December 28, 201411 yr Hi all, Just thought I would introduce myself to the forum. I have been quit since 11/7/14. Almost 2 months now and I feel great! I tried my first cigarette right before my 18th birthday. I became a regular every day smoker by the time I was 19. I averaged around 5 to 10 cigs a day. Then, I "quit" at 24. However, this was only for a couple months. Even during these months I chewed the gum and even tried an e cig for a while. I now realize this was not a real quit. I still wanted to smoke, which is why I had the e cig. Eventually, I gave in to smoking the occasional cigar. I mean hey, what’s a puff with a nice stout brew? And I mean, cigars are different than cigarettes, right? I don't need to smoke a cigar every hour, right? Wrong. I told myself stuff like this often. I started smoking a cigar every day, even without the beer. I then even started smoking cigarettes whenever around friends. I mean, I wasn't buying them, so I was not a “real smoker,” whatever that means. This is what I would tell myself. After Halloween this year, I got very sick with one of the worst colds I can remember. I had gunk all in my chest, throat, and nose and could not breathe without hacking up a lung. I was feeling so bad I didn't smoke. Not a cigarette, cigar, e cig, or anything. I used this as a launch pad for my quit. Haven't had any nicotine whatsoever starting 11/7/14. Getting sick was one of the best things to happen to me this year. I guess what I am trying to express, is that for me it was not even specifically cigarettes. It was nicotine. It can sneak up on you in many forms. Going cold turkey has proved to be the best method for me by far. It is like ripping a band aid right off. This site has helped me a lot. I have read through so many good threads here that have helped solidify my decision to not smoke. For instance, now I know there is no such thing as "just one smoke.” I have learned about romancing smoking, which I did frequently during my last “quit.” I have learned about how what I am suffering from is an addiction, plain and simple. I used to not think of it as seriously. I now know I am an addict, and I can never touch the stuff (nicotine) again. I have learned and realized that I am losing nothing. My anxiety has actually been reduced since I have ceased to use nicotine. I don't have to worry about when the next opportunity to feed my addiction will occur. It is very liberating. Learning about the nature of nicotine and how you put yourself in a perpetual state of withdrawal put it into perspective for me. I realize that my nicotine monster will never be satiated, so there is literally no point in smoking. After one smoke I will want another, then another, then another, etc. It would be like continually eating a food that just makes you hungry. It doesn’t make any sense. Thanks to everyone here. I seriously learned most of this stuff from reading this forum. I usually lurk, but I thought I would pop in to express my gratitude and share my experience. Being a nonsmoker is wonderful, and is actually pretty easy when you educate yourself about nicotine addiction. I have the occasional urge now, but it is fleeting and easy to ignore. I will not let the nicotine monster defeat me! I am now 26, and looking forward to living a longer smoke free life.
December 28, 201411 yr Hi and welcome aboard....so glad you are here.... You have already a great quit.... Lurking is great....but actually being a part of this wonderful place....makes for a stronger quit.... We will support you one hundred per cent.... There is always someone here ,if you need help... Well done...for taking that first all important step... Xxxx
December 28, 201411 yr Welcome, Yoshimi! Nice to meet you and thanks for sharing your story. At 26 years old and if you never take another puff, it's unlikely that you'll have any ill effects as you get older. In other words, any damage will likely be reversed. I wish I had the knowledge that you do when I was 26. :)
December 28, 201411 yr Hello and welcome :) What a fabulous thing to do at such a young age of 26! Brilliant in fact. So pleased that you have more sense than I did at that age and it's lovely to cyber meet you.
December 28, 201411 yr Yoshimi, awesome job! I too recently discovered only cold turkey was the only way to do it right. I'd love to see more of you around on the forums
December 28, 201411 yr Welcome Yoshimi! I can tell you a lot of us here wish we had the smarts to quit at your age.
December 28, 201411 yr Welcome Yoshimi..I sent a private message earlier welcoming you to the forum..as I said then, stay connected..as you have already learned, the info and support this place offers is invaluable! congrats on your 2 months..even though a few trials still lie ahead, the nicotine is out of your system, and now its just a mental game... one day at a time!.. Welcome aboard!
December 28, 201411 yr Author Thanks for the warm welcome! I would not know as much as I do if it were not for reading many wonderful posts/threads over the past few weeks. With this forum's help I am confident that I can remain free of nicotine. Hopefully I can contribute to the forum and help others in the future too.
December 28, 201411 yr Welcome, Yoshimi! Congratulations on your quit, and happy you decided to join us.
December 28, 201411 yr What a fantastic first post! Welcome to the QT and congratulations on your 2 month quit!
December 28, 201411 yr Welcome Yoshimi! Just wish I had been as smart at the age of 26! Wonderful first post!
December 28, 201411 yr How wonderful to hear of someone quitting so young. How smart you are! You'll never regret it! Welcome!
December 28, 201411 yr Pleased to hear the site helped you but honestly, more pleased to share our journey together now. Welcome :) x
December 28, 201411 yr Thanks for the warm welcome! I would not know as much as I do if it were not for reading many wonderful posts/threads over the past few weeks. With this forum's help I am confident that I can remain free of nicotine. Hopefully I can contribute to the forum and help others in the future too. Hi Yoshimi - welcome and congrats on that wonderful quit you have going . Love your introduction and am looking forward to your contributions in the future ... Oh and you should be confident - it is clear that you have got this !
December 28, 201411 yr Welcome aboard Yoshi - glad you came out of hiding - congrats on taking back 2 months of your life!
December 29, 201411 yr Welcome Yoshimi! It sounds like you've got this quit going strong. Glad you decided to post and introduce yourself. If we can help, just let us know. :)
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