DenaliBlues

bees make honey

rake

mouse maze

How’s it going @SD2026? It’s great to have you with us - participating in the daily NOPE pledge, the games, and other posts. Over time, we see that active forum participants tend to have the most successful quits, so it’s great that you’re involved from the start! I, too, used NRT (patches and gum) temporarily to stabilize my initial quit. It helped me build some “quitting muscles” before I then went cold turkey. Everybody’s experience is unique, so let us know how this first week is progressing for you. We’re here to help!

NOPE

Welcome aboard @mm34. We’re glad you are here! The initial withdrawal sucks, no two ways about it. But if you can make it through the first nasty stretch, it gets better. I promise! I 100% agree with what others have said about how rationing your smokes ironically extends and intensifies your withdrawal, preventing you from getting past it. Cutting back just doesn’t work for most people. Your brain has become addicted to nicotine, and right now it is throwing a big ol’ tantrum about being denied its fix. When you first quit, the cravings will be intense and you may feel very edgy and miserable for a while. Stay strong in your commitment to quitting - this phase passes. Until then, read all you can about addiction. And remember that cravings are not commands - they are just loud obnoxious commercials for junk you don’t wanna buy. Change the channel! Stay busy and distracted. And when you feel the strain, post here on the Train. We’re here to help!

Congrats @Bassman! An inspiring achievement. Rock on!

Need nicotine? Nope! Nevah!

Zero

Entrepreneur

Quahog Clams

leader board

lacks

messed up

Xenophobes

Mourns a loss

Yoohoo

NOPE

NOPE

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NOPE

Love this positive reinforcement, @Rockangel! The other thing I do when I hear the siren song of temptation is to review the list of lies that our addict brains use to trick us into thinking that smoking is okay. Whoppers like, "Just one won't hurt..." or "I'm only hurting myself..." John Polito wrote a great essay about them. Excerpts here: