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G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required.)

NOPE

NOPE!

NOPE!!

NOPE!

NOPE!!

Nope!

I used patches during my initial quit. They helped with the additional stress and anxiety I already suffered from. As far as I can recall within 2 months I quit using them as I forgot to apply one and realized I no longer needed them. I wish you well on your non smoking journey.

Nope....

Yesterday, I celebrated 10 years since I quit smoking. Except celebrated is a bit of an exaggeration on what I actually did. I remembered the anniversary at around 7pm, promptly texted my eldest son to say “hey it's been 10 years” - he congratulated me - and logged onto Quit Train to log my 10 years on a little section in my profile. I’ve done that almost every year (usually a couple of days late and my 6th year anniversary I totally missed and didn't realise until the following year) since quitting for reasons I struggle to articulate other than it feels important to do so. Anyway, that was the extent of my ‘celebration’, other than the thought of “what shall I have/get as my reward?” And that started a little trip down memory lane. Sort of … This wasn’t my first quit attempt by any stretch of the imagination. I struggled for a few years, cold turkey or with aids, always finding a reason to abandon the ‘attempt’. Eventually a mix of hypnotherapy and Champix did the trick. I had planned to quit on the 20th but on the morning of the 18th I had run out and made the decision to not buy any more, bringing forward my quit day. Still, it wasn’t easy and there were some really hard days. What did I do to get through those hard days? I honestly don’t remember, I don’t have any words of wisdom, but I think I did the 4 second breathing thing through craves, after meals I would have fruit flavoured chewing gum and I found rewards to be really important in those early days, weeks, months. Things I would buy with the money saved. Never anything extravagant and honestly I don't even remember what they were - maybe a chocolate bar or a donut? I think for my 6 month and 1 year anniversary I bought some jewellery. Maybe a ring and a necklace? Ooh maybe perfume! Are you sensing a theme here yet? I also rewarded myself on my 2 year anniversary - I think I bought a kindle or a tablet? I also made the decision that I would next reward myself when I got to 5 years. But when I got there I didn't feel the need for a reward. Smoking was no longer part of who I was that would need rewarding for not partaking. So my almost immediate thought of “what shall I have/get as my reward?” at 10 years made me chuckle. I think I just wanted an excuse to treat myself! The only ‘reward’ I have these days is a square of chocolate after a meal but that’s more a reward for doing the clean up than anything else. Sometimes I’ll have grapes. My point is, ‘smoking’ is just something other people do and has nothing to do with me. I know quitting was hard but I don’t remember it, even the once so important rewards. I barely remember the anniversary. If you are down in the trenches of your quit and holding on for dear life, I salute you and I congratulate you. You will find that one day, almost without realising, you can do everything without needing the crutch of a cigarette. I have lived celebrations, deaths, vacations, going for a walk, writing a letter, drinking a beer, drinking coffee, reading a book, watching a movie, eating a meal, waking up, going to bed, and everything in between, all without smoking and it was absolutely fine. (I actually struggled to come up with this list of what I previously couldn’t do without a smoke because … you guessed it … I don't remember!) I implore you to keep the faith, keep your quit. Because one day, you will not remember this stage of your life that clearly or with the focus it currently has. Congratulations to all, wherever you are in your quit, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, 1 decade … wow, time sure does fly.

I've been watching Joel videos. I like what he says that we can't be stronger than the smoke but we can be smarter.

NOPE

I did patches for about 3 weeks, then found I was forgetting to put them on, so carried on without. Other things helped me so much too, like walking, changing routines, listening to relaxing music, and best of all, I loved treating myself to small items weekly, and then larger items monthly, and a big treat 6 months, 12 months. it’s amazing how much more money you will have. Distraction and treats were key for me, and kept me on track as I gave myself rewards. whatever you do to not smoke is good. just don’t smoke

NOPE…

I tried patches and gums at certain points before my final quit, but nothing ever worked for me. I'd be chewing the gum and pocket it in my cheek just to have a cigarette. When I finally quit, it was cold turkey--but a collapsed lung is a strong motivator. I had four days in the hospital to consider the ramifications of what would happen if I kept smoking, and that was enough for me.

This is a good question, @Gattu Joshi. There are many ways to quit: cold turkey, prescriptions, NRT. There are people who lean into health/exercise, people who get mental health support, and some find 12-step programs useful. There are many opinions and pros and cons to each approach. In my own view, whatever a person needs to get and stay quit is A-OK! Each of us is different. Nicotine is a very powerful addiction, so I think having different tools is useful - as long as we are truly internalizing NOPE along the way. I used lozenges and patches for a short time. In my mind, that was preferable to picking up another cigarette in moments where my quit was new and vulnerable. But it was just a bridge. After a while, I felt that NRT prolonged the discomfort of withdrawal for me - keeping my nicotine receptors activated/hungry. So after a few weeks I quit all NRT as well. I chose NRT as one part of my quitting toolkit because I was a heavy smoker for 40+ years and had to quit in a hurry, for some unplanned surgery. I built on that as an opportunity to quit once and for all. Withdrawal was grim, but I am so glad I powered through it… coming up on 3 years smoke free soon. Let’s find you your forever freedom, too!!

NRT has helped millions quit this addiction. As long as you stick to the directions. ive also heard from folks who have ended up addicted to the Gum . Please be careful you don’t end up like the latter . All roads lead to Rome , so whatever gets you there is fine I also suggest reading the book Allen Carr .. The easy way to stop smoking This book has helped millions including me . Make sure you fill your tool box with lots of useful tips We know you can do it You just need to want it bad enough

A few months before my lung collapsed last year, I started exercising. Naturally, I've been hesitant to exert myself ever since my hospital stay. However, since it's been over a year since I quit smoking, I'm going to ease back into exercise in 2025. To that end, tomorrow I'll be working out with my dumbbells at their lowest weight. Due to my disability, I can't always stand or sit "the way you're supposed to," so I've got to work out what is safe and effective for me. In January, I'll start exercising with actual weight. Here, I'll keep track of my health. Just as keeping track of the data helped encourage me in my quit, I hope it will encourage me to stick with my exercise and nutrition.

Hello everyone, i m on my third day of smoke free journey ……. I think cold turkey means NO NRT’s ………. Even Bupropion and other drugs , no gums and no patches ……. I m not against NRT’s or humans using them ………. Please wite ur pure suggestions regarding NRT’s……..is NRT is a compulsion aspect for kicking this evil habit ?

Glad you're still at it @Kdad. Keep watching them. A lot of what he talks about is just common sense but as smokers, we didn't h=seem to have a lot of that. Keep checking in here with us to let us know how you;re doing. We really do care about getting you quit for good!

That's why it really takes a full year to solidify your quit 100% because we have to have time to face all situation where in the past we'd light up a smoke and we have to consciously decide NOT to light up now that we've quit. Every one of those situations you meet with and make the right choice NOT to light up, it makes your quit that much stronger. After your recent experience with this person; the next time you meet up with them, you won't automatically think of lighting up. That's progress! It's these small individual battles you win that will eventually get you to where you want to be ... Quit for life!!

I've had several interactions lately with a rather frustrating (but well-intended) person. I used to always smoke whenever I finished talking with them, and while the thought of, "I would usually smoke right now" has recently passed through my mind, I didn't want to seek out a cigarette. I'm not a big fan of intentionally putting myself through stress just to get used to it, but every time I organically experience something where I used to normally smoke and I make the choice not to, I can celebrate that it's reinforcing my quit.

Gday Jo id love to post some links to some other songs but its not t been possible for me to post a link. So thanks that’s a great choice lov ya Chris

Happy Straya Day your smoke free marvels... https://youtu.be/9LKrFZFTHas?si=fwnUrDqEpAIQQrJD

NOPE!

Hi @Gattu Joshi..... I think that you use whatever is in your tool box to help you quit. NRT can be a good tool to help you get started in your quit but eventually, it is importnat to step down from all NRT. I did use NRT and stopped smoking but I became addicted to the NRT started using it long term. When I found quittrain.... my friends here remidned me that I still had to do the hard work to get nicotine out of my system and adopt a Not One Puff Ever and Not One Nictotine Patch ever apparoch. If you need NRT to help get you started in your quit, I recommend going for it. BUT... please follow the step down program and plan to stop using the patch or other NRT product. If you do not follow the step down directions, you run the risk of becoming addicted to the NRT. I am looking forward to following your quit. We are all here to support you! Kind Regards.

Started with patches then forgot to put one on after a shower the next day and never put one on after that. They seem to help some people over the worst of the withdrawals in the early days/weeks but sooner or later you gotta go without them so for me, I didn't see the point and just went cold turkey. When it comes down to it, you gotta get through based on your own desire and determination to be quit, There's no short cuts and nothing is going to do the hard work for you. It's all up to you!

Gday my last and most quit .:. I did on zypan. Who cares Once I’d started I just kept going. And going. Once I’d run out off time I didn’t run out of tablets. It had about 2 weeks of them left over. Course I kept them… just in case. Threw them out about the 2 year mark! This was my quit. The wasn’t gunna give it back. I discovered NOPE. Not One Puff Ever. I had to fess up I was that addict. One puff and I was back to 20 cigs a day. Sound corny but it’s True. One puff and you can Chuck all those hours Days months years away. Promise..::. Promise really. It’s is that good.

NADA Posted January 10, 2019 I'm not sure if there are others out there who believe that smoking and lying go hand-in-hand, but I found myself lying to people throughout my life about whether I smoked, how much I smoked, and if it was effecting my health. This is a post I wrote a few years ago. Most of us smokers began our years or decades of addiction back when we were teens. We learned to lie about smoking right from the very beginning. Usually it started with our parents asking why we smelled like a rancid ashtray. “Oh, I was at Johnny Picklefork’s house and his mom smokes like a chimney” I nervously responded. “That Bertha Picklefork really needs to cut back” my mom would chuckle. A few months later my mother met me at the door with a pack of reds in her hand as I returned from school. “Young man, what was this doing in your sock drawer?” I let out a small sigh of relief knowing that it was only the cigarettes that she found. “Um, Tammy Tamblanadana’s brother was grounded for smoking so Tammy asked if I could hold on to them for a few days”. Sometime later my dad drove by me holding a cigarette in my hand while hanging out with the neighborhood kids. When asked about this at dinner, I effortlessly told him, “I was just holding it for Jin Dong while she tied her shoe”. Once it was second nature to lie to my parents about smoking, it became just as easy to lie to myself about it. I can quit any time I want. I just do it to calm myself down. It relaxes me. It’s just a habit. The list could go on forever. It kept me in the cycle of addiction for decades until one day I called it out for what it was: Pure Bulls&@t! Not only are the health benefits endless when you quit, but it’s incredibly liberating to stop lying to yourself and others. P.S. The names in this story have been changed to protect the innocent. Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/11725-the-lie/

Genecanuck Quit Date: August 19, 2024 Posted August 23 Do you know him?, Quitnet Repost, 1998 from Billi Peel, on another site in 1998 Hi Everyone, My name is Nicotine. This is my story. For many years no one knew I was a killer. I am very cunning, while looking so innocent. I am dressed in a white wrapper. I think my shape is great. I am long, slender and easy to hold. This is great for the 90's image. I've come a long way baby. Billions of dollars have been spent to keep me looking good. My favorable image is an illusion. My addictive power is reality. My advertising team has worked very hard to continue to present me as a positive influence in daily life. I have been showcased as making men strong, sexy, and full of life. I have been packaged to make women think they are sexy, daring, and provocative. It took longer to get the women to use me, but in time I won them over. I am a liar. I tell you that you can enjoy and be more comfortable in every situation if you use. I am always there for you when you are bored, nervous, or upset. I will tell you how cool you appear while you smoke me, how good I taste. I especially like to tell younger folks how much I can do for them. I lie. I have some friends and associates: Caffeine, Alcohol, cough medicine, and Mouthwash. I make money for a lot of other industries, beyond the tobacco folks. Doctors love me too. Now caffeine, alcohol, and I go way back. We have worked together on almost everyone. You may think you can get rid of us, but we will make your life miserable if you try. I will cause people to leave their homes in the middle of the night in search of me. I am powerful once I have you. I will require a lot of your time. I need to have ashtrays and lighters. I make a mess as my ashes drop on your carpet, car seat, furniture, and loved ones. It delights me to see the little burn marks in your expensive clothes, furniture, counter tops, and carpets. Did I mention how awful I smell? I have a particular aroma that will linger in your hair, clothes, and your furniture. I can turn your car into an ashtray. I will mark you. I am an addiction. I tried for a long time not to let this secret get out. It was bad enough when people said I was a nasty habit. Now everyone knows I am an addiction. Once I get in your grasps, you cannot easily put me down. If you try I will make your stomach crawl, I will give you bad headaches, the shakes, and make you nervous. Once you are addicted to me I own you. I have no conscience. Loyalty is important to everyone. I certainly enjoy your loyalty to me. Do not ever be confused that you have mine. I will have you standing outside in the rain or bitter cold for a few precious puffs while others enjoy the comforts of staying indoors. I am demanding. You will walk away from loved ones to get your fix. You will try to hold babies in one hand while grasping me in the other. I will make you uncomfortable with people who do not smoke. I am a killer. I will take your breath away. I will eat your lungs. I will render you voiceless. I will cause you bad sinus problems. I will embarrass you with the ugly cough I give you. I will make you unable to walk up a flight of stairs without having a hard time breathing. I will hurt your loved ones around you who don't even use me or have a choice. My name is Nicotine. I am an addictive and powerful DRUG!!! Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/26599-the-quitnet-lounge/?do=findComment&comment=526773

Sazerac Quit Date: October 23, 2013, A Good Day to be Free. Posted July 24, 2016 Some quitters may have trouble with the never/ever part of NOPE (Not One Puff Ever). To tell you the truth, in the nascence of my quit, I bluffed my way through never/ever land. I remember Cristobal and Stuart qualifying never/ever with the caveat, 'just for today' and that was the truth too, it is just about here and now. As days and weeks passed, I absorbed the truth about addiction. Once I clearly understood addiction is forever and the brain's neuro pathways immediately re-connect to addiction after one puff, I embraced never/ever/forever. If addiction was in my brain for the long haul, well dammit...I was too and I was going to Win ! I want to include our friend, Joel Spitzer's video (and a link to resources) about this subject. He uses the phrase, 'Never Take Another Puff' as we use Not One Puff Ever Never Take Another Puff (resources) and the video Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/7334-nope~nevereverforever/

I need to get back to trying to keep fit I look like the one who ate all the pies

I haven't forgotten about exercising, but I also haven't been as diligent as I should be. Between the holidays and my busy schedule and whatnot, it's difficult for me to remember to take time to practice lifting. That said, I have carved out some time after Christmas to plan a whole regimen, with alarms and written reminders and whatnot to help me remember to exercise.