6 months but want to smoke

[lizw]

I haven't had a cig for 6 months now but over the last month or so there's at least a couple of times a day when I think, gee a smoke would be good. My health hasn't been that good lately and I have serious health problems so I wondered if it is in reaction to that.

But has anyone else had the same experience? Compared to a lot of x smokers I know, I am slightly different as I found it easy to give up but am struggling to stay that way at the moment. Right now it's like the further I am away from my last smoke the closer I am to my next. (That's an AA expression about drinking too.)

[sailorjohn]

Yeah, Liz, have made it to that mark on a few occasions.

Where I failed, I gave into those urges.

Kinda like an alcoholic, I convinced myself I could have just one, and of course it didn't work that way.

The feeling will pass. Don't give into it.

[KOOKS]

Liz, I have been there too many times.

A few days ago I thought I needed a cig or a drink. I'm coming up for 6 months smokefree and about 19 months sobriety.

I'm sorry you have health problems but think how much worse your health will be if you smoke again.

Sailorjohn is right.....the feeling will pass.

[Kablume]

6 mos. is still new in smobriety so it is not unusual to be thinking about a cig now and then, even craving one. There is a pretty good website Quit Smoking | Quit Smoking Support | Smoking Cessation that I found helpful that will email you everyday if you would like. They give good ideas on how to keep your hands busy, etc.

You have to find something(s) to replace the habit you had for awhile. Or at least do something distracting during those few moments when a craving or desire hits. Hope I said anything that may have helped. Good luck on your continued journey of not smoking.

By the grace of God, I have been smober for 2 years and 2 mos.

[SeekSobriety]

Stay strong you can do this!! if you need some inspiration about why ou don't want to return to smoking you can watch the horrific video "thanks tobbacco you killed my mom" it will shock you back into reality of the danger and severity of the addiction.

For a gentler approach Joel at why qui discusses this very issue and here is a quote "So today, if you find yourself desiring a cigarette, look around you and see why at this particular time and place a cigarette is on your mind.* Once you understand that the desire is being triggered by some reaction to an insignificant event, you can just say "no" to the cigarette without further problem. *All you need to do is understand what triggered the thought.* The urge will pass. *The next time you encounter a similar situation you will not even think of a cigarette.* You will have learned how to face another experience as an ex-smoker.

Quitting smoking is a learning experience. *Every time you overcome an urge you will have overcome another obstacle that threatened your status as an ex-smoker.* As time goes by, you will run out of obstacles and you can comfortably go through life a happier and healthier person. *All you need to remember and practice to stay an ex-smoker is - NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF."
Joel's Library - 'You said quitting would get better!'

For more info on relapse prevention. Check out Relapse Prevention, by Joel Spitzer

also I highly highly recommed getting to a nicotine anonymous meeting asap and sharing about how you are feeling it is great as well as this forum.