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...

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viv0147 04/20/2009

Hi everyone, reflecting on the events of yesterday brought home to me the change in my life since stopping smoking. Yesterday I went sea fishing for the first time on a boat, and the weather was glorious, I am paying for that today redder than a lobster lol. Caught a few fish and a crab a little to small to keep so I put them back in I will wait until their bigger. We were out in the bay for 6 hours, and it was wonderful, the sail boats were passing giving us a wave and I thought to myself if I still smoked there is no way would I be here having such a fantastic time. No indeed I would have been puffing away with no time to do anything, except maybe brushing ash off my clothes until I lit the next one. The rewards of not smoking are so many, but one in particular is (TIME) I estimate from start to finish to smoke 1 cigarette is 10 minutes by 30 a day = 5 hours extra time, I now have to do the things I should have been doing, and time to try new things, another way of course to interpret this is FREEDOM.

P.S. I added a few photo's of the fishing trip. Viv

deleted_user 04/20/2009

wow, I hadn't thought of it that way! Thats terrific- I smoked about 30 a day and before I quit I timed myself- I could snarf one down in 5 minutes! that is 2 hr. 30 min. a day- devoted to killing myself off! yikes N.O.P.E.

forerica 04/20/2009

How true Viv- the extra time each day is a blessing but thats why its also important to develop some new hobbies with the extra time- I'm sorry you got a sunburn- try using some aloe vera lotion- it soothes a burn- but so glad you had fun- being a non-smoker sure feels great!!!!! Freedom is priceless!!!!!

aeris7 04/20/2009

So very true, Viv. Thanks for the post and love your pictures!

deleted_user 04/20/2009

You couldn't have said it better viv. I always let smoking rule my time. I couldn't wait to say it's time to have a smoke when I was at work. Wow I have seen sea fishing... but cant afford to go. you are soooo lucky!!! Catch one for meeeee....LOL. I go fishing around the Mississippi area. My favorite fish to eat is catfish!! Deep fried is the only way to go. Salmon and crab are awesome too. ooooh...makes me want to be there with you fishing...Good Luck....Staci

Jen1971 04/20/2009

This is so true. When I first quit smoking I found that I had SO MUCH TIME, but the problem was, I had no idea what to do with myself. I was so used to smoking that I had to train myself what to do with all my extra time. This is one of those psychological things that kills us in the beginning of our quits but one that is such a HUGE reward later. I no longer dread long road trips (Hubbie never let me smoke in his truck), I no longer dread going to the water parks or amusement parks where it was hard to find a smoking spot. I can now just enjoy life and not worry about when I will get to sneak in my next smoke.

Great Post!

deleted_user 04/20/2009

I agree with Jen! In teh early Quit, when I would be cleaning, stuff that would take all day, didnt take that long! Because I wasnt stopping and smoking for every little chore I completed!!! But then in the early quit that extra time is hard to handle, after u have some quit time in that extra time is Welcomed..
Joanna

Trissa01 04/20/2009

Great post. Hard to believe how much time was wasted on smoking. wondering where I'd be able smoke, who I could drive with, where to go where smoking was possible, keeping the equipment dry & handy, closest place to to replenish supply. Everything took longer because would stop to go smoke. No wonder employers are smoking over wasted time! All those clients being offended by that smell..

aeris7 04/20/2009

Not to mention all the vacations that were wrecked by me trying to find a place to sneak a smoke then trying to disguise the smell! So glad I am free!

NYyankeedeb 04/20/2009

all I remember about fishing and smoking is when the bugs were biting smoking cigarettes help to keep them away..oh well more bug spray...lol

but thanks for sharing...so true...

Have fun fishing...opening day started Saturday...Hubby was out all week end fishing and Sunday our daughter Katrina and her boyfriend Clint went fishing with Dad...
I have to get my license...still need time to recover and getting over my grief for lucky before I go fishing...hugs...hope you catch the big one Viv

deleted_user 04/21/2009

Viv

You are so right...all the wasted time....up in smoke....BUT not anymore...FREEDOM means fun, adventures and living eack and everyday to the fullest...Breathe easy my friend!

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