struggling with being on edge while quitting

[bonnebela]

I have been off cigarettes for almost 8 days.. since I came back from thanksgiving in the bayarea I am extremely edgy.. My roommate is a complete sloppy dirty person.. which sends me over the edge. I dont know how to deal with it! I can barely stand to be in my own skin. I can hear him eating and every litle noise I hear and mess I find just drives me insane... how do I deal with this? I find myself emotionally missing cigarettes to the point where I break down and cry. I want to be nicotine free but am not sure my emotions and nerves can take it.. especially at the holidays..
Can anyone offer me some advice?
Bonnie G in fresno

[Hopefloats]

Bonnie....we are very accustomed to using cigs to calm us down. Deep breathing can give us the same feeling. What I am trying to do, which I did before when I quit for almost 4 yrs. is to tell myself that a cig, will not change what is irritaing me. It may offer that temporary stress relief, but at what cost to me? I did not want to get sick, as a trade-off for that moment of relaxation. So I had to find other ways to relax.

Research tips on how to relax and not pick-up during stressful situations. COME here and talk it out. THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
Wishing you continued success!!!
Hopefloats

[historyteach]

That irritability is the nico-demon talking.
You don't have to listen to it!
Do something. Keep yourself busy. This will only last a few weeks at best, until the nicotine is out of your system. It WILL pass.
Are you using the patch or any form of help? Do you go to a support group?
Studies show that for long term smokers, the odds are improved using some sort of medical help, (zyban, the patch...), and a support group.
We're here, and we're in the same place you are. So, come and type away whatever is bothering you before you light up.
Remember to drink LOTS of water to flush your system.
And that a craving normally lasts only 3 minutes.

Shalom!