My dirty little secret!!

[lizardz]

Good for you!

You are chosing a very wise way in which to quit. I used to help people quit smoking using hypnotherapy. Along with the hypnotherapy part, there was also a behaviorial part, and you are doing exactly what I would recommend - only smoking a portion of a cigarette at a time. Also, don't do anything else while you're smoking - focus solely on what you are doing - lighting it, inhaling, exhaling, flicking ashes, putting it out. This brings the action more into concisouness rather than how we ususally smoke unconcisously. Also, the reframing from being a smoker to non-smoker - much more powerful than being an ex-smoker. Be aware that there are three parts to the smoking addiction - physical, behaviorial and emotional, with the physical being the easiest to overcome. I, too, smoked for about ten years, and the hardest for me was the behaviorial aspects. For years after I quit there would still be situations (drinking, especially) where I would desperately want a cigarette. Sorry this post is so long. I would be happy to help support you in accomplishing your goal, so feel free to e-mail me if you like. That goes for anyone else who would like to quit. In ending, like I said in the beginning - GOOD FOR YOU!
Liz

 

[DuckLady]

I quit almost 5 years ago. Both my parents died of smoking related illness.
But the kicker was that 2 weeks after I had a major surgery, then a minor one on top of it, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and died 3 weeks later. We were in the middle of buying a house with all the headaches, too. Her death, the funeral, selling her house, and all the related chores and our own hassles buying took such an emotional and physical toll on me, that I fell into a deep depression. My doc prescribed Welbutrin, which helped me face it all and to quit smoking. One day I just looked at my Mom's picture and tossed the pack in the garbage. I was done.
I still miss it. My husband smokes and I make him go outside. He is not allowed to smoke in my car and I am unable to ride in his.
I try not to nag him, either. I used to hate it when reformed smokers wouold lecture me, so I do my best not to be like that. I don't always succeed of course, but I try!

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Quote:
Now this is a statement I can relate too.
I started at 14, sneaking from my Dad and quit cold turkey at 24. Stayed that way 3 1/2 years, until this summer after I had my second miscarriage and just felt so stressed out and I turned to my "abusive old friend" is what I call them.
It was such a big part of my life for the longest time and it's strange to say but they are like a comfort to me, even though I know they are killing me.
I don't smoke near DD, or in my house. I'm embarrassed about smoking! I hate doing it, but I love doing it. I know I have to quit and I know it's a matter of making myself do it.

I'm glad this thread is here, I need it. it is so helpful to have other people who can relate to what I am feeling.

 

[lizardz]

It was such a big part of my life for the longest time and it's strange to say but they are like a comfort to me, even though I know they are killing me.

I heard this so often when I was helping people quit smoking - "they are my friend when I have no other friends", "they're with me no matter what is happening". Everyone I worked with thought they were the only ones that had those feelings about cigarettes, and they usually felt ashamed by those feelings, but it was the truth for them. Some times it helps to know that you're not the only one that feels that way. Good luck to all of you taking that journey or even thinking about it!​

 

[hsm5grls]

Quote:
I heard this so often when I was helping people quit smoking - "they are my friend when I have no other friends", "they're with me no matter what is happening". Everyone I worked with thought they were the only ones that had those feelings about cigarettes, and they usually felt ashamed by those feelings, but it was the truth for them. Some times it helps to know that you're not the only one that feels that way. Good luck to all of you taking that journey or even thinking about it!

I am realizing how many parts of my life are controlelwd by smoking. It is just unbeleavable. Think about all your smoking triggers. The car, the computer, coffee, so many things that you really have to change your way of life not just your smoking habit. I am totally embarresed about smoking and it is amazing how long I can go without a cig. in public compared to when I am at home. I really started smoking a lot when I was careing for my step dad and when he passed away. I am staying strong and am just telling myself I AM A NON_SMOKER over and over.

 

[3peeps]

VERY good post. I wish you the best. I like that you posted this here because in a way, it's holding you accountable.

It's a good thing, even though it sounds daunting. I've followed through with a few hard things in life because I had said I would to many (or even a few) important people in my life.

This will work.

I still get cravings when faced with former associations with smoking...fall, snowstorms, stress (of course)...I used to love standing outside by myself in the dark. But then I met my husband, and he said, "I don't date smokers, so you'll have to quit."

Let us know how it's going.

 

[3peeps]

I heard this so often when I was helping people quit smoking - "they are my friend when I have no other friends", "they're with me no matter what is happening".

Well put, and very true. This is sort of the essence of substance abuse. And ironically, this is what often hurts or destroys relationships with the real people you feel you are lacking when the problem starts.​

 

[GoodEgg]

Sorry I didn't have a chance to read everything up to this point, so I hope I'm not repeating something.

Glad you are planning to quit. I know a lot of people struggle with it.

Fortunately, I am highly allergic to it, so when I tried to start smoking with my friends at about 14 (I know, I was a stupid kid!) I kept choking and almost passed out, so now I don't have that worry.

You're right, you'll save a lot of money, and you will certainly be healthier. Your daughters will appreciate the effort you made for their sakes as well, and hopefully will learn from your experience and never start.

Just wanted to offer an idea. I work in a health food store, and a lot of people come to us and use lobelia to stop smoking. There used to be a very effective liquid extract (Nature's Herbs was the brand) but I believe they have stopped making it unfortunately. (Many of the best products get discontinued somehow!

) You might be able to find some stock left if you want to try it though.

The second-best one I know of is Nature's Sunshine brand lobelia in capsule form.

Taking lobelia will basically make cigarettes taste NASTY to you, will help cut the craving, and will also support your lungs to become clearer and healthier as well.

Usual FDA stuff ... I'm not a doctor, not intended to treat or diagnose, etc. Just wanted to let you know something that has proven helpful for a lot of our customers, in case you are interested in going that way.

Good luck, and congratulations on your decision.

trish

 

[hsm5grls]

Just wanted to offer an idea. I work in a health food store, and a lot of people come to us and use lobelia to stop smoking. There used to be a very effective liquid extract (Nature's Herbs was the brand) but I believe they have stopped making it unfortunately. (Many of the best products get discontinued somehow! ) You might be able to find some stock left if you want to try it though.

Thank you good egg,
I am doing a web search on it right now.

I like that you posted this here because in a way, it's holding you accountable.

That is why i did it. I either quit, lie, or admit that I failed. I'd rather quit. Also the support has been soo helpful. When it gets bad I re-read all the posts and it really helps.​

 

[MissPrissy]

hsm5grls - If you can go cold turkey for 2 weeks - 14 days - to get that nicotine out of your system you will be on the road to breaking the habit. That is what smoking is/was for alot of us - a habit. 2 weeks is what is suggested to break a habit.

Also to help your system clean itself drink a lot of extra water, flush that gunk out of your cells. A nice herbal green tea with honey is good for you, too. Every time you want to smoke make a cup of tea or a nice glass of iced tea. The habit is something being lifted and put in your mouth. Don't eat LOL drink. Use crushed ice and crunch the ice if you have to. You'll have to use the bathroom more but it keeps you busy so you don't have time to think about it.

If you don't have green tea handy you can buy it in the Arizona brand in gallons at the grocery. It is good iced or hot.

Nicotine tears down your body's use of vitamins so a good multivitamin will do your body a world of good, too.

Hang in - 2 weeks. I know you can do it. I am cheering for you! You have the power!