
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...
It is hard; very hard to quit.
You CAN do it. I think I can, I think I can, I know I can.
We have so many years of associations built up as a smoker; it takes time and work to break those associations! It is worth it! Peace does come!
Here is what has helped me:
1). One day at a time - period. No exceptions. Do not attempt to thing long term where your quit is concerned.
2). Reconditioning the mind (aka retrain the brain). You associate smoking with many things - some of which are not real or realistic or truthful. For instance, you mentioned that you need to smoke when things are tough with your girlfriend. The reality is, you don't. Smoking "seems" to relieve us because the nicotine levels have dropped in our bodies. When we feed that, it gives us a feeling of relieve. You have to recondition your mind (during your quit - not before) so that you see smoking for what it truly is - a stinking killer. We KNOW it is a killer, but not at the same level that a non-smoker does. If we understood it at that same level, we would never consider sticking a lit smoke in our mouth!
To help you in reconditioning your mind, read the red to the left, read as many posts as you can digest, tell yourself outloud:
I am a non-smoker!
I am free!
I will never put this poison in my body again!
etc.
Visit www.whyquit.com - read Noni and Brian's stories - these are great in helping to recondition our minds and see smoking for what it truly is.
To help get me through craves, I exercise and drink lots of water! I mean LOTS of water! In the evenings, I will treat myself to a popsicle! During the day, I chew a few pieces of gum; sometimes I have some mints (especially in the beginning). The first few days, I slept as much as possible. Brushing your teeth after a meal helps as well.
Make a list of all the reasons you want / need to quit and keep it handy! I personally have written lots of things down to say outloud daily. It seems silly, but this is life and death so I'll take silly if it'll work!
Goodluck and God Bless!
I have been quit for 2 Months, 5 Days, 11 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds (66 days). I have saved $116.33 by not smoking 664 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Days, 7 hours and 20 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 10/4/2007 8:00 PM
First we have to make sure we want to QUIT. Then keep telling ourslves we CAN, and be proud that we have that choice. Its harder for some then others, but it can be done. Look at all of us here who has did it. Good Luck, and keep strong.
Grannie