Nicotine relapse

[eddie z.]

Yes, I confess. I've been smoking again for almost three weeks now. There was a chapter in my substance abuse textbook on tobacco and, irony of ironies, it triggered me! It made it sound so good that I thought I missed it. Now, I'm afraid I'm hooked again. I'm thinking of getting some more gum again.

I was entirely smoke-free for over six months and nicotine-free for the last several months. What a bummer! Now I know that it's all-or-nothing for me with the cigarettes just like with the drugs. I can't be a "social smoker" like I used to be. Anybody got any tips on "re-quitting?" Thanks!

Peace, love, and hugs,
Eddie

[Evanna]

Originally Posted by eddie z.

Yes, I confess. I've been smoking again for almost three weeks now. There was a chapter in my substance abuse textbook on tobacco and, irony of ironies, it triggered me! It made it sound so good that I thought I missed it. Now, I'm afraid I'm hooked again. I'm thinking of getting some more gum again.

Wow, you gotta laugh at the nature of our crafty addictions sometimes.

No useful re-quitting tips from me. But i do think you have a couple of real advantages now. Firstly you have obviously learnt a huge amount about what works for you to have come so far. Even more importantly, you know you can do it because you have been doing it. Perhaps try not to view it as starting over...more a carrying on quitting.

Get those gums and we'll carry on together.

Big hugs Evanna.

[eddie z.]

Thanks, Evanna! Is that what one says in Ireland, "gums?" I thought those were what held my teeth. :Lmao But I bet it's odd to you that I say "gum," isn't it? Oh, well...

When I have the money, I will get some gum/s. In the meantime, see my question on your thread. Talk to you later!

Love and s,
Eddie

[historyteach]

Eddie;
Sorry to hear about the slip. But, you had over 6 months smoke free!!! That's awesome!!!
I think the key is to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Now, I'm hardly one to talk, as I am still smoking. But, when I was smoke free, that is how I did it. Everyday, I did something for each part of my being. I actually got to the point where I didn't even think of ciggies when I went to the store! (That was a miracle, LOL!)
So, that is about the best I can offer right now. Get back on that horse, and use the tools you have gained through your program. Cuz, that is what is going to get you through it.
Oh, and try reading some of the quit tips posted too!
I wish you lots of luck in your recovery from nicotine addiction. Let us know how it's going, ok? And know I am praying for ya!
Shalom!

[eddie z.]

Originally Posted by historyteach

I actually got to the point where I didn't even think of ciggies when I went to the store!

I swear, I didn't think about smoking or miss it until I read that chapter on tobacco! I know it sounds like an alibi, but reading that textbook is what did me in.

Thanks, teach! I do plan to try again soon. I think I do need to get some gum, though. And I'll keep you all posted of course.

Peace, love, and hugs,
Eddie

[mikee]

I had to quit for good, because I got tired of the 'pains of withdrawing' everytime I tried to quit before, Good luck & keep trying.

[eddie z.]

I thought I HAD quit for good. Well, it was a GOOD six months. Thanks for your support!
Peace, love, etc.,
Eddie

[Evanna]

Originally Posted by eddie z.

Well, it was a GOOD six months.

Six months is bl**dy brilliant.

[wastedtime4me]

Jumpin in here as well..Since the title fits me as well~
I was doing so good at cutting back..Then the weekend came~sigh~
I get really bored on the weekend~I am trying again this am...
No gum/s...lol
no patches...Just trying to cut back for now~Man this is a bigger addiction than you realize when you first lite up~

[eddie z.]

Thanks, Evanna!

WT4M,
Inhalation delivers drugs to the brain even faster than IV injection. That's one reason smoking is SOOO addictive. I found it much easier to quit with the patches and gum. Best wishes!

Peace, love, and hugses,
Eddie

[Hopefloats]

Eddie....I quit for over 2 years and went back. It was around the time I found out about my AD being an addict. I know many things can be our trigger..stress..or just that thought about HOW it made us feel better.

The only thing I can suggest is to write down all the reasons that you quit...post them ON your refrigerator, and just don't be hard on yourself for this. We eventually get it right when we keep at it. I am "newly" quit again:>) I will offer as much support as I can.

I get my gum new from ebay at a HUGE discount. They sell the patches there too!!!!!!!

Best of luck...and you will be OKAY!!!!!!!!!
HOPEfloats

[eddie z.]

Thanks, Hope! I did get some gum today! Now what? LOL. I'll probably alternate with actual cigs for a day or two, then go to just the gum. Thanks again. Peace, love, and hugs, Eddie :tongue2:

[Evanna]

Woohoo. You got the gum! Well done that Ez.

[Hopefloats]

No Eddie..LOLLOL You can't alternate with the gum and cigs....LOL OK you CAN.....
Seriously...don't chew the gum and smoke at the same time okay...that can make you sick. LISTEN to me, I giving a class here!! LOL
Let me know how you do...you can alternate and then go right to the gum. We all have a different way that works for us.

I HAD to have crossword puzzles and a pen on me at ALL times:>)

BEST of luck and let me know!!!!
(((Hugs))))
HOPEfloats

[eddie z.]

Originally Posted by Hopefloats

No Eddie..LOLLOL You can't alternate with the gum and cigs....LOL OK you CAN.....
Seriously...don't chew the gum and smoke at the same time okay...that can make you sick.

LOL. I had such a tolerance for nicotine when I quit before that I could be caught wearing a patch, chewing the gum, and smoking a cigarette all at once...without getting sick. I, as a pharmacist, could pretty well calculate what I could handle. I don't advocate this for anyone, because it's true you can OD on the nicotine.

I've chewed a few pieces of the gum over the last day or two, but I really need to make more of an effort not to smoke so much. I'm using the lower strength gum (2mg). Maybe tonight will go better than last night when I was basically chain smoking again. Something about sitting in front of the computer...

How are you all doing?
Love and hugs, Eddie

[Evanna]

Hi Eddie.

Feels a little harder right now. Think it is the Xmas thing really. Bit stressful and throws up a lot of family stuff. But still here and still doing it.

How's life for you?

[eddie z.]

(((((Evanna))))),
I'm smoking alot and hardly chewing any of the gum. Not too good. Hmm...still not feeling very verbal. I'll just wish you well for now. More later...

Peace, love, and hugs,
Eddie

[indigo]

Well if it's time to confess so will I....I gave up smoking for over 10 years...after the near death of a dear friend...when my oldest son started to use again yes you guessed it I picked up a cigarette again and I have been rolling again now for over a year...how's that for crazy...I don't blame my son I put the cigarette into my own mouth and lit it. For me this time of year brings up bad memories, saying that I am determined not to smoke in 2005.....to be continued..................

keep on stopping Eddie you can do it sis.

love indigo xx

[eddie z.]

XXXOOO(((((Indigo)))))OOOXXX,

Thank you, Annie! Ten years! That's great. Now you know YOU can do it, too. Maybe we can buddy up in the New Year. I'm still like unto a chimney although I have the gum sitting in the kitchen. I've only been chewing it when I hang out with my mom and I can't smoke. Pathetic!

Hmmm...where did Evanna get to?
Hope you're having a wonderful holiday!
Peace, love, hugs, and joy,
Eddie

[mooselips]

Hiya Eddie,
Ya know, I think this stopping smoking just takes practice.
I quit August 23rd, and I'm still quit, but this is my FOURTH try.
I very seldom think of ciggies anymore. Maybe just once in a great while,but, I seem to have forgotten I smoke.
AND let me tell you, I use to LOVE to smoke, so how sick is that?

Me and Mr. Moose are retiring soon, and I want to live for a few more years, so I know those ciggies had to go, let alone the cost of them, Jeez.

You can do this Eddie, just set another date and go for it.


Hugs, and fresh breath.....

[eddie z.]

Thanks, Ms. Moose! 'Preciate the support! I'll probably try again at New Year's. I'm already suffering the effects of the smoking—sore throat, sinus drainage, etc. I'm hoping it won't be too tough this time around.

Peace, love, and hugs,
Eddie

[Hopefloats]

Just me checking in...I have not done well either. Got the gum..and I guess I am just not ready..BUT I know it needs to be done. Maybe we can buddy UP here and get going:>) What an evil drug nicotine is!!!!!! I will keep you posted.
HI EDDIE!!! How is it going..??

((((hugs)))))
Hopefloats

[eddie z.]

(((((Hope))))),
I'm great except for the smoking and my weight. It's not so much the nicotine as it is the smoking aspect of it. Smoking is THE MOST addictive way to use any drug. This is why smoking crack is more addictive than snorting powder cocaine. But I'm intellectualizing as usual.

Yeah, maybe we could buddy up, but I, like you, just don't feel ready, you know? I guess I haven't "hit bottom" with the cigarettes yet or something. The gum sits on the kitchen counter, yet I want a CIGARETTE! Several times lately I've sat up almost all night on the computer chain smoking.

Maybe by New Year's, huh?
Peace, love, and hugs,
Eddie

[Hopefloats]

Hey Eddie..What is that about the computer and smoking!!!! WOW me too.....I have been there for sure. I know we need to be ready. That IS very important. WE need to do the psycological thing and get prepared. I think about quitting before and with the gum it WAS a breeze, so that tells me that I am not quite there yet. Let's stay in touch...I know we can be very supportive to one another......WHEN we are ready!!! LOL
(((hugs)))
Hopefloats

[eddie z.]

Okey-dokey!
—EZ