I think I'm ready - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

unspun · 11-13-2005, 02:23 PM

I've come to enjoy and love the members here at SR , You guys have helped me in other areas of my life, so I figure I can get the same help to get....SMOBER....(this is the first day I've ever heard that). Any experience would be greatly appreciated.......This morning I woke up with only 4 cigs left, I have tried to stop before, but always go back. and I have this addictive personality where I don't just buy one pack.....it's straight to the discount store for a carton. Anyways, I just smoked the last one in my pack, and don't want to go to that discount store!!!...........

Serenity_Seeker · 11-13-2005, 03:35 PM

Great decision!
You know, everyone has things to pass on, to help you make it through...

one hour, at a time
one night at a time
one day at a time
one week at a time.....you get the idea!

I smoked for 40 years, started when I was 15 years old...I am close to the start of, 6 years, being a non-smoker. My message may sound harsh, but.....

The only thing, I can relay to you is...it will be very difficult,
but if you want to quit, you can.

The next bit of advice, at least in my case, I knew that if I smoked (or worse yet, sneaked and smoked), even 1 cig. or bought 1 more pack, after deciding this is the time to quit.... I may as well continue smoking.

I would have just put it off, for a later time, and not put my self through the misery, for 1 hour, 1 night, 1 day, 1 week....

if I was not going to really quit.

TnLark · 11-19-2005, 12:26 AM

That's how I quit. One night I had 6 ciggs left. I was too lazy to go to the store so I decided that I would quit. I forced myself to smoke those 6 that night before I went to bed so that I wouldn't have one in the morning. That night was April 27, 2005. Over 6 months nicotine-free.

I see your post was several days ago. Are you still smober?

11-19-2005, 03:55 AM

Wow!!
Six years. Six months. This is so inspiring.

Thank you for sharing.

hugs,
shammy

unspun · 11-23-2005, 07:11 AM

Man......I fell off. I won't justify my slip up......done too much justifying in the past. All i can do is look ahead. The aftermath of the run to cigarretes cheaper is almost gone. 7 left............

**margo** · 11-23-2005, 10:31 AM

Hi Unspunanddone - the key to becoming a nonsmoker is to just keep trying when you slip up. It's hard to quit, you'll go through some rough times, but it won't kill you - continuing to smoke may. Take a look through the sticky posts up top - there's some good info there on the quitting process, dealing with cravings, stress, etc. Find your motivation to quit - everyone has at least one major reason for quitting - and when the cravings to light up begin, try to remember all the reasons why you want to do this. Cravings come and go, and no matter how powerful, they pass. Try not to entertain thoughts of just one - in the past "just one" has turned into months, sometimes years more smoking before I got back on the wagon. It's not always as difficult as it is in the beginning, it really does get better, so hang in there - you can do it!

Muggy · 11-24-2005, 09:18 AM

I quit in May. Well I should say my belief system about quitting changed. I had a chat with my Higher Power and figured out that the universe would not want me to smoke. So, knowing that the physical addiction is over in 36 hours and the rest is a mind game; I asked HP to make quitting easy. I said to myself, everytime the urge to smoke came up... "you said this would be easy". And it was. I have not wanted a cigarette for more than the few seconds since May and haven't had to make that 10pm drive to the corner store since.
I smoked for about 30 years, and tried quitting numerous times - likely every year for the previous 20. I am a person addicted to everything - recovering alcoholic, addicted to shoes, computer solitaire, shopping, relationships, work, procrastination...So, I don't know why - but this worked for me.

Nyte Byrd · 11-25-2005, 05:32 PM

I have been sober now for 18 years. Heroin was my drug of choice and also an ex-methadone zombie. I am not really afraid of any withdrawal effects and if I do choose to stop smoking, I do not plan to use any nicotine substance as a substitute. I think the idea is to get the nicotine OUT of one's system as fast as possible rather than put in IN. But maybe that method works better for some.

I know right now all I want do is 'want' to stop and I know that is not gonna cut the mustard. But it is nice to know there is a support group here for that issue also. I suppose IF I ever am really and sincerely honest about it, I would do what worked for me in the program. One day at a time.

Maybe one day I will be ready to make that decision. My only experience in attempting to stop was some years ago. Hypnotism did not work and the last time I really tried, I snuck one cigarette in the morning while walking the dog, but went through the rest of the day with only two more before I went to bed. Thought I had it licked. But by the next day, I was back where I began, a pack or more a day. And in hindsight I can tell you where I blew it.
It wasn't the two that followed later. It was that first one I had when I walked the dog. It's true what they say, that it's the front car of the train that kills ya, not the caboose!

Good luck to you. Maybe I'll see ya down the road aways cause I know I will need all the support I can get. To be honest with you, I would recommend any available or affordable live support cessation group through perhaps a medical facility that may offer it or Smokers Anonymous meetings IF you can find one in your area.

unspun · 11-27-2005, 01:28 PM

It's 12:30.....I haven't had one all day long!!! It feels like my head is gonna explode, teeth grinding, cracking my knuckles......but it's already 12:30!!!!the day is almost half way over....I can do it!!!!!

grumpy_b05 · 11-27-2005, 01:41 PM

You can do it! I am proud of you for getting this far, keep pushing!

Grumpy

unspun · 11-27-2005, 03:05 PM

2:00......I wanna throw something that will break!!!......omly need to last 20 more minutes then I'm on the road

unspun · 11-28-2005, 07:20 AM

Day 2, Day 2

I got up and didn't even want one

Roxy88 · 11-28-2005, 09:09 AM

Congrats on day 2 Unspun... Keep on You can do it!!!

I am on day 3, sometimes it's tough but I keep telling myself wether I have one or not the craving will go away!!! It has worked for me so far

Roxy

I have been quit for 2 Days, 21 hours, 44 minutes and 31 seconds (2 days). I have saved $24.69 by not smoking 72 cigarettes. I have saved 6 hours of my life. My Quit Date: 25/11/2005 11:30pm

unspun · 11-28-2005, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxy88

I have been quit for 2 Days, 21 hours, 44 minutes and 31 seconds (2 days). I have saved $24.69 by not smoking 72 cigarettes. I have saved 6 hours of my life. My Quit Date: 25/11/2005 11:30pm

alright!!!.....how'd you calculate all that????.....that's way cool!!

Roxy88 · 11-28-2005, 10:40 AM

Erratic posted it on my thread (day one) here is the link http://www.dedicateddesigns.com/qk/

I realized that it is wrong I have only been quit for 2 days and about 11 hours, I am trying to figure out how to change the time zone.

Roxy

unspun · 11-28-2005, 11:35 AM

1 Day 10 Hours 35 Min 42 Sec

Saved 21 Cig.

Saved $5.41

Saved 1 Hour 45 Min Of My Life

Roxy88 · 11-28-2005, 01:01 PM

My Smober Time:
Two days, 13 hours, 9 minutes and 32 seconds. 63 cigarettes not smoked, saving $21.66. Life saved: 5 hours, 15 minutes.

Justme57 · 11-28-2005, 01:36 PM

Well, at last I am willing to post on the Nicotine thread !

Like a couple of posters here, I have 4 ciggies left, and have decided to try and stop! i am 2 years sober from Alcahol, so surely I can try this

I will need all the help you guys have to offer

HUGX
Lee

Roxy88 · 11-28-2005, 03:22 PM

Hi Justme, Welcome

My advice would be to check ou the sticky's at the top, there are some awesome links and the countdown one that Margo posted is really good too. Are you going cold turkey or do you plan to use NRT (nicotine replacement therapy)?

I am on Zyban and using the inhaler. I don't know what the Zyban is doing for me except really wierd dreams but the inhaler is really helping. If you are in the US I've heard you need a prescription for the inhaler and that it's expensive. Here in Canada you can get it off the shelf. The patch has worked for many also. There is also the gum.

Keep us posted on how you are doing

Roxy

unspun · 11-29-2005, 07:17 AM

DAY 3 , DAY 3

**historyteach** · 11-29-2005, 07:31 AM

I have been quit for 3 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds (0 days). I have saved $1.59 by not smoking 5 cigarettes. I have saved 25 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 11/29/2005 6:00 AM

Just started myself...

Finished the last four of my pack this morning, and put on the patch. I'm already on Zyban, so, that's what I'm doing to quit. Well, that and coming here and asking my HP to help me get through this without going CRAZY!!!

Congrats, unspun!
And it looks like I'm in some good company!

Shalom!

unspun · 11-29-2005, 01:07 PM

2 days 12 hours 6 min 7 sec....saved $9.39 by not smoking 37 cigs....life saved 3 hrs 5 min......

what about the money I spent on nicotine gum??? that was expensive!!!
life saved more than replaces that though

unspun · 11-29-2005, 04:31 PM

OK......here I am thinking that I would like to go to a NA meeting. DILEMA..... everyone there smokes!!!!!! I refuse to let my decision to stop smoking interfere with my recovery. any hints or tips on how to avoid the temptation ?????????

hopealwayz · 11-29-2005, 04:36 PM

Hang in there unspun and teach!
You can do it!

Roxy88 · 11-29-2005, 04:57 PM

Maybe try some suckers? or deep breathing. Keep your list of reasons why you're quitting in your hand. Let everyone know you have quit and ask if they can avoid blowing smoke your way.

Good luck, You CAN do this!!

Roxy

11-13-2005, 02:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	I think I'm ready I've come to enjoy and love the members here at SR , You guys have helped me in other areas of my life, so I figure I can get the same help to get....SMOBER....(this is the first day I've ever heard that). Any experience would be greatly appreciated.......This morning I woke up with only 4 cigs left, I have tried to stop before, but always go back. and I have this addictive personality where I don't just buy one pack.....it's straight to the discount store for a carton. Anyways, I just smoked the last one in my pack, and don't want to go to that discount store!!!...........

11-13-2005, 03:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Serenity_Seeker Still learning...and seeking! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ohio Posts: 54	Great decision! You know, everyone has things to pass on, to help you make it through... one hour, at a time one night at a time one day at a time one week at a time.....you get the idea! I smoked for 40 years, started when I was 15 years old...I am close to the start of, 6 years, being a non-smoker. My message may sound harsh, but..... The only thing, I can relay to you is...it will be very difficult, but if you want to quit, you can. The next bit of advice, at least in my case, I knew that if I smoked (or worse yet, sneaked and smoked), even 1 cig. or bought 1 more pack, after deciding this is the time to quit.... I may as well continue smoking. I would have just put it off, for a later time, and not put my self through the misery, for 1 hour, 1 night, 1 day, 1 week.... if I was not going to really quit. __________________ We can trust that when things don't work out the way we want, God has something better planned.

11-23-2005, 10:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
margo Forum Leader Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 1,747	Hi Unspunanddone - the key to becoming a nonsmoker is to just keep trying when you slip up. It's hard to quit, you'll go through some rough times, but it won't kill you - continuing to smoke may. Take a look through the sticky posts up top - there's some good info there on the quitting process, dealing with cravings, stress, etc. Find your motivation to quit - everyone has at least one major reason for quitting - and when the cravings to light up begin, try to remember all the reasons why you want to do this. Cravings come and go, and no matter how powerful, they pass. Try not to entertain thoughts of just one - in the past "just one" has turned into months, sometimes years more smoking before I got back on the wagon. It's not always as difficult as it is in the beginning, it really does get better, so hang in there - you can do it! __________________ Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while a great wind is bearing me across the sky. ~Ojibwe saying~

11-24-2005, 09:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
Muggy Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1	My experience I quit in May. Well I should say my belief system about quitting changed. I had a chat with my Higher Power and figured out that the universe would not want me to smoke. So, knowing that the physical addiction is over in 36 hours and the rest is a mind game; I asked HP to make quitting easy. I said to myself, everytime the urge to smoke came up... "you said this would be easy". And it was. I have not wanted a cigarette for more than the few seconds since May and haven't had to make that 10pm drive to the corner store since. I smoked for about 30 years, and tried quitting numerous times - likely every year for the previous 20. I am a person addicted to everything - recovering alcoholic, addicted to shoes, computer solitaire, shopping, relationships, work, procrastination...So, I don't know why - but this worked for me.

11-25-2005, 05:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
Nyte Byrd Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 24	I have been sober now for 18 years. Heroin was my drug of choice and also an ex-methadone zombie. I am not really afraid of any withdrawal effects and if I do choose to stop smoking, I do not plan to use any nicotine substance as a substitute. I think the idea is to get the nicotine OUT of one's system as fast as possible rather than put in IN. But maybe that method works better for some. I know right now all I want do is 'want' to stop and I know that is not gonna cut the mustard. But it is nice to know there is a support group here for that issue also. I suppose IF I ever am really and sincerely honest about it, I would do what worked for me in the program. One day at a time. Maybe one day I will be ready to make that decision. My only experience in attempting to stop was some years ago. Hypnotism did not work and the last time I really tried, I snuck one cigarette in the morning while walking the dog, but went through the rest of the day with only two more before I went to bed. Thought I had it licked. But by the next day, I was back where I began, a pack or more a day. And in hindsight I can tell you where I blew it. It wasn't the two that followed later. It was that first one I had when I walked the dog. It's true what they say, that it's the front car of the train that kills ya, not the caboose! Good luck to you. Maybe I'll see ya down the road aways cause I know I will need all the support I can get. To be honest with you, I would recommend any available or affordable live support cessation group through perhaps a medical facility that may offer it or Smokers Anonymous meetings IF you can find one in your area. __________________ *"Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused."*

11-19-2005, 12:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
TnLark Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Forgotten Land TN Posts: 13	That's how I quit. One night I had 6 ciggs left. I was too lazy to go to the store so I decided that I would quit. I forced myself to smoke those 6 that night before I went to bed so that I wouldn't have one in the morning. That night was April 27, 2005. Over 6 months nicotine-free. I see your post was several days ago. Are you still smober?

11-19-2005, 03:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
shammy Guest Posts: n/a	Wow!! Six years. Six months. This is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing. hugs, shammy

11-23-2005, 07:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	Man......I fell off. I won't justify my slip up......done too much justifying in the past. All i can do is look ahead. The aftermath of the run to cigarretes cheaper is almost gone. 7 left............

11-27-2005, 01:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	It's 12:30.....I haven't had one all day long!!! It feels like my head is gonna explode, teeth grinding, cracking my knuckles......but it's already 12:30!!!!the day is almost half way over....I can do it!!!!!

11-27-2005, 01:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
grumpy_b05 Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: grumpyville, co Posts: 115	You can do it! I am proud of you for getting this far, keep pushing! Grumpy

11-27-2005, 03:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	2:00......I wanna throw something that will break!!!......omly need to last 20 more minutes then I'm on the road

11-28-2005, 07:20 AM	#12 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	Day 2, Day 2 I got up and didn't even want one

11-28-2005, 09:09 AM	#13 (permalink)
Roxy88 Let Go Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: La La Land Posts: 64	Congrats on day 2 Unspun... Keep on You can do it!!! I am on day 3, sometimes it's tough but I keep telling myself wether I have one or not the craving will go away!!! It has worked for me so far Roxy I have been quit for 2 Days, 21 hours, 44 minutes and 31 seconds (2 days). I have saved $24.69 by not smoking 72 cigarettes. I have saved 6 hours of my life. My Quit Date: 25/11/2005 11:30pm __________________ Let go, or be dragged

11-28-2005, 10:40 AM	#15 (permalink)
Roxy88 Let Go Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: La La Land Posts: 64	Erratic posted it on my thread (day one) here is the link http://www.dedicateddesigns.com/qk/ I realized that it is wrong I have only been quit for 2 days and about 11 hours, I am trying to figure out how to change the time zone. Roxy __________________ Let go, or be dragged

11-28-2005, 11:35 AM	#16 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	1 Day 10 Hours 35 Min 42 Sec Saved 21 Cig. Saved $5.41 Saved 1 Hour 45 Min Of My Life

11-28-2005, 01:01 PM	#17 (permalink)
Roxy88 Let Go Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: La La Land Posts: 64	My Smober Time: Two days, 13 hours, 9 minutes and 32 seconds. 63 cigarettes not smoked, saving $21.66. Life saved: 5 hours, 15 minutes. __________________ Let go, or be dragged

11-28-2005, 01:36 PM	#18 (permalink)
Justme57 Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Melbourne victoria Posts: 1,980 Blog Entries: 7	Well, at last I am willing to post on the Nicotine thread ! Like a couple of posters here, I have 4 ciggies left, and have decided to try and stop! i am 2 years sober from Alcahol, so surely I can try this I will need all the help you guys have to offer HUGX Lee

11-28-2005, 03:22 PM	#19 (permalink)
Roxy88 Let Go Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: La La Land Posts: 64	Hi Justme, Welcome My advice would be to check ou the sticky's at the top, there are some awesome links and the countdown one that Margo posted is really good too. Are you going cold turkey or do you plan to use NRT (nicotine replacement therapy)? I am on Zyban and using the inhaler. I don't know what the Zyban is doing for me except really wierd dreams but the inhaler is really helping. If you are in the US I've heard you need a prescription for the inhaler and that it's expensive. Here in Canada you can get it off the shelf. The patch has worked for many also. There is also the gum. Keep us posted on how you are doing Roxy __________________ Let go, or be dragged

11-29-2005, 07:17 AM	#20 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	DAY 3 , DAY 3

11-29-2005, 07:31 AM	#21 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,073	I have been quit for 3 hours, 29 minutes and 27 seconds (0 days). I have saved $1.59 by not smoking 5 cigarettes. I have saved 25 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 11/29/2005 6:00 AM Just started myself... Finished the last four of my pack this morning, and put on the patch. I'm already on Zyban, so, that's what I'm doing to quit. Well, that and coming here and asking my HP to help me get through this without going CRAZY!!! Congrats, unspun! And it looks like I'm in some good company! Shalom! __________________

11-29-2005, 01:07 PM	#22 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	2 days 12 hours 6 min 7 sec....saved $9.39 by not smoking 37 cigs....life saved 3 hrs 5 min...... what about the money I spent on nicotine gum??? that was expensive!!! life saved more than replaces that though

11-29-2005, 04:31 PM	#23 (permalink)
unspun blah blah blahhhhh Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: top secret, dark side of the moon Posts: 131	OK......here I am thinking that I would like to go to a NA meeting. DILEMA..... everyone there smokes!!!!!! I refuse to let my decision to stop smoking interfere with my recovery. any hints or tips on how to avoid the temptation ?????????

11-29-2005, 04:36 PM	#24 (permalink)
hopealwayz Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: somewhere Posts: 3,514	Hang in there unspun and teach! You can do it! __________________

11-29-2005, 04:57 PM	#25 (permalink)
Roxy88 Let Go Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: La La Land Posts: 64	Maybe try some suckers? or deep breathing. Keep your list of reasons why you're quitting in your hand. Let everyone know you have quit and ask if they can avoid blowing smoke your way. Good luck, You CAN do this!! Roxy __________________ Let go, or be dragged

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