Quitting Smoking

[SDH]

Originally Posted by NY10

Thank you for this. Well my last smoke was at 4pm today. the patch stayed on until 9:15 when I came home from work. Took a shower, no smoke, ate a little something no smoke. So for me to come home from a long day of work and not smoke then eat something and not smoke is big.

It's now 11:07 and I'm getting into bed no smoke before bed.

So tomorrow starts the first full day. When I left for work I made my girl throw out every single pack, lighter, ashtray everything. Came home they're gone don't want to know where thry are or if they are even still around the house.

I will say it was nice getting out of the shower and in bed and not smelling like smoke.

Tomorrow will be a FULL day with none. I was fine for the most part until about 9:30 when I was a little bored and wanted a cig.

I want to get past these next few days and just every night smile that I'm not smoking anymore.

I'm not going to lie, this will be the hardest day for you. However after one full day it does get easier, I promise. You just have to keep reminding yourself what a waste of time/effort the last 24hrs would've been if you did have just the one cig.

As I'm sure you've noticed the cravings pass after a short while.

If your at work let everyone know your giving up to explain the possible mood swings you may have. Hopefully your colleagues will offer support

Keep up the good work, remember tomorrow WILL be easier, not easy but definitely easier than today

Let us know either way, I really hope you can beat the evil nicotine 1st time

[SDH]

Oh yeah, don't forget to reward yourself with something nice at the end of today. Big fat pizza for dinner or something.

[SDH]

Or ask the wife/partner for a reward that'll lower the blood pressure

[sygazelle]

OP, good advice from several posters.

I quit a 2+ pack a day habit years ago. Here were the keys to my success in quitting:

Really want to do it. It sounds like you are ready to be serious so you have a great chance.

When you get a craving, brush your teeth really well. Take a toothbrush and tooth paste with you when you leave your house. When the craving is so bad you are ready to light up, go brush your teeth instead.

If you are still tempted to light up, do something to distract the urge to light up. For me, taking a short nap when I had the opportunity was the trick. Go take a walk. Go to a movie. Get yourself laid. Anything to power through the urge to light up.

Keep cigarettes and a lighter and a dirty ashtray with cigarette butts in it next to you. These "triggers" will be around you and you can't ignore them. So, quit with them in your face. If your friends smoke, don't ask them stop smoking around you.

Each day is easier than the last. The time between cravings gets longer and longer.

It is so worth it. I quit 30 years ago.If I'd smoked 2+ packs each day for 30 years I'd be gone I'm sure. Instead, I get to watch amazing grandkids grow up.

Good luck!

[jtodd_fl]

Great stuff from sygazelle I like his chosen replacement behavior. OP, you've heard "one day at a time" before for people and drinking right? Keep that in mind today. You don't have to think about never smoking again. Just don't smoke today - no matter what. You can make it through today - that's all you need to do. One day.

Then, make it one day tomorrow, but wait till tomorrow to worry about that.

[Dang3r]

I second that! One day after another, it gets more easy to get over it. After a week you're be proud to continue since quitting and have hopefully the will to carry on.
Main thing is: Just start!

[NY10]

On day 2 now. Last night went fast and I slept really well.

Woke up had coffee and some breakfast no smoke. First time I had coffee and something to eat and didn't smoke. Wasn't even tempted.

Usually when my eyes opened it was time for my first cigarette of the day but didn't even want it.

I'll admit it was tricky getting into a different morning routine but the feeling of getting out of the shower getting dressed for work and not smelling like a ashtray is pleasant so far.

Last night talked to a good friend who smokes and he offered support. My co workers have been great so far. The ones I work closest too are aware and they are not only supportive they are understanding if I snap at them and even "watch" out for me if I'm heading out of the office.

Being in NYC once I step foot out the door it's w cloud of smoke from the moment I hit the street but today I just kept walking, each person I passed with a smoke I held my breath and didn't look back.

I think breaking all my old habits is gonna be hard. I feel like I had set times and routines for when I wanted to smoke. Plus being in a stressful job, coming home late at night, having a drink sitting down and lighting up to just have a moment of quiet and some thought time.

Tomorrow night I am meeting some friends for dinner and possibly some drinks but they both know what's going on and won't let me touch a cigarette even if I beg for one.

I'm a stubborn bastastard and I don't like to be defeated so there's no way I am gonna give in for a moment. I set a goal for myself and I have to just pushing towards it.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by NY10

Today I made the choice to quit.

It's been 3 hours with the patch and 2 packs of gum and I'm struggling hard.

Anyone have any luck with quitting and how long after cravings ended?

I'm 37 and I smoked when I was in HS and when I was in the service.. After I got out and went to college I started working out. Hitting the gym hard helped to get me away from smoking.. I substituted one addiction for another but at least this one has positive benefits.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by NY10

On day 2 now. Last night went fast and I slept really well.

Woke up had coffee and some breakfast no smoke. First time I had coffee and something to eat and didn't smoke. Wasn't even tempted.

Usually when my eyes opened it was time for my first cigarette of the day but didn't even want it.

I'll admit it was tricky getting into a different morning routine but the feeling of getting out of the shower getting dressed for work and not smelling like a ashtray is pleasant so far.

Last night talked to a good friend who smokes and he offered support. My co workers have been great so far. The ones I work closest too are aware and they are not only supportive they are understanding if I snap at them and even "watch" out for me if I'm heading out of the office.

Being in NYC once I step foot out the door it's w cloud of smoke from the moment I hit the street but today I just kept walking, each person I passed with a smoke I held my breath and didn't look back.

I think breaking all my old habits is gonna be hard. I feel like I had set times and routines for when I wanted to smoke. Plus being in a stressful job, coming home late at night, having a drink sitting down and lighting up to just have a moment of quiet and some thought time.

Tomorrow night I am meeting some friends for dinner and possibly some drinks but they both know what's going on and won't let me touch a cigarette even if I beg for one.

I'm a stubborn bastastard and I don't like to be defeated so there's no way I am gonna give in for a moment. I set a goal for myself and I have to just pushing towards it.

THIS! For me, after I made the decision, it was about not wanting to be beaten - not wanting to wuss out. You know... not dying is good too, but fuck if I will lose a fight that I picked!

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

I'm 37 and I smoked when I was in HS and when I was in the service.. After I got out and went to college I started working out. Hitting the gym hard helped to get me away from smoking.. I substituted one addiction for another but at least this one has positive benefits.

That's exactly what I did, but I mainly did running. Great way to get your mind off of it and the "runner's high" you get when you first start running is a pretty good replacement for that nicotine buzz you may miss.

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by NY10

On day 2 now. Last night went fast and I slept really well.

Woke up had coffee and some breakfast no smoke. First time I had coffee and something to eat and didn't smoke. Wasn't even tempted.

Usually when my eyes opened it was time for my first cigarette of the day but didn't even want it.

I'll admit it was tricky getting into a different morning routine but the feeling of getting out of the shower getting dressed for work and not smelling like a ashtray is pleasant so far.

Last night talked to a good friend who smokes and he offered support. My co workers have been great so far. The ones I work closest too are aware and they are not only supportive they are understanding if I snap at them and even "watch" out for me if I'm heading out of the office.

Being in NYC once I step foot out the door it's w cloud of smoke from the moment I hit the street but today I just kept walking, each person I passed with a smoke I held my breath and didn't look back.

I think breaking all my old habits is gonna be hard. I feel like I had set times and routines for when I wanted to smoke. Plus being in a stressful job, coming home late at night, having a drink sitting down and lighting up to just have a moment of quiet and some thought time.

Tomorrow night I am meeting some friends for dinner and possibly some drinks but they both know what's going on and won't let me touch a cigarette even if I beg for one.

I'm a stubborn bastastard and I don't like to be defeated so there's no way I am gonna give in for a moment. I set a goal for myself and I have to just pushing towards it.

You are KILLING it!!

Congratulations on finding the best way that works for you!!

Keep up the great work!!

[saleen556]

I know a couple people who had great luck with hypnosis. One of them had a wife that continued to smoke around him and he still had no desire.

[shawnj]

I know how it goes.... I'm only 3 days "clean" haha

[smoosh]

Survival instincts can help you get through anything...

Do you want to watch your grandchildren grow up? Do you want to leave your wife alone for the rest of her long life as you die prematurely? How will she feel being all alone in the house without her beloved?

Keep reminding yourself this, and you WILL get through it...

GL

[shoei]

Originally Posted by smoosh

Survival instincts can help you get through anything...

Do you want to watch your grandchildren grow up? Do you want to leave your wife alone for the rest of her long life as you die prematurely? How will she feel being all alone in the house without her beloved?

Keep reminding yourself this, and you WILL get through it...

GL

Fuck, I almost don't recognize you...

[smoosh]

Originally Posted by shoei

Fuck, I almost don't recognize you...

You know you were thinking the same thing, jail bait...

[SDH]

Originally Posted by NY10

On day 2 now. Last night went fast and I slept really well.

Woke up had coffee and some breakfast no smoke. First time I had coffee and something to eat and didn't smoke. Wasn't even tempted.

Usually when my eyes opened it was time for my first cigarette of the day but didn't even want it.

I'll admit it was tricky getting into a different morning routine but the feeling of getting out of the shower getting dressed for work and not smelling like a ashtray is pleasant so far.

Last night talked to a good friend who smokes and he offered support. My co workers have been great so far. The ones I work closest too are aware and they are not only supportive they are understanding if I snap at them and even "watch" out for me if I'm heading out of the office.

Being in NYC once I step foot out the door it's w cloud of smoke from the moment I hit the street but today I just kept walking, each person I passed with a smoke I held my breath and didn't look back.

I think breaking all my old habits is gonna be hard. I feel like I had set times and routines for when I wanted to smoke. Plus being in a stressful job, coming home late at night, having a drink sitting down and lighting up to just have a moment of quiet and some thought time.

Tomorrow night I am meeting some friends for dinner and possibly some drinks but they both know what's going on and won't let me touch a cigarette even if I beg for one.

I'm a stubborn bastastard and I don't like to be defeated so there's no way I am gonna give in for a moment. I set a goal for myself and I have to just pushing towards it.

Great stuff, great attitude. Keep it up man

[shoei]

Originally Posted by smoosh

You know you were thinking the same thing, jail bait...

Yeah, while sitting in the wilderness, getting up early to watch the sunrise while holding hands singing kumbaya my lord?

[smoosh]

Originally Posted by shoei

Yeah, while sitting in the wilderness, getting up early to watch the sunrise while holding hands singing kumbaya my lord?

Fuck yea that's what I did!!

I also walked through 1.5 miles of bear territory while it was pitch black outside, no mention of that?!?

[shoei]

Originally Posted by smoosh

Fuck yea that's what I did!!

I also walked through 1.5 miles of bear territory while it was pitch black outside, no mention of that?!?

You don't really want the entire conversation dissected on here, do you?

[smoosh]

Originally Posted by shoei

You don't really want the entire conversation dissected on here, do you?

I'll stomp on your ambitions if you post the entire convo shoeis

[shoei]

Originally Posted by smoosh

I'll stomp on your ambitions if you post the entire convo shoeis

That's what I thought...

Now - who's yo daddy??