Countdown to quitting
DAY 52 - Preparing for setbacks and difficult situations
Why some people don't reach their goal of becoming smoke-free
The good news is that lack of willpower is not the reason people are unable to quit. The most common reasons people are not successful at quitting smoking involve not doing the "work" of quitting:
* They do not work through their conflicting goals of wanting to quit and wanting to smoke.
* They do not write down a record of each cigarette they smoke before they quit.
* They do not develop a quit plan based on what makes them light up and what reinforces smoking in specific situations.
* They do not have clearly identified mini-goals and strategies or do not write them down to use as a guide in developing their quitting plan.
* They shift their attention and focus away from quitting and onto smoking or feeling deprived.
* They stop daily recording in their Journals so they don't have any feedback on how they are doing or what they could do differently.
* They blame their inability to quit on willpower rather than working with specific cues and rewards of smoking or cravings in specific situations.
* They do not learn to deal with mistakes or adjust their plans as conditions change.
Most people can get away with not doing some of this work, but if you haven't done any of it, you could be headed for a tough time over the next several weeks. You may want to go back through these messages and work through all of the exercises over the next month. This could mean the difference between reaching your goal or going back to being controlled by cigarettes. Take the time. You're worth it!
© Health Canada
The good news is that lack of willpower is not the reason people are unable to quit. The most common reasons people are not successful at quitting smoking involve not doing the "work" of quitting:
* They do not work through their conflicting goals of wanting to quit and wanting to smoke.
* They do not write down a record of each cigarette they smoke before they quit.
* They do not develop a quit plan based on what makes them light up and what reinforces smoking in specific situations.
* They do not have clearly identified mini-goals and strategies or do not write them down to use as a guide in developing their quitting plan.
* They shift their attention and focus away from quitting and onto smoking or feeling deprived.
* They stop daily recording in their Journals so they don't have any feedback on how they are doing or what they could do differently.
* They blame their inability to quit on willpower rather than working with specific cues and rewards of smoking or cravings in specific situations.
* They do not learn to deal with mistakes or adjust their plans as conditions change.
Most people can get away with not doing some of this work, but if you haven't done any of it, you could be headed for a tough time over the next several weeks. You may want to go back through these messages and work through all of the exercises over the next month. This could mean the difference between reaching your goal or going back to being controlled by cigarettes. Take the time. You're worth it!
© Health Canada
DAY 53 - Preparing for setbacks or difficult situations
Are you really an ex-smoker now?
You'll know you're an ex-smoker when:
* You don't often have strong urges to smoke - they are more like memories of wanting to smoke.
* You feel glad that you don't smoke anymore.
* You never have a cigarette "just to see".
* You think of yourself as a non-smoker, not as someone who is trying to quit smoking.
If you're like most people, you're not an ex-smoker just yet, but you're well on your way. You are a healthier person now, both physically and emotionally. You should be very proud of yourself. We know how tough it has been. Congratulations!
The road ahead may still be a bit bumpy. Any change is difficult to make. But when nicotine addiction is also involved, it can be really tough. You are training yourself to behave in a new way. That takes practice, patience, commitment and time. Remind yourself every morning and every day why you are quitting.
Be easy on yourself if you slip up. Remember that setbacks are sometimes part of the process of quitting smoking. If you do slip and have a cigarette, re-read the messages from Days 31, 35, 40 and 50 to help you get your confidence back. Learn from your mistake. (Hey, we all make them!) Figure out what made you light up and plan how you would handle the situation in future.
Whatever you do, do not give in to feelings of guilt. They will only stress you out and make it harder for you to get back to reaching your goal of becoming smoke-free.
© Health Canada
You'll know you're an ex-smoker when:
* You don't often have strong urges to smoke - they are more like memories of wanting to smoke.
* You feel glad that you don't smoke anymore.
* You never have a cigarette "just to see".
* You think of yourself as a non-smoker, not as someone who is trying to quit smoking.
If you're like most people, you're not an ex-smoker just yet, but you're well on your way. You are a healthier person now, both physically and emotionally. You should be very proud of yourself. We know how tough it has been. Congratulations!
The road ahead may still be a bit bumpy. Any change is difficult to make. But when nicotine addiction is also involved, it can be really tough. You are training yourself to behave in a new way. That takes practice, patience, commitment and time. Remind yourself every morning and every day why you are quitting.
Be easy on yourself if you slip up. Remember that setbacks are sometimes part of the process of quitting smoking. If you do slip and have a cigarette, re-read the messages from Days 31, 35, 40 and 50 to help you get your confidence back. Learn from your mistake. (Hey, we all make them!) Figure out what made you light up and plan how you would handle the situation in future.
Whatever you do, do not give in to feelings of guilt. They will only stress you out and make it harder for you to get back to reaching your goal of becoming smoke-free.
© Health Canada
DAY 54 - Getting support
Still need help?
You may find that, even with all of the information provided in these messages, you still need a bit more help. That's okay. Maybe you need a group program, counseling, or just more information. Help provides you with information you need to carry through with your desired changes. Help comes in many forms:
* self-help books, pamphlets, tapes, and videos
* web-sites by medical professionals and organizations
* Toll-free telephone quitlines
* health care professionals such as physicians, therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, dentists, etc.
* non-profit agencies such as the Cancer Sociey, the Lung Association, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
* support groups such as Nicotine Anonymous.
* formal smoking cessation programs in your community.
Books, pamphlets, tapes, videos, and web-sites are best suited for those who need a starting point, more information on what needs to be done, a better idea of the process involved in changing, or a guide for what to do and when to do it. Self-help tends to work well with people who are highly motivated, who are not experiencing extreme withdrawal, who like to do things on their own.
Physicians are often helpful in dealing with the addictive nature of smoking. They can help you decide whether nicotine gum, nicotine patch, or prescription medications such as bupropion might be helpful. They can also help in the diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Don't forget that you can also find out more about quitting through toll-free telephone quitlines. Quitlines offer support for smokers who want to quit, may be thinking of quitting, have quit and need support, or enjoy smoking and do not want to stop. Trained cessation specialists can help you develop a structured plan, answer your questions and refer you to other smoking cessation services in your community. They can also provide support for family and friends who want to help a smoker.
© Health Canada
You may find that, even with all of the information provided in these messages, you still need a bit more help. That's okay. Maybe you need a group program, counseling, or just more information. Help provides you with information you need to carry through with your desired changes. Help comes in many forms:
* self-help books, pamphlets, tapes, and videos
* web-sites by medical professionals and organizations
* Toll-free telephone quitlines
* health care professionals such as physicians, therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, dentists, etc.
* non-profit agencies such as the Cancer Sociey, the Lung Association, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
* support groups such as Nicotine Anonymous.
* formal smoking cessation programs in your community.
Books, pamphlets, tapes, videos, and web-sites are best suited for those who need a starting point, more information on what needs to be done, a better idea of the process involved in changing, or a guide for what to do and when to do it. Self-help tends to work well with people who are highly motivated, who are not experiencing extreme withdrawal, who like to do things on their own.
Physicians are often helpful in dealing with the addictive nature of smoking. They can help you decide whether nicotine gum, nicotine patch, or prescription medications such as bupropion might be helpful. They can also help in the diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Don't forget that you can also find out more about quitting through toll-free telephone quitlines. Quitlines offer support for smokers who want to quit, may be thinking of quitting, have quit and need support, or enjoy smoking and do not want to stop. Trained cessation specialists can help you develop a structured plan, answer your questions and refer you to other smoking cessation services in your community. They can also provide support for family and friends who want to help a smoker.
© Health Canada
DAY 55 - Preparing for setbacks and difficult situations
Quitting happens with time
The five stages of quitting show you that becoming a non-smoker is a process. You have to accept that it takes time. You may even have to go through some stages more than once.
Stay focused on your goal. Try not to be discouraged if you have setbacks or if you have to repeat a stage. Try not to be upset even if you have to start all over again. (This may happen, especially if you tried to start the quitting process before you really worked through the first few stages.)
Every effort you make is part of the process. Every effort is helpful. Each time you try to quit you will learn something new about yourself. You will learn more about why you smoke, what makes it hard to resist, and what you can do instead of lighting up.
Recognize and be proud of all your efforts. Congratulate and reward yourself each time you move forward from one stage to the next. Each success is well worth celebrating!
Above all, be patient with yourself and determined. Take things one day at a time and you will reach your goal. By learning new skills and more about yourself as you move toward that goal, you will be much more able to stay smoke-free!
© Health Canada
The five stages of quitting show you that becoming a non-smoker is a process. You have to accept that it takes time. You may even have to go through some stages more than once.
Stay focused on your goal. Try not to be discouraged if you have setbacks or if you have to repeat a stage. Try not to be upset even if you have to start all over again. (This may happen, especially if you tried to start the quitting process before you really worked through the first few stages.)
Every effort you make is part of the process. Every effort is helpful. Each time you try to quit you will learn something new about yourself. You will learn more about why you smoke, what makes it hard to resist, and what you can do instead of lighting up.
Recognize and be proud of all your efforts. Congratulate and reward yourself each time you move forward from one stage to the next. Each success is well worth celebrating!
Above all, be patient with yourself and determined. Take things one day at a time and you will reach your goal. By learning new skills and more about yourself as you move toward that goal, you will be much more able to stay smoke-free!
© Health Canada
Hello and Need Help!
Hi Everybody,
My name is Cindy. I live in NC. I have been a smoker for over 30 years. It is something I enjoy. However, I am trying my best to quit. I have back surgery scheduled for Jan. 24. The lumbar section is to be fused. The fusion will not work as long as there is nicotene in my system.
Yesterday was day 1. I am taking Wellbutrin and using a nicotene patch, 21 mg. But I have to speed up this process! Any tips you could share would be greatly appreciated. My anxiety level is through the roof!
Thanks!
Cindy in NC
My name is Cindy. I live in NC. I have been a smoker for over 30 years. It is something I enjoy. However, I am trying my best to quit. I have back surgery scheduled for Jan. 24. The lumbar section is to be fused. The fusion will not work as long as there is nicotene in my system.
Yesterday was day 1. I am taking Wellbutrin and using a nicotene patch, 21 mg. But I have to speed up this process! Any tips you could share would be greatly appreciated. My anxiety level is through the roof!
Thanks!
Cindy in NC
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1
Hi Margo,
I used your guide to quitting smoking on January 16, 2006 and have not had a smoke since. Actually I started reading your "Countdown to Quitting" on October 3, 2005. I know the exact date because I am looking at a hard copy I printed out on that date.
Your plan really works when the desire to quit is real.
I thank you, my wife thanks you and my children thank you. You are truly a blessing.
Allen F.
I used your guide to quitting smoking on January 16, 2006 and have not had a smoke since. Actually I started reading your "Countdown to Quitting" on October 3, 2005. I know the exact date because I am looking at a hard copy I printed out on that date.
Your plan really works when the desire to quit is real.
I thank you, my wife thanks you and my children thank you. You are truly a blessing.
Allen F.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Joshua, TX
Posts: 2
Hello,
I'm very new to chat rooms but I thought I would come in and check it out. I quit smoking 11-08-07 by using Chantix. I read someone's comment about they had just quit using Chantix and were having some serious crazies. What exactly does that mean? You couldn't think straight? How long did it last. I have been taking Chantix now for 3 months and have only quit smoking for almost two months. I am thinking about trying it now without the Chantix and I just want to know what I can expect.
Thanks for the help.
phale
I'm very new to chat rooms but I thought I would come in and check it out. I quit smoking 11-08-07 by using Chantix. I read someone's comment about they had just quit using Chantix and were having some serious crazies. What exactly does that mean? You couldn't think straight? How long did it last. I have been taking Chantix now for 3 months and have only quit smoking for almost two months. I am thinking about trying it now without the Chantix and I just want to know what I can expect.
Thanks for the help.
phale
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Joshua, TX
Posts: 2
Paula
This is my first time in a group so bear with me. I am 57 years old (almost) and have been smoking since I was 16. I had a sister-in-law at the time that I thought was cool. She smoked so I started smoking. None of the coughing with me. I just went straight to smoking with no problems. So I had smoked for almost 41 years. I say had because 11-08-07 was the last time I smoked a cigerette. I am using Chantix. I have been using it for 3 months now and am thinking I should try to see if I can be smoke free without Chantix. I read on one of the postings that a person had quit using this drug and said they were having "serious mental" problems. This is my concern. What is mean by serious. Are they having trouble concentrating, trouble speaking, moving, what? I would like to know what I can expect.
Thanks.
Paula
Thanks.
Paula
I found this site researching alcoholism...I have just realized I am an alcoholic and am 3 days without...this is my next 'battle'. I am going to just print this thread for now and start reading through it.
Thanks for all the time an effort. I am excited about working on this next step of changing my life.
Thanks for all the time an effort. I am excited about working on this next step of changing my life.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Indian Wells, CA
Posts: 24
I recently took up smoking (Pall Mall's to be precise) about two months ago. I don't necessarily think its an addiction equivalent to my alcohol problem, because I am perfectly fine not smoking for quite a while, as in alcohol I feel I need to have at least every two nights.
Hey John, I would try to address the drinking before I stopped smoking as well... priorities man priorities... windex and pall malls--man sounds like a rough life to me... After I stopped drinking for about 4.5 months I gave up smokes...
Clayton
Clayton
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NE Wisconsin USA
Posts: 6,223
stage III Day One...driven by nicotine addiction today. Upset and insecure I am out of a pack of cigarettes. I'll go across the street (in a snowstorm) and by a small pouch of rolling tobacco. Thanks for this forum thread. I hope it's still active. Will check in each day.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NE Wisconsin USA
Posts: 6,223
Stage III Day 2
2. Getting support. Tell people you are quitting. Build a network of people you can call for moral support.
3. Getting medication and using it correctly. Studies show that using medication can double your chances of quitting.
Will be telling my sponsor I am following this forum and have a quit day of March 13(?)
I quit with Chantix...it was fantastic...I went back to smoking, not because the meds didn't work.... but my poor lifestyle choice
Now my insurance won't cover Chantix again...my bad
3. Getting medication and using it correctly. Studies show that using medication can double your chances of quitting.
Will be telling my sponsor I am following this forum and have a quit day of March 13(?)
I quit with Chantix...it was fantastic...I went back to smoking, not because the meds didn't work.... but my poor lifestyle choice
Now my insurance won't cover Chantix again...my bad
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