Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group

Hi Raven:

I'm having a hard day myself; saw your post and wanted to reach out to you. As of today, I've been smoke free for 98 days, but as you know some days are easy and others are super difficult. When I was 14 I had my first cigarette; I'm now 36. Smoking has been a huge part of my life for so long. It's a coping mechanism for me. Stress absolutely triggers my desire to smoke. It was never alchohol or social events, always stress. The last hour I've been figgeting and frustrated, wanting a smoke, but I can't do it...I'll feel so bad afterwards I know it. I hate being an addict and I know how you feel.

I'm glad youre reaching out for support Raven- its not easy to do this alone- the support here was what made all the difference for me- I'm happy to help you in any way you'd like- just let me know- I suggest you go back and read lots of old posts- are you changing your routine to a more 'non smokers' wqay of doing things? This is important. Try to find some distractions that will help you when you are having a hard time- and get rid of all your smoking stuff- it helps. You may even want to stay away from friends that smoke- just for awile until youre stronger- I did and it helped. Most of all- try to keep your mind as positive as you can so you dont fall back into the 'poor me w/out my cigarettes' frame of mind- you must remember- smoking can no longer be an option. Never!!!! Not even one.

Oh yeah- and easybreezy- good job on 98 days- thats fantastic. I remember I fgot a bit weak right around the 100 day mark so stay strong and protect your quit at all costs. You can do it!!! you've come way too far to start all over.

Great advice here. Also, I keep a pleasant taste in my mouth at all times. This is very important to help get beyond the cravings. I had MANY failed attempts to quit in the past. Once I promised to NOPE (not one puff ever no matter what) and found this site, I am finally free for almost a year and you can be too!!

forerica - thank you for the encouragement! Today was a CLOSE one. A couple of times in the last few hours I got up, put my shoes on, ready to head out to the local 7-11, but stopped. I did this repeatedly. I'm looking forward to the day when I can work through a stressful situation and not want to pick up a cigarette.

aeris7 - thank you :-) Usually I hardly have any cravings. If I do, they're fleeting 30seconds max. But today, ooof, tough. When I smoked, Altoids were a constant in my mouth, so can't use those any more, but hard candy like jolly ranchers or lifesavers work in a pinch for me.

awwwwwwwww Raven thats a rea; shame. You have relapsed but thats just a temporary blip in your journey to freedom. This group is full of people who will help you with your quit so you dont need just one person. But you are the most important person in this quit. Do some more reading on why quit.com and set a new quit date. You can do it Hugssss Deb

Raven, the very best way to have a large group of supporters here is to attend the daily roll call and daily pledge. It really sets your goals for the day and gives everyone a chance to get an update from you each day. I can't recommend it more. In my observation, almost all of the people who don't attend roll call and daily pledge, don't stay quit.

sweetie..we are all your buddies...not sure what else you want...ok..you started smoking again...what ever method you tried it didnt work...so....what are you going to do...try another method and not give up on yourself...Have faith you can do it....sweetie..I am here if you need me...dont give up on yourself...try and try again...and hopefully some day you will get it right...hugs sweetie

Great that you found this site Raven. It is support that you can hopefully come to every day. I am so happy to see teens on here. My son is quitting as well he is 17. He is using Nicorette gum right now. I am going to tell him about this site too and it definitely needs more teens. Keep coming on here and to the sign in --Pledge--read the distractions and entries, Good luck to you. THis site can help you quit and beleive me it does get easier...you can beat this addiction! Dont let it win!!! Hugs. Kate