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@Doreensfree @Martian5 @Sazerac @jillar @Niecie @Naughtius Maximus @johnny5 @notsmokinjo I can't express my happiness because I know that all of you are supporting me on this battle, you are all very kind and it is unbeliveble how you motivated me to do the right thing. Thank you all for sharing your advices, for all the good words you said. For the first time in many many attempts to quit smoking I am not afraid, now I am very confident in myself because of what you all said. Not only that I know, but now I really feel that I do the right thing and I make the best decision for myself. I start now, for the first time happy on this road to quit and I happily get up in the quit-train that will lead me to a better me , and to a free life. I never imagined how powerful it is when you have so many people keeping you up , motivated and be with you at hard times. I will do this. I can. I know, and I hope that once I get rid of this addiction I could help others too, like you did with me. That's it , I smoked my last ciggarette and broke my addiction, I promise me and I promise you that this is the final fight, I won't turn back. Never. And for that I want to thank every one of you very much.

Hey now! You knew this was coming right? You're prepared for this battle! You put on your NOPE armor and you fight! You are worth more than smoking. There is a light, I'm gonna tell you, the lights in Freedom City with blind you because you've only seen the world through a cloud of smoke. I don't know you, but please don't smoke

Hello, I would like to quit smoking, I tried many times but never succeded more than 5 days. I was a pack a day smoker for 6 years, and I want to make a change, to quit for good. Yesterday I found this forum , and I was very surprised that it has many active members, so I tought that it would be a great idea to give it one more try and quit smoking. I am very happy that we can help each other on this journey, I made the decision to quit, but I do not know where to start, I think that I should make a quit plan, could you please help me with some informations on what could I do until I smoke the final ciggarette in order to succed this time? I never had a quit plan. Before I posted here I tought that it's not a great idea because I am still a smoker in this moment and that could discourage or make someone crave a ciggarette , I am sorry for that, and if someone consider this post to not belong here, I will delete it as soon as posible. Sorry for my bad english. Thank you guys !

If you broke your 52 year habit, it gives me encouragement I can break my 46 year habit. It does help not wanting to disappoint my cheering section!

Ok... I started drinking at around 12... just a shot when I was stressed, or couldn't sleep or felt bad... then it was a shot to got to sleep every night by uni it was 1 bottle of vodka a week with another bottle or two on the weekend when i binged... in my early 20s this was binge drinking (to the point of not knowing what I had done in the morning some days) from Thursday to Sunday... I was also smoking at least a pack a day, and doing speed or blow most weekends and havin cookies (E's) or acid (so I had an e and speed for the first time at 16)... basically if it was an upper or a psychedelic I went there... so I would leave the 'hard' stuff for the weekend (Friday night to Sunday).. i'd have the occasional cone to re-kick an E... so I started smoking at 18... quit at 21.... started again at 27 (quit when pregnant, no issue because it wasn't a real quit, just til the kid wasn't breast feeding)... tried to quit a few times here and there...had a planned quit at 33 that didn't pan out after I ended up in a comma and in hospital for nearly 3 weeks... first thing I did when I left.. light up.... and now this quit, which is the sticky quit. So... grog .... hard, especially because it is such a huge social thing here and in my circle of friends and family.... so I cold turkeyed due to kidney issues and did fine for about 8 years then started to have a 'social' drink here and there which meant a total binge once a month when the kid was with her dad.... lasted for about 4 months and ended up with a kidney bleed and haven't drunk since... because I know I can go for days or months without drinking but once I have that first drink I will drink until oblivion... then just stop again until the next one. Physically I can not afford to drink, and you know what I don't want to anymore, I'm sick of running away from my crap and it doesn't fill the hole. Physically kicking this and detoxing was much harder than that side of quitting smokes, the withdrawal/detox aspect. Psychologically much easier. Emotionally it had been my go to crutch since I was a baby... that took a bit and socially i felt isolated a bit and even still sometimes I feel pressured to drink at times. But the health impacts of giving into this are now pretty immediate. Speed... I stopped that when ice first started making a scene here and it was being cut in with the speed... the speed was different, I didn't like the high, I didn't like the come down... I kicked it pretty easy... but i was sort of doing a partial detox every mon-fri anyway. I don't if think about this anymore and don't miss it... I did always feel more centered and focused on speed or blow but if it was lined up in front of me... nah wouldn't bother. Blow, E's, Acid, Mushies, GBH, Liquid Fantasy, Special K.... I just said one day I'm done and I was... that first weekend to the middle of the second week were not nice, the first weekend I thought I was going to crawl out of my skin. To be honest, with the exception of those who are family, I have cut ties with all the 'friends' from that time... they all still use or transitioned to ice... I think I got out of that scene at the right time. Cousins will still offer me product from time to time... I just say thanks but no thanks... I think I just grew up.... yes when I was on it, life was fantastic... I could escape the dark shit I carry and I felt like I fit in and belonged and was worthwhile... but i also felt more focused and attentive on louie or blow.. and then I felt like the only way to be that was to be ripped off me tits and I was over it... I think I grew up.... and honestly, now I have a kid I can't because that kind of escapism isn't conducive to being an even semi decent parent. So for me... the physical withdrawal of alcohol and hard drugs was much harder than the physical withdrawal of smokes... the emotional side was on about a par for me... the habit/routine side is significantly harder with quitting smokes and the psychological side of quitting is all the others combined and to the power of 10. That's me, that's my story. So... Hard drugs... nothing since Feb 2004 Dope... see above, wait no, I had a toke maybe 10 years ago but I don't know why I bothered I never liked it, only ever had it to give an E a boost. Alcohol... not a drop since July 2011 Smokes...not one puff since 28 Nov 2017 nrt...l think not long after i joined here... it was before the end of softball season.. so late feb/mid marchish Sniffing Underwear, of anyone... never been an issue. I lucked out, I was an extremely functioning junky... I held down a job which gave me pretty decent money to fund my hedonistic lifestyle and I could seperate work jo from weekend jo... god only knows how because I sure as fvck don't... do I regret it... who wouldn't regret basically outting a house up there nose or down their throat over an 11 year period... but you know what there is no point regretting it... it made me who I am today and lead me to where I am... so it is what it is and it can't be changed.

You are doing great Linda. Smile. You are winning. Every day quit gets better. I promise.

I'm on it. I can't believe the junk food I am craving. Will definitely do the Googling addiction.

How you doing Linda? You still with us?

Or Google addiction and the changes it's made in you mind and body...early on, education was key for me. Do you do things for yourself, like ever? Quitting is one thing can selfishly I dulge yourself in. Eat all the chocolates, take 3 baths a day, go get a haircut...take time to get to know the new non-smoking you!

Linda, you're close to that first month(that hardest month). If you smoked one you would feel nauseous, get a lil dizzy and have that terrible taste back on your tongue. Your depressed feeling wont go away as a result of smoking one, if you have that anxious feeling which is the trigger to all of this try the deep breathing exercise (in and out and hold for 2-3 seconds). If you have a straw near get one and cut it down to the size of a cigg and do the breathing exercise with that or just pull on it like you would a cigg(use it as a crutch when you feel weak) . Exercise, working out worked well for me as well in these moments. Just walking is good also . Hang in there

Hi Linda- I'm fairly new to this group but I'm cheering for you! I quit 11 years ago after smoking for over 30 years. It isn't easy but it is doable and so very rewarding. We all have different things that help us. ~Smoking isn't the answer, it never was~~ When you accept that the cigarette smoking never really solved anything then you can get to the real work at hand. Smoking is a symptom. Don't let it overwhelm you but it really is as simple as this: It's a decision that you make and once to make it, you need to stick to it. No matter what. I quit once and never smoked again. I went through withdrawal but it eventually stopped bothering me. It never was as bad as the smoking. It truly is uplifting when you realize that you are no longer a slave to your addiction. I walk by people who are huddled outside in the rain trying to smoke and I feel so grateful that I am no longer one of them. Hope you are doing well!

Nope

NOPE

Nope!

NOPE

Still hanging in but feel like I'm on the edge.

You're doing great Linda and I know you want to keep your awesome quit because you posted. I was a 35 year smoker so I know how you feel but I promise you it will get so much better. One thing I did to help me with the bad cravings was using my air cigarette. I just pretended I was holding an actual cigarette in my hand and then went through the motions of "smoking" it. It worked great at tricking my mind into thinking I was getting the real thing. Maybe try that?

Never on a Sunday! NOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How I love the Bossa Nova. Blame it on it.

NOPE!

NOPE...

NOPE!

Gday NOPE from me C

Good morning fellow NOPErs ad welcome to another fine Sunday. So today is International Orangutan Day...these beautiful primates are super endagered due to their forests being chopped down to grow palm trees for the palm oil industry... now in Aus, the land I love so well and where everything is shortened Orangutans are nown as rangas and so are red heads.. So just for today, to save the rangas of the world, say NO to Palm Oil.... oh and watch those clint eastwood movies with Clive in them. NOPE ... cos I'd rather poke both my eyes out Topic of the day: Sunday Slang Fest

NOPE!

The days just aren't passing fast enough and the problems that I drown with my smoking seem to be so much more exacerbated! My mind is trying to tell me that I coped because I smoked but I know that isn't accurate. I keep thinking of that first cigarette in my life and how many long years I smoked. Then I think that it is too late for me - I smoked way too long. Then again, that is what brought me here hoping that this is my last stop chance to quit. Right now I am feeling depressed because I'm not smoking but I felt depressed when I was smoking. I keep reading the posts to see when that craving will go away and it does seem to be a long journey. Then I begin to think the journey is too long for me. I know I am rambling but I know it is better than smoking. ?

Well Blur. You and I can support each other and do it together. This is a great place for you to be. There is a lot of great info and friendship.

@Linda Thomas Today I decided and have quit. There is nothing back there worth your time, your health, your money, or even your toughts. I just want you to know that you are great, I wish I was on my 18-19th day of being free right now, I admire your progress and your determination, and I get inspired by you and other people that made it so far, it shows me that it is possible and I can be like you too. Fight some minutes, hours or even days, and be free for the rest of them.

NOPE !!!!

NOPE! ?

You don't have one good reason to smoke. Not ONE. You can power through any crave because you are not a smoker anymore. Read, Scream, Dance Do anything but smoke. You don't have one good reason to blow your quit. Celebrate your 18/19 days...reward yourself ! You quit smoking ! That is awesome, Linda!

Thats what its about here, being honest and sharing your experience so that if another member or lurker notices a similarity they can get help. We as humans sometimes spiral, substance abuse most not all is when people start to self medicate from a difficult life or a tough situation. When we feel or get anxiety or depressed we use our goto to treat it in my case it was alcohol. I saw Dr's, lawyers big shot Corp people to your average worker when i was in those two meetings. What would happen if you found out your other half was having an affair? What would happen if a loved one was terminally ill? What would happen if you were on the verge of a financial crisis? You can blow your sobriety / quit if you're not strong enough mentally and just because one person is able to do it and stay sober or maintain their quit some people may not be and fall off. The one thing that i noticed is that smoking cigarettes(the drug) hasn't ruined relationships the way that drugs or alcohol does but its bad in its own way as it ruins our health in many ways

Hi and welcome Blur..... You certainly do belong here... Congratulations on making the great decision to taking your life back...OK..let's get you started. On our main board of discussions..you will find tons of information.... Watch all Joels videos...they cover most of the subjects ,you will find helpful... Read Allen Carr the Easy way..on line...this book has helped millions quit... We are a friendly bunch here...who will support you all the way along your journey... We have a daily NOPE thread...a great place to start also...it's a promise to yourself ,not to smoke that day.. Stay close ,post often.. You can do it... Looking forward to getting to know you better...

Hope your still hanging in... you are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for... it seems like you one of us who has a hell week for week three.... week 3 was when I googled forums to see if it was normal I felt like it was not improving or even getting worse and found a support group... and you know what its normal for some. There is no making moment when it all stops and its done.... but there is a moment and it comes slowly.... so another quitter here posted in their SOS to themselves... "you had anxiety when you smoked.... if you smoke noe its not going to make the anxiety any better... and it wont... same goes for depression.... you had it before when you smoked, smoking isn't going to make it better or go away... its going to make it worse because you have come so far and you don't want to throw that away... I'm tipping its been a rough weekend, after a rough week with the parental units.... deep breath, hold, and out.... when you breath in think about all the wonderful things in your life... you hubby, your son, your fur babies... hold those precious things then when you breath out think about the anxiety, the depression and the horrible things leaving your body.... then repeat... it helps, it really does... its not going to get rid of the memories or the anxiety but it will centre and calm you you.. 1. You don't want to smoke, because you posted here. 2. You have already kicked the physical addiction, gone, because you are just that frickin good. 3. You are working on the emotional and psychological addicition and the motor memory habits. a) this takes longer because the nicotine has re-wired your brain and you need to give it time to re-route and learn all the right synapses and responses b) the habit/muscle memory side of things takes a bit longer than detoxing the stuff out of your system. 4. You can do this. Its just for today, you pledged NOPE for today... so ride it out, its not that much longer. OK... sometimes it helps to sleep through these days... or at least for a few hours, if you don't do sleeping tablets you could have a night time could and flu tablet... it will relax you enough to ease some of the angst... but only do this if you have had them before without issue and you know they don't interact with any other medications. Post here 1000 times if you need... we would love for you to do that and not smoke.

The crave will pass Linda, eat whatever junk food your body is craving. You can worry about the weight later. Let your body dictate what it needs to try to fix all the bad we did by smoking. If you're hungry, eat. Tired, sleep. Etc.... You got this girl, 19 days quit is AWESOME!

NOPE!

Welcome aboard Blur. Some people do well with a detailed plan, but it is not a prerequisite for a successful quit. For instance: I spent a fair amount of time planning ahead about how I would handle being around other people that still smoke. After I quit, I wasn't bothered by being around other people smoking. It really had no effect on me whatsoever. There are many variables at play when quitting and often you don't know what to expect until you actually begin the process. Move the big rocks first. Take time to educate yourself about nicotine addiction and the truth about cigarettes. There will be times when you feel like smoking a cigarette, look into some coping mechanisms for those moments. Deep breathing exercises and physical exercise worked well for many of us and there are many other options to choose from. Above all, commit 100% to taking back your freedom and health. A steadfast resolve will allow you to sort it out as you go and take whatever the process offers up. Absolutely. Enjoy the ride.

Linda -- as they say "It is never too late to quit" and for me that is the truth, after 44 years I have got myself to this point. Do not let that type of thinking get in your way, conquer then celebrate. The cravings will get less intense and less frequent, just let yourself know that you can get through the craving and keep doing what your are doing --- coming here and vocalizing the difficulties you are having, it is showing that you really want to get through this and we will do what we can to help you on this journey.

Blur, all above have covered the process pretty well. I too did not have a real plan, I just came to the conclusion that not only did I need to quit -- I really wanted to quit. Coming to this forum has helped greatly -- the articles to educate yourself, the videos, and then there are the people, all truly helped me get to this point. Just make the decision to leap and we will be here to help you along the way.

Gday NOPE for me C

This is my favourite facepaint I did... it was for a competition and the theme was "Out of The Ashes"... so its obvious what its about....

It is possible. I was a serial quitter too. I would quit for 3/7 days and smoke again. So many times its ridiculous. Then i did it, i quit. So get on the train and lets do this.

Simply put, once an addict, always an addict. You get used to dealing with cravings. After all, it always goes away. Always…

Welcome to QuitTrain, Blur. I can relate to what you are saying about having had multiple failed attempts to quit smoking. I had a lot of short quits as well and grew very discouraged. What finally worked for me was joining and getting involved in a quit smoking forum like this one. I received a lot of support as well as knowledge about the addiction. Getting involved in a place like this is also a great way to hold yourself accountable in keeping your quit as well. Allen Carr really helped me but different things work for different people. Reading about others' experiences in quitting can really help give you insight and help you prepare for what you might go through. I don't think I really had a plan. I just read as much as I could about nicotine addiction in order to understand what I was trying to overcome, sought the support of others, and did what I could do to help others in return. A key moment for me was accepting that there really is nothing positive at all that comes from smoking. It is all negative. I was not giving up anything positive at all. I was actually making big steps towards living a better life by leaving smoking behind. Please feel welcome here. Everyone here has gone through what you are currently experiencing and we are here to help.

Hi Blur, Welcome, and just because your still smoking for now doesn't mean you don't belong here. I didn't really have a quit plan to start and it depends how you plan to quit. In the end I had a plan to get of NRT gum which I used to help me in the early stages but the key with any plan is to be flexible. I am the sort of person who a rigid plan makes me doomed to fail, I need to be able to have a bit of give and take in any plan of attack. Doreen gave you the perfect advice. Read or even listen to via You Tube the Alan Carr book. You start this while you are still smoking... it will really help you.

Then I think that it is toolate for me - I smoked way too long. Then again, that is what brought me here hoping that this is my last stop chance to quit.  It NEVER too late...I'm living proof of that...I smoked 52 years..... You would be so angry with yourself if you smoked...I've seen it so many times... You have had great advice..... The only way it will get better is to fight the battles...and I can promise you FREEDOM..is so worth the war.... Go back to the main board and read all the stuff you can...put more tools in your tool box.... Come on Linda...we are all rooting for you....you stay strong.... Post alot ...pledge....sing,shout,scream,....just don't smoke !!!!

Edited to say it would not let me take the jillar quote box off, but I'm sure the sentiment would be the same

I was addicted to alcohol for a few years, it sucked. I was a pack a day smoker but i was a drinker and i was fairly new to heavy drinking. You sweat it out the first few days after quitting drinking also you get the shakes. You can smell the alcohol in your sweat its crazy when you detox, i drank for a lil over two years everyday straight. Knowing your limit is the trick with drinking but i had issues so it was easy to say **** it and get drunk. I know people who have had addictions to pills, H(they goto H as its cheap or when the dr wont give them a script for the pills and perks are what they like) and blow . All pretty much suck but the one thing i'll tell you is in a AA meeting they all smoke and say its my only vice. I went to a few meetings to see how it was and alot of them have battled that addiction . You can tell by the look on the people( they age rapidly/have that look like they went thru a war or something)

I think it all comes down to that vicious dopamine cycle and what pathways are created by the drug. I've read that some drugs change the survival part of your brain creating false instincts that can over ride your primal need for survival...thus causing people to abuse use knowing they could die. As for the cravings, I think a def yes on that...I mean, our brain loves dopamine and short cuts and if we've created false pathways in our brain "to feel good is to abuse drugs" then we will constantly seek out this source of pleasure. I've never used heavy drugs, or had a underwear sniffing problem. I've smoked a fair share of weed, I drank heavily in my late 20's, but easy to give up once I started having kids so my knowledge is also limited.

Watching the movie Coco for the 147th time, it's currently THE bedtime movie...also waiting on hubby to come home from work so we can sit on the porch and kiss each other in the rain?

Welcome aboard niecie. All here are pretty good people though it can get strange at times.