Q for those who've quit smoking successfully

[stringer belle]

it's only been about 2 and a half months since i've stopped smoking, but i'm starting to get nervous because overall it's been much easier than i imagined it would be. sure i have my moments, but i've realized that most of the time, i barely even think of cigarettes at all.. i dunno, i keep thinking i'm gonna be coasting along and get blindsided by some horrid urge to smoke again.. b/c it just seems a little TOO easy... is this going to get worse as time goes on, or would you say i've gotten over the worst of it already?

oh, btw i smoked for about 15 years before quitting, and went cold turkey.

thanks in advance for any feedback, even if it's "cool yer jets and give it some time before you start thinking it's sooo easy", etc.

[historyteach]

Congratulations on 2 1/2 months!!!
I personally had more trouble than you, but, I was in the middle of a stress leave when I quit, so, I was totally stressed to begin with, lol! What a way to start, huh? But, it's now been One year, four months, one week, five days, 8 hours, 38 minutes and 42 seconds without cigarettes. That's 19894 cigarettes not smoked, saving $5,470.50. Life saved: 9 weeks, 6 days, 1 hour, 50 minutes.

Anyway, I would enjoy the ease and just keep in mind that this addiction, like every other, is kept at bay just one day at a time. We could pick up at any time. We could be triggered at any time. So, keep an eye out for the sneak attack. I still to this day, occassionally reach for my pack of cigarettes out of the blue. Obviously, there was some trigger, but, I cannot always identify it. So, I accept that it is what it is and let it go WITHOUT picking up!

I wish you the best. Remember to keep the quit and post before you puff!

Shalom!

[sun daisy]

I too thought the same thing. But it has been 1 year,10months, 3 weeks, 1 day. Plus at least 12 weeks added to my life. Told the kids that means I will be here longer to bug them, or at least enjoy the grandkids. Some times I still get the urge, but I just keep the good thoughts. With some of the stress lately, I'm surprised that I haven't started but then I think that I dont want to go through the quitting again. In fact I'm quite proud of myself. Everyone here should be patting them selves on the back!!!! We have all done good.

[stringer belle]

Originally Posted by historyteach

Congratulations on 2 1/2 months!!!
I personally had more trouble than you, but, I was in the middle of a stress leave when I quit, so, I was totally stressed to begin with, lol! What a way to start, huh? But, it's now been One year, four months, one week, five days, 8 hours, 38 minutes and 42 seconds without cigarettes. That's 19894 cigarettes not smoked, saving $5,470.50. Life saved: 9 weeks, 6 days, 1 hour, 50 minutes.

Anyway, I would enjoy the ease and just keep in mind that this addiction, like every other, is kept at bay just one day at a time. We could pick up at any time. We could be triggered at any time. So, keep an eye out for the sneak attack. I still to this day, occassionally reach for my pack of cigarettes out of the blue. Obviously, there was some trigger, but, I cannot always identify it. So, I accept that it is what it is and let it go WITHOUT picking up!

I wish you the best. Remember to keep the quit and post before you puff!

Shalom!

thanks for the feedback (sun daisy, too).

i stopped smoking roughly a year after "quitting" drinking.. the drinking was also not as hard for me as it is for others, but i have issues with alcohol abuse, not alcoholism (in my opinion).. so my ongoing, every second of my life challenge is myself, and my addictive personality.. not one substance or drug per se. but meh, that's another story. i find it all interesting though, because i wonder if my addictions are easier to stop because they are ever-shifting, and nonspecific.

the smoking thing is forever, though.. i don't intend to "smoke socially", or anything like that.. ever. i'm just no longer a smoker. that's the way it's gonna be because that's how it's gotta be!

[jlo34]

Great going on 2 1/2 months. I had a really hard time the first few weeks and then gradually it began getting a bit easier. I think I've been pretty blessed this time for many reasons. A huge change for me has been turning my desires/urges/thoughts over to my HP. I also KNOW (not one doubt in my mind) that if I were to smoke even 1 puff of a cigarette, it would lead me right back to a cigarette, which would be followed by a pack, which would be followed by cartons. I've worked so hard....I'm not willing to give that up TODAY.

Today, that another one. I don't have to think about being a non-smoker for the rest of my life...that's too much for me to digest...but just for today, I choose to be a non-smoker...now that's managable.

Great going...keep it up. Remember to always be prepared for a sudden desire/urge or thought...they creep up sometimes really sneaky or very suddenly and overwhelming.

Blessings,
Jen

My name is Jen, and I am a nicotine addict.
I have stopped nicotine for 1 year, 21 days, 23 hours, 12 minutes and 57 seconds (386 days).

I've not smoked 11609 death sticks, and saved $2,098.99.
I've saved 40 days, 7 hours and 25 minutes of my life.

[Raineydae]

i'm starting to get nervous because overall it's been much easier than i imagined it would be.

I thought exactly the same and now I have been smoke free for 17 months and 13 days.

Very occasionally a desire to smoke does occur. Usually they fall into 2 categories.
1. When I've been involved in verbal agression or a fight of some kind.
2. When I'm walking on my own or waiting somewhere on my own and I'm afraid (eg: after dark).

Luckily, I never seem to have a ciagrette on me at these times!

Well done for 2½ months!

[Amanda_DeMack]

Stringer Belle? You a fan of HBO'S The Wire Too?

[stringer belle]

Originally Posted by Amanda_DeMack

Stringer Belle? You a fan of HBO'S The Wire Too?

yes, i absolutely LOVE "the wire"... it's a fantastic show for so many reasons.

It's easier than your brain tells you it is. Congrats on 2.5 months!