
Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group
The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...
I was also getting tired of being a social outcast, know what I mean ? Not that many people smoke in the states any more.
depression and addiction propelled me into quitting.
I guess I never thought smoking was Important or Necessary. I always thought is was STUPID and GROSS and yet I WANTED it and convinved myself that I NEEDED it at times.
Watching my Mother die at the young age of 55 from a painful and miserable death that was directly caused by her smoking was what triggered me to start thinking about quitting. It took me a full year from the day she died, but I finally did it, with the help of Chantix.
You can too!
Quit Date: 11/10/07
Smoke Free: 17 Days
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 340!
Money Saved: $68.00
Examine the details of your smoking. Why are you smoking that particular cigarette? Are you upset, annoyed, angry, bored, sad, disappointed, or what? What do you expect the cigarette to do for you? Does it accomplish that objective? Is there anything else you could do other than smoke? How does smoking feel, physically? Notice the heat from the cigarette on your fingers and lips. Feel the heat and sting in your mouth, nose, and throat as you take a drag and inhale. Is there any rattle, gurgle, or tickle in your lungs or throat when you breathe? How about the smoke in your eyes; how does that feel? See the yellow stains on your fingers? Notice the difference in smoke color between what you inhale and what you exhale? Know that the difference is staying in your lungs and is the same as that yellow stain on your fingers. Know, also, that what remains behind in your lungs infuses the cells and alters the DNA, creating the possibility for those cells to become cancerous.
Smoking is not good, in any way, shape, or form. It kills with a slow, painful, lingering death that causes great heartache to those who care about the smoker. The only purpose smoking has is to make money for the tobacco companies (and governments via tobacco taxes). They are, IMO, no different than the pusher on the street corner selling crack and heroin to children, and should be treated as such.
OK, getting down off the soapbox. :)
Peace and blessings to you, Gail.
Shevie
Quit May, 2005