasn't a good idea. Got to be your decision, and hopefully, this is it for you. Kelly's time will come when she's ready, and only then will it work.
I was the same, faysh did nothing but bloody nag and it wasn't until Josh asked me that I started to think this isn't right and from that moment I was waiting for the best time for me to give up, I got a bad cold and could hardly breathe so for me that was how I gave up, when I smoked before having kids I wouldn't have given up and would have struggled to smoke while having cold but cos of the comments Josh made it made me think perfect timing :)
You might be one of the lucky ones that don't suffer the cough and gunk Stan, I don't remember having it the 1st time I gave up and I'd beeen smoking for years and years then but this time I did and I was only smoking for about 8months and I was bad with cough and gunk although I guess half of it was part of cold.
I think you are doing so well :D you should be very proud of yourself!!!!
Stan_Lite
30-05-2009, 08:35
I'm afraid I've had a bit of a relapse :(
Started in the usual way on Monday. I thought "One won't hurt", then on Tuesday "A couple won't hurt" and it escalated from there.
I'm very disappointed in myself as I was doing so well. I've given myself a stern talking to and I'm ready to stop again on Monday.
Happened at bang on two weeks. Exactly the same happened many years ago - I got to two weeks just fine and then crumbled. Two weeks would appear to be my crisis point so next time, I'll be ready for it and will take steps to ensure I don't weaken. God these things are addictive and bloody hard to do without :angry:
Knipples
30-05-2009, 08:42
Dont beat yourself up Stan, you want to try again at least. Maybe theres some sort of psychological trigger in your head with the 2 weeks thing now.
My brother got hypnotised to give up smoking, and it worked. Maybe use this relapse as the chance to try something new. Like when you get to the two weeks again (and im sure you will if you want to) would you consider putting a patch on to give you the nicotine to stop the craving to get you through that initial 2 week urge.
Stan_Lite
30-05-2009, 08:49
I've thought about stuff like that Knip but I don't actually think it's a nicotine craving - I think it's the actual smoking. I actually enjoy smoking and I think it's more to do with wanting to smoke rather than a physical need for nicotine.
I'll have to think of something else.
Knipples
30-05-2009, 08:54
Have a look into something like hypnosis then maybe, if its not the cravings making you go back, theres something else in your head causing you to relapse. Just an idea.
:)
Stan_Lite
30-05-2009, 09:27
Tried hypnotherapy a while ago - didn't work :(
Piggymon
30-05-2009, 09:44
Chalk it down and move on Stan, don't think about it.
At least you know now you can't just have one as you'll end up back smoking again. You can do it buddy, I know you can :)
Why not replace smoking with ****ing? It's much more fun and better for you. Just try and remember not to do it in public :)
Chalk it down and move on Stan, don't think about it.
At least you know now you can't just have one as you'll end up back smoking again. You can do it buddy, I know you can :)
Exactly :)
Von Smallhausen
30-05-2009, 17:40
If you can motivate yourself to lose weight, you can do the same for smoking. :)
Sorry for late reply Stan but OH is now back to work as a nurse and is nights this weekend. I am looking after little Von so I can't make it out this weekend.
Bit of a shame about the replapse, but you're still doing well, keep that head above water, Rome wasn't built in a day. Add another random cliche :)
In fact, if you have another relapse, I'll put as many corny cliches in I can think of as punishment :p
Fresh start tomorrow, keep it up :)
You said yourself it's the not the nicotine, it's the act of smoking you want to indulge in. You need to replace that urge to roll a fag and smoke it, with something else. Anything really, messing with a yo-yo, chewing gum, whatever. Something that you can get into a routine with on the occasions you normally decide to roll, and do something else instead. Before you know it you'll be reaching for this new 'thing' instead and you'll be sorted. Just make sure your new little habit doesn't involve smoke, ok? ;)
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