Hello guys

[Miscegene]

I started pretty young and have been smoking for more than a decade. The other day I received some pretty devastating news (related to immigration and whatnot) and decided to quit on a whim, for good this time.

I had been thinking about doing so for a good minute, but I always found some type of excuse, or “this is not a good time to do so”, but at the end of the day, life is crazy and there’s always going to be something.

I quit drinking around a year and a half ago, and I think that it helps tremendously with this process as well. I cannot imagine I’d be able to be successful with this process if I was still partaking.

Anyway, I am still very cautious and vigilant regarding cravings as it is very very early still. I went out last night and actually gave in, asked for a cigarette, and thankfully the person didn’t give it to me. I kind of took it as a sign and I’m very grateful he didn’t give it to me lol. Still, it is kind of hard to picture a life going out without nicotine, but it is what it is. If you have any tips about how to deal with that specific scenario, I’d greatly appreciate it.

I feel my body is purging from the nic, and I’m coughing pretty gnarly stuff. Hopefully that goes away.

That’s it! I just wanted to share

[Reciprocity]

Welcome to Quit Train @Miscegene! Quitting is the absolute best thing you can possibly do for yourself. I admire you for having quit drinking as well. That's not easy either I'm sure. Expect quitting the smokes to be as challenging or possibly even more so than quitting the drinks. This nicotine addiction is strong and at times your own addicted mind will be your worst enemy ... telling you all sorts of lies to get you back on the smokes again - don't listen!! It's the nicodemon trying to lure you back.

 

Quitting smoking is an ALL IN thing. You can't stick one toe in to test the water; nope! You must get rid of all smoking material and make an unbreakable commitment to never take another puff. - NOT ONE PUFF! If you are committed and in for the long haul, you'll make it. All of us here have either done so or are in the process of doing so. We don't have any special power that you don't have. We just stayed true to our commitment to quit - that's all.

 

There's lots of info on the site here that you should read. Videos too that are all about quitting and why you smoke in the first place.

 

Two tips to start with ... Keep yourself occupied even when you have to create something to do. Solitude and inactivity is your enemy. Keep your mind off smoking as best you can. Also; take it one day at a time! Don't look too far ahead because if you do things will seem overwhelming. If you cut it up to single days, then that will always seem doable; just one day! Start with The Daily Nope Pledge thread here on the board. Nope stands for Not One Puff Ever! We make that pledge each day just for that day!

 

Best wishes to you @Miscegene. Stick around on the board for support and information. It really does help to have the support of other quitters!

[Minnie Mouse]

Welcome!   All the things you learned from choosing to stop drinking & the tools you used also apply here.  With addictions, as you know, the "just one" doesn't exist.  One always leads to one more and then another and another.  You chose to quit smoking already so you don't need to decide whether you will smoke or not ever again.    Kick smoking thought(s) out of your head immediately each & every time replacing such negative self-talk with something positive of your choosing to fill the void (what 3-4 mantras/sayings will you repeatedly tell yourself instead?).  Some find straws, cinnamon toothpicks, hard candy etc. helpful in the early days.  

 

I'm a believer in lists so I could refer to them when my "lizard brain" was trying to tempt me back into the clutches of the Nic O. Demon.  One of the lists I made was all the reasons why I wanted to Be Quit.  Another list was of physical distraction activities I could use like taking a quickie walk, a few yoga movements, getting on the treadmill, meditation, etc.  I also kept track of the benefits I noticed I accrued from my Stay Quit (mental & emotional as well as physical).  I added to this list & referred to it often.  I also encourage you to make a list of your chosen rewards/treats you will earn for yourself at the different milestones throughout the first year leading up to the Grand One on your anniversary date from the $$$ you saved.  

 

Never doubt that you can Stay Quit no matter what angst you have to go through to get to the other side of active nicotine addiction.   Every bit of the strife is worth it.  YOU are worth it.   Best Wishes.

Edited Monday at 07:27 PM by Minnie Mouse

[SD2026]

Welcome @Miscegene and well done for making the decision to quit smoking!    You've already received excellent advice!

I do believe pledging NOPE every day will help you, a small thing but it can make a big difference! 

 

Good luck! 

[GonSo]

...a life going without nicotine...

That was one of my fears as well. But that is the addict in you. I am now close to 7 months quit and wanting to smoke does no longer occupy my houghts. Oh yes, it was in the beginning. Say no to that thought and keep yourself busy. You want to quit so smoking is no longer an option.

 

Life going without nicotine is healthier for your body, brain and wallet. Life going without nicotine is freedom as not having to plan for having enough stock nor for the next fix. Life without nicotine is making you feel so much better (no nasty cough, more air and no weezing, no stomach ache, no headache, etc.). Watch those improvements!!!

[DenaliBlues]

Nice to meet you @Miscegene! I started smoking very young, as well. As a child. So young that I didn’t really have an adult identity without smoking at the center of my life. Or so I thought! Turns out that, as a nonsmoker, I’m still thoroughly me… just less stinky! 

 

Anyway, quitting may be tough but the rewards are amazing… more money, more time, better health, etc. But the real gift is that one’s brain chemistry is no longer held hostage.

 

The early cravings can be rugged, but they are TEMPORARY. The gifts of quitting, on the other hand, go on and on and on…

 

Hang in there. You can do this!!

[Doreensfree]

Hello and welcome 

Congratulations in making a great choice in taking your life back 

I smoked got 52 years , starting at 11

It’s all in the mins set 

Make a solid decision never to make again 

We have tons of great information to get you up and running 

Stay close 

We will support you all the way to freedom 

[Christian99]

Welcome, Misc.  Quitting CAN be done:  I tell people that it turned out to be far more difficult that I thought it would be (and I think I had reasonable expectations), BUT/AND it was also far, far more transformative in a really profound, durable way.  Nearly 25 years later, I still draw on my quitting experiences and use the insights that I gained during the process to help me navigate the challenges of life.    

 

We know you can do it, friend--

 

Christian99

24+ Years Quit