Smoke Cessation Class

[historyteach]

I called. The social worker called back. I'm in!!!
I went for a pre assessment this afternoon. Filled out the papers. I will be going every Thursday for 8 weeks at 10 am. It's a group counseling. And it's ALL FREE!!! Just by calling the 1 800 Try to Stop number!

So, I've got the patch, zyban, they gave me nicotine gum, (Choice of gum or patch free. I took gum cuz, I already bought the patch online much cheaper than the stores, and the guy said it increases probability of quiting using more methods.), the class, online support, online counseling from the cancer society, workbooks from the 1 800 Try to Stop number, and even a long thin green twisty thing, (kind of like the old gumby; you bend it all around the place, LOL!). I've got lots of homework to fill out for him before I go next Thursday for the first class. And lots of literature from the American Cancer Society, and the 1 800 Try to Stop place, including 3 workbooks.

The silk quit meter tells me how I'm doing any time I'm on the computer. Here's the link for the download.
http://www.silkquit.org/sqmmiv/Default.aspx

Here's what it gives you:
Two days, 11 hours, 54 minutes and 42 seconds. 99 cigarettes not smoked, saving $27.45. Life saved: 8 hours, 15 minutes.

And there's a number for recorded quit tips = 1 800 9 get a tip. It lasts just about as long as an urge does!

Now, the social worker was talking about behavioral changes. The fact that I've recently changed school and living quarters is good, he said! And I just got my new chaise lounge delivered today, (my holiday present to myself! )But, it replaces the old chair I've been sitting in, in the parlor. All these changes, he said, shake up our normal routine, thereby make the change of smoking less noticable. We become more focused on other things, instead of a smoke. Sounds likely to me!

The Cancer Society counselor called last night. We talked for about a half hour. She gave me some strategies I didn't know. They include behavioral and thinking strategies. Like making a list of 10 minute activities to do when an urge hits. And I have to think of helpful thoughts to tell myself, rather like CBT, (cognitive behavioral therapy), where I counter negative thoughts with more realistic positive ones. And I have to think of things I'll do at work during my lunchtime, when I would normally go have a smoke before and after my sandwich; things that are NOT work related. It's the only break I get all day, and I need it! All these behaviors must be easy, pleasant and effictive in keeping me away from smoking. I'm building new routines. It's all about problem solving in order to resist urges and boost my confidence.

Well, that's about it for now. Gotta get to that paperwork!
Thanks for listening again; and thanks so much for all your support!!!

Shalom!

[Roxy88]

Wow Teach, you've been busy and will be for a while!! Good for you

I really like the idea of the 10 minute list, it's a good one!!

Another day smoke free!! Yeay!!

Have good night Teach

Hugs
Roxy

[historyteach]

Thanks, Roxy!
And you too!!!

Yea, that was an interesting one. Easy at home, I think. There's always some little thing that can be done, ya know? Now, at work, that's a different story. I'm gonna have to work on that one.

Just filled out a BUNCH of paperwork. Later, I'll go to the workbooks.

You know, it's funny. The woman counselor from the cancer society asked me how confident I felt that I could quit "for good."
I told her I didn't even want to think that way; that I'm taking this one day at a time; that I know I can not smoke for today. She wasn't too pleased with that answer, lol! So, I told her that was my plan, right now, for tomorrow too! That, she accepted.
Guess she's not too much up on recovery, huh?

Hey, ya know what? I'm feeling pretty good right now!

Shalom!

[Roxy88]

That is why most smokers have alot of anxiety at even the thought of quitting. I will never be able to smoke again!!

I will not smoke just for today, that does not seem so hard!!

There are tons of more than 10 minute jobs to do around my house and work too!!

My thoughts of smoking have probably cut down to half today and even when I do think of it, it's not a horrible craving.
WOW I never thought I could ever say that!!

Someone who had quit smoking asked me for a smoke yesterday, I said sorry you'll have to ask someone else, I quit!! It felt great to say that!!

Tomorrow will be day 7 for me!!!

I have been quit for 5 Days, 20 hours, 10 minutes and 20 seconds (5 days). I have saved $49.63 by not smoking 146 cigarettes. I have saved 12 hours and 10 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 25/11/2005 23:30

[historyteach]

Yea, that "forever" stuff is too much for me. I've learned that the hard way.
But, like you, I can handle one day at a time. Just for today, I won't smoke!

Oh, I bet that DID feel good to say, "I quit smoking."
Good for YOU!!!

Tomorrow will be day four. We're in this together, ok partner?

SHalom!