Day 2....

[illbeback]

So, getting off my painkiller addiction motivated me to stop smoking as well. I smoked from 15 until 26 with maybe a 1 year break in the middle. Then NO cigs from 26 until around a year and a half ago. Started with a couple at a bar, then a couple per week, then....a pack a day at least.

Anyway, I can't stay quitting 2 addictions at 1 time is a smart idea - it probably isn't, but I started taking Wellbutrin soon after my drug detox and it really, really helps. One week after starting Wellbutrin and I have only very small cravings and Nicorette takes care of them. Sure, I'd love to have a smoke right now, but I'd also love to be able to run up a flight of stairs again without feeling like I am going to die. Now, I'm heading to the gym - 3rd day in a row!

[historyteach]

illbeback;
WELCOME to the non smoking section again!
You know, you're doing two of the best things for your quit, according to the smoke cessation counselor.
1. Going to the gym. You're replacing your negative addiction with a postive one. And to make it even better, it's a positive addiction which will be negatively effected if you return to smoking. That gives you added pause to ask yourself if you *really* want that cigarette. And, G*D forbid, if you slip, you will feel the effects immediately when you go again to the gym. That's excellent incentive to get right back on the no smoking horse.
2. Quitting both addictions at once actually increases the likehood of success. It's a matter of developing healthier lifestyles. You are clearly doing that.

The Welbutrin is another name for zyban - a known quit smoking aide. It helps by allowing us to *forget* an urge for a cigarette. We don't obsess over it because of the way it works in the brain.
THe gum gives us the opportunity to learn new behaviors and skills. It doesn't *stop* us from smoking, as you are aware. It allows us to learn those new behaviors and new coping skills, without having to deal with a craving. And it's normally 6 weeks to incorporate a new behavior into your life.

So, congratulations on your decision to quit. And for doing the right things to insure your decision will come true. You can do this. Join us in the daily check in. It helps me to remain accountable.

Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Shalom!

[illbeback]

Well....a bit of a relapse. Actually, I'm not beating myself up too bad. I had gone near 48 hours without a cigarette, then when I left work, for some damn reason, I bought a pack. I really don't know why! I had 4 on the way home then pulled over at a 7-11 and threw the pack away. So, no biggie, at least I didn't give in and smoke the whole pack. It's going to snow in my area over the weekend, so that will be a big test for me! It's boredom more than anything that I fear now. I'll just have to check in here a lot and keep busy otherwise.

[illbeback]

Another day... I haven't had a cigarette since yesterdays' slight relapse. Feeling good, breathing easier and, oh my god...I can actually SMELL dinner cooking downstairs!

Here's my insight for today: It occured to me that I've been worrying about my cravings for a smoke not at the moment, but in the future. I think to myself, "Man, I'm fine now, but I'm gonna freak out when I don't have my after dinner smoke." Well, just how the hell do I know that right now? I may feel great after dinner. I may take the dogs for a walk in the snow and feel wonderful. If I deal with the moment at hand, I feel better about everything. I hope this helps someone else, but if not, it sure helps me to get it in writing. Peace!

[historyteach]

Illbeback
You make a great observation, I think. It's the anticipation of the craving that's making you crazy -- not the craving itself.
A few of us were talking before about the anticipation of the quit being worse than the quit itself. I think it holds true for the craving too, as you point out.
We need to keep in the moment.
And, when I first quit, I planned things for the times I anticipated a difficult period. FOr example, after dinner, I got right up and brushed my teeth. Or went for a walk. Incorporating new behaviors to modify the old smoking behaviors. That's what helped me.

Sounds llike you're doing great! Keep it up!

Shalom!