Nicotine free

[bahookie]

Well, that's me nicotine free... It's been 2.5 days since any nicotine went into my body and I surprisingly I feel ok.

There's packets and packets of the gum in the car, the house, the office - I wonder what happens to just "turn off" the need for something you're addicted to?

It's a bit scary too, what if I suddenly crave, out of nowhere?
I have to find some info on the processes involved with physical addiction... or maybe I just need to stop thinking about it so much!


I have been quit for 1 Month, 6 Days, 11 hours and 16 seconds (34 days). I have saved £177.45 by not smoking 689 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Days, 9 hours and 25 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 09/02/2006 22:30

[historyteach]

Jane;
I too forgot to use my patch for 5 days. Then, I decided not to use anything again, though I still had the entire 2 weeks worth of patches and LOTS of nicotine gum. I held onto them for a few weeks, kinda like a security blanket. And one day, I was really craving; but, I remembered what the smoke counselor said; it was well past my physical craving and I didn't "need" it. And that it's all behavior/emotional cravings after the physical is gone. So, I started looking into what I was feeling. Lots of stuff, yea, but, I recognized it. I'm still trying to learn to deal with those emotions. But, I think I really crossed a line there.
I don't have anything more to add, but, that was a milestone for me.

Shalom!

[2stop]

I quit the patch because I was getting worse headaches on them. Used Quest cigarettes...lowered the nicotine while I smoked......finally I said I can't afford another pack...et's do it....Have't smoked since first week of January! Didn't think I could make it...but here I am. I too thought...I am thinking about it too much! grrrrrr!! hard to turn off those 'automatic' thoughts and bad habits.....I used a lot of visualization..saying over and over..I am a NONsmoker now...I am doing something wise and healthy...the pain and discomfort will pass. Some hairy days but for the most part most cravings are gone..some hit fast and brutal..but they leave quickly too.

Hang in there! You can do it!!!! It feels so awesome to see more and more time between you and those ole cigarettes.

(((Huge supportive Hugs))))

[bahookie]

Originally Posted by 2stop

Some hairy days but for the most part most cravings are gone..some hit fast and brutal..but they leave quickly too.

I'm so glad to hear this! So you're 3 months in and you'd say that the cravings are not a big part of your daily life?
Sometimes today I've had a craving for a bit of gum, but not a smoke.

Originally Posted by historyteach

And one day, I was really craving; but, I remembered what the smoke counselor said; it was well past my physical craving and I didn't "need" it. And that it's all behavior/emotional cravings after the physical is gone. So, I started looking into what I was feeling. Lots of stuff, yea, but, I recognized it. I'm still trying to learn to deal with those emotions. But, I think I really crossed a line there.

So, when is it your counsellor says the physical cravings are gone?

ARGH got to run, good going everyone and thanks for the input!

J
xxx

[Justme57]

Fantastic jane !

In 3 hours , I will be 2 weeks smomber !

HUGX
Lee

[2stop]

(((Lee))) That's awesome.....and all of you...isn't it great we are getting smober???!!!

I worried at first all I would be able to focus on was cravings and trying not to be a B&*&*(!!......LOL.....I found the visualization the biggest help......taking back the power to chnage my mind...AND be glad about ti...like when I quit opiates I fought it something miserable....just wouldn't surrender for a long long time. With smoking I decided hey..I can make it easier or harder....BUT I have to be aware......confront and feel each feeling, annoyance, thought, craving..then I can process it and put it in proper perspective, and replace the old thoughts and activities..with new thougthts and activity. Took a bit to get over no cigs with the coffee......

I also told everybody I saw I was a NONsmoker now!! LOL.....they probably thought my..that girl is bold! I used to be soo agoraphobic and shy it is a pleasure to be outgoing again..and you get good support reallly...strike up a conversation with someone about it...try and be happy about it...LOL>....I know it is terribly hard at first...but it really worked for me.....reprogramming my thinking.

best of luck to you all..and I am soo proud of ya...this is really hard to do...but we are doing it!!!!

[Justme57]

Morning ((((((((Tammie)))))))

I am doing what yu di. I decided to "accept" that i AM a non smoker, and get on with it !

I stuck affirmations in my loo, my batheroom ((( for you USA types thats where WE wash lol) and on my fridge!

At first I acknowledged the cravings and sat with them, but now i rarely get one, but I am eating a lot ! Trying to make it nuts and fruit , with limited sucess

HUGX
Lee

[2stop]

I have found I am snacking more too......yikes!!! I have been wanting potato chips and cupcakes!! .............not a good combination.........will have to do more exercising........and eat less........................ Not fun...I love to eat.........good grief do we EVER run out of addictions...and compulsive behaviours!!????? LOL.......