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...
Well boy did I have alot of resolve and commitment to stop a few weeks ago. Was going to my sons and they hate that I smoke. So was also sick and that helped me with not smoking. I did very well there and glad for the distraction and the insight that smoking was a way I used to get away from people that I was tired of or wanted to get away from for a while. I realized that I did not want to get away from them. I wanted to climb in bed with shay and watch a movie and hug on her. Not go out to smoke. My mind would tell myself that why should I not smoke for them duh- what is a better reason not to smoke than visiting family?
After some of the reading that I did on how to change my thinking instead of dreading and feeling anxious about not being able to smoke, I welcomed it as a time that I cant smoke. Setting myself up for looking at times that I cant smoke as a blessing and welcoming this distraction. Even when I am not having nicotine withdrawals and maybe dont even want a cig, I will smoke to prevent it. For example- if I really dont want to smoke but work the next day late will smoke anyway so that I dont get withdrawal symptoms the next day.
I have had a lot of stress over the last 6 months and even the thought of adding another stressor (withdrawal) was overwhelming. But now that the dust is settling I see that in the long run the stress of
So feeling like I just need to make the leap and stop. Something else that I read said that the discomfort of withdrawal pales at the discomfort associated with the bad effects of smoking- ok so here are my reasons to stop
I WANT TO NO GET CANCER- MY SISTER DIED FROM LUNG CANCER RECENTLY
I WANT TO NOT FEEL A HOSTAGE TO A SUBTANCE THAT IS HARMING ME
I WANT TO ENJOY SMOKE FREE GATHERINGS WITHOUT LEAVING EARLY TO SMOKE
I DONT WANT TO HIDE THIS HABIT/ADDICTION ANYMORE FROM OTHERS
I LOOK AT THOSE THAT SMOKE AND DONT WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT GROUP
I NEED AN EGO BOSTED AND BOY WOULD THAT BOOST ME UP
IT IS EXPENSIVE, STINKS, BURN HOLES, HARMS THOSE AROUND ME, AND THAT COUGH.
I DONT LIKE THE RACING HEART RATE AND INSTANT FATIGUE THAT HITS MEWHEN I LIGHT THAT FIRST ONE. OUR BODIES ADJUST VERY WELL AND AFTER THE FIRST MAY NOT FEEL THAT WAY, BUT HEY LOOK AT REALITY- THERE IS A REASON IT ZAPS YOU AND EVEN FEEL DIZZY
WANT TO BE PART OF THE GROUP OF FRIENDS THAT HAVE QUIT- ADMIRE THEM. WANT TO BE ADMIRED AND GIVE OTHERS THE I CAN QUIT IF SHE CAN- FEELING THAT THEY HAVE GIVEN ME TO OTHERS
Ok so even as I write all of this I am pretty sure that I will smoke tonight. Have plans for the evening that I cant smoke. So that is good. And I am not dreading it. But will light up after I leave. But I have come along because I have stopped dreading situations that I cant smoke and welcome them. BABY STEPS
After some of the reading that I did on how to change my thinking instead of dreading and feeling anxious about not being able to smoke, I welcomed it as a time that I cant smoke. Setting myself up for looking at times that I cant smoke as a blessing and welcoming this distraction. Even when I am not having nicotine withdrawals and maybe dont even want a cig, I will smoke to prevent it. For example- if I really dont want to smoke but work the next day late will smoke anyway so that I dont get withdrawal symptoms the next day.
I have had a lot of stress over the last 6 months and even the thought of adding another stressor (withdrawal) was overwhelming. But now that the dust is settling I see that in the long run the stress of
So feeling like I just need to make the leap and stop. Something else that I read said that the discomfort of withdrawal pales at the discomfort associated with the bad effects of smoking- ok so here are my reasons to stop
I WANT TO NO GET CANCER- MY SISTER DIED FROM LUNG CANCER RECENTLY
I WANT TO NOT FEEL A HOSTAGE TO A SUBTANCE THAT IS HARMING ME
I WANT TO ENJOY SMOKE FREE GATHERINGS WITHOUT LEAVING EARLY TO SMOKE
I DONT WANT TO HIDE THIS HABIT/ADDICTION ANYMORE FROM OTHERS
I LOOK AT THOSE THAT SMOKE AND DONT WANT TO BE A PART OF THAT GROUP
I NEED AN EGO BOSTED AND BOY WOULD THAT BOOST ME UP
IT IS EXPENSIVE, STINKS, BURN HOLES, HARMS THOSE AROUND ME, AND THAT COUGH.
I DONT LIKE THE RACING HEART RATE AND INSTANT FATIGUE THAT HITS MEWHEN I LIGHT THAT FIRST ONE. OUR BODIES ADJUST VERY WELL AND AFTER THE FIRST MAY NOT FEEL THAT WAY, BUT HEY LOOK AT REALITY- THERE IS A REASON IT ZAPS YOU AND EVEN FEEL DIZZY
WANT TO BE PART OF THE GROUP OF FRIENDS THAT HAVE QUIT- ADMIRE THEM. WANT TO BE ADMIRED AND GIVE OTHERS THE I CAN QUIT IF SHE CAN- FEELING THAT THEY HAVE GIVEN ME TO OTHERS
Ok so even as I write all of this I am pretty sure that I will smoke tonight. Have plans for the evening that I cant smoke. So that is good. And I am not dreading it. But will light up after I leave. But I have come along because I have stopped dreading situations that I cant smoke and welcome them. BABY STEPS
I did too!
I tried several times and failed, because I was trying to do it for someone else or at someone elses requests.
This time, I wanted to, I have MS, I can't control that, but whatever a cig can give me, that, I can control.
Empower yourself, alma
Read thru the Good Posts and you will see many bad behaviors and the excuses we make.
I use to tell my kids, when I finish this box, I'm hyper, you made me mad so I'm smoking again, my ex left,,, yeah fifteen years ago!!!!
When I started reading here before joining, I read the word addiction a lot. One day it sank in,, I'm an addict,,, no better than those I criticize in movies and real life for not helping themselves out of a bad situation.
Alma
I too made a million excuses to NOT quit. I kept pushing my quit date aside becuz I thought I couldn't do it alone. After 3 years of pussy footing around with the want to quit but not doing anything about it, I finally held my breath and called a doctor to ask for help. I couldn't get an appointment for 2 months with the doctor (the waiting list is long to see new doctors). In the meantime, my dad passed away the month before my appointment. I was so caught up in the loss I forgot to call and cancel my appointment. I ended up keeping the appointment and am now glad I did.
My doctor gave me a script for wellbutrin to help me to stop smoking, plus I came here to get involved with a support group.
Both have been a God send and I have to tell ya.....wellbutrin did not work out, and so I ended up doing cold turkey. I became proactive in my quit. I made the plan, threw everything away, jumped in with both feet, asked for help when I needed it, and kept a positive attitude even though my quit brought up some bad side effects, and I use my sense of humor to keep positive and to give me a boost of endorphins and Voila....here I am 6 months later and still not smoking. I have lost my desire to smoke and I am feeling better every day. I'm getting my anxiety under control with acupuncture, deep breathing, and daily 30-45 minute walks. I gave up soda (I have had 3 soda's in the past 6 months) and drink tons of water.
If I can do this, anyone can. It is all about attitude, good support, and planning out what to do with the urges and triggers. I also changed my routine which was so helpful.
Give it a try. We are here to help hold your hand and cheer you on!