Is anyone quitting now?

[donnamoon]

Hi, I'm quitting smoking now, doing pretty well, using a patch, no weight gain at all but loss has really slowed. I don't mind since this all started with the 17 lbs I gained on last quit. My goal is to quit smokes and maintain the weight loss (eventually losing again).

Anyone else quitting now? How are you doing?
Donna

[Angelica]

Hey :)

I just quit smoking, 6 days, menthol free. No patches, no lozenges, and no inhalers. Its difficult, because my roommate smokes, but you know, all you gotta do is take it one second at a time, that and have someone lock up your weapons, because stuff gets on your nerves really quickly when youre quitting.

I'd say good luck, but its got nothing to do with luck at all :)

Be strong, and you'll be alright


-Angelica

[jande2211]

OK, I'm on board. I've been perusing these threads and decided to hunt down the Allan Carr book. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm starting to read it today.

I really, really, really want to quit -- again. I began smoking at about 11, am 44 in Nov. I'd tried the patch (itchy littler suckers), the gum. I tried hynosis, but wasn't "tranced". I faked it. Hey, I was alone with a strang man in a dimly lit office laying on the couch. Sorry, I wasn't fazing out for anybody! I stopped completely Oct 1999. No withdrawal, no nothing. Then started up again early last year, because, well, for no reason. I didn't have a craving or anything like that. Just wanted to taste one. I'm kicking myself now.

Hope this time I'm a smarter winner!

[donnamoon]

The way Jande2211 relapsed is the way I always have, it's a crazy addiction. I quit once for 2 years, went back like that; 2 years again with my baby, went back like that. Most recently 5 very hard earned months and down the shore "relaxing" thought it would be nice to have "one." ha.

I was encouraged reading Atkins that this WOE makes it easier to sort of control other impulsive behavior and that people do end up quitting smoking and such. So far I find this time quitting a bit easier. No major temptations yet. I guess I have about 20 days or so down? Wow, haven't even been counting that's good.

Another good think on this WOE - haven't gained any weight quitting yet which was NEVER true in the past. :-)

Nice to hear from others! Alan Carr's book works for so many people, let me know what it's all about....
Same thing about "good luck," I'll just say, "good job." :-)

Donna

[PJnVA]

You all can do this. I know it is hard, I've been there. I quit Labor Day 1994... just woke up thru my smokes away and turned into the B**** from hell for about 2 weekes. Thank God my DH tuffed it out. I just wih he had quit too. He still smokes about 1 pack a day. I was up to 2 packs a day when I quit. Now I am one of those reformed smokers that just cant stand the smell. Stick with you all you can do this.
Pam

[liddie01]

I quit 5 years ago, I think it was the hardest thing i ever did, but its nice not being controled by them any more.

[BlitzedAng]

I could'nt agree more Liddie. During times of stress it's still the first thing that comes to mind. :rolleyes: I truly hate that.
I been smoke free over 2 1/2 years now after smoking for 22 years. Guess the mental thing will take some more time to get all phantom cravings out of my head. But 90% of the time I forget I was ever a smoker. See how bad that poison screws us up? :daze:

[jande2211]

I thought twice about posting the above. I'm glad I did. You know how stupid I was, without really making me feel more stupid than I needede. Thank you sincerely. Really gracious.

The book is logical so far. I am not. I'm dealing with things and using smokes as my excuse. Lame-o-rama. Just stupid.

I'd kick myself but I have both my feet in my mouth from another post. Should keep me safe from smoking for an hour or so.

[Lisa N]

I could'nt agree more Liddie. During times of stress it's still the first thing that comes to mind. :rolleyes: I truly hate that.
I been smoke free over 2 1/2 years now after smoking for 22 years. Guess the mental thing will take some more time to get all phantom cravings out of my head. But 90% of the time I forget I was ever a smoker. See how bad that poison screws us up? :daze:

I'm just now getting to the point where I don't find myself thinking about smoking at some point every day; not in the sense of 'I want to' but more along the lines of 'I used to'.
As a former nicotine addict, your brain is always going to be 'wired' to have all the receptors for nicotine that were there the day that you quit, just waiting to be 'tickled' again with the same substance. The physical addiction passes within a few weeks, but those receptors will be there for the rest of our lives. That's why all it takes to get hooked again for most people is just one puff. All it takes to stay quit is to never take another puff although personally, I find it easier to say that I won't smoke today than to say that I'll never smoke again ever in my life. Today and right now I have a lot more control over than the rest of my future. ;)

Jande, I tried the patch (once...bizarre nightmares :p ), the gum (several times), the Welbutrin (made my ears ring like crazy), and even that silly nicotine inhaler thingie. The only thing that has worked for me long-term was a cold-turkey quit. Keep quitting...it'll stick eventually. :)

[jande2211]

You're right, Lisa. And as of today, I'm choosing to be a non-smoker. OK, I tried at 8PM yesterday, and then 1AM. But 2:17PM today was the last one.

It's currently 3:24, and the battle has ensued. I won't negotiate with this terrorist. Why, I'm even determined to not take it out on my husband. OK, that last was a joke.

[Lisa N]

It's currently 3:24, and the battle has ensued. I won't negotiate with this terrorist. Why, I'm even determined to not take it out on my husband. OK, that last was a joke.

Truly, the effects of nicotine withdrawal are very mild when you consider the level of addictiveness that it has. Even at peak withdrawal, no craving will last more than 3 minutes and most don't experience more than 12 craving episodes a day during that period. Don't believe me? Get out a stopwatch and time it. Surely we can tolerate 30 to 36 minutes total of mild anxiety in the pursuit of freedom from addiction? And that's on the worst day. After 72 hours, the craving episodes get fewer and milder.
It's possible to talk yourself into a worse experience than it has to be. ;)
The nicotine replacement industry has most that consider quitting absolutely convinced that withdrawal from nitotine is so horrible that it can't be tolerated (at least not without their products ;) ). Hogwash. I was crabbier when I kept myself in a constant state of withdrawal using those NR products than I ever was qutting cold turkey. In fact, this last quit it was cold turkey. I didn't tell anyone and it took my family a full week to realize that I had quit (I never smoked in the house). :lol:

[jande2211]

Mornin'. Was up way way late. It was a SF soda, with caffeine, not need for a smoke. I'm beat. Being tired, I feel like my defenses are down and that I'm not as strong in my desire to stay smoke free. So, lesson learned: get some sleep!

Now, having said all that, I'm not craving like I thought I would. Lisa, I didn't know about the timing of the cravings. The few that I've had don't seem to last that long! Cool for me! Also, I'm on board with you about NRT. Just a moronic idea to think they could get us off nicotine, by changing the way we receive it. Wish I'd never gone that route. Plus, for the longest time (couple of years) I had a mark on my left arm where I wore the last patch. Allergic reaction or something?

I think my husband is hoping I will fail, since he usually is the first to get me smokes. I'd like to severely disappoint him. (or maybe it's the cravings talking here??)

[Lisa N]

for the longest time (couple of years) I had a mark on my left arm where I wore the last patch. Allergic reaction or something?

Could be. Whenver I get a blood draw, I ask them to use paper tape since the adhesive on regular bandages gives me a nasty rash that takes a few days to clear up and itches like mad. :help:
Make sure that you stay well-hydrated (extra water) and watch out for sugar cravings during the first 72 hours or so while your body is detoxing from the nicotine; the extra water will help your body clear the nicotine out quicker and also help your liver and kidneys work at their best.
You may feel a bit brain-fogged and tired for a bit as well while your brain is getting used to functioning without that regular nicotine hit; within 2 weeks that should be gone as well. :)

[Angelica]

You know, quitting cold turkey, it hasnt been as difficult as I would have imagined. Its all got to do with how bad you want it. I attempted to quit before, I started with the patches, which say you can wear them overnight, but should be removed if you have 'vivid' dreams. Vivid is an understatement, I've never EVER had a dream feel so real, it was, incredible, and terrible, as it happened to be a nightmare, and not some nice dream about me and a handsome young man - anyway, back to my point, I say ditch all the patches and other stop smoking BS, everything is a business, including health :(

Anyway, its day 23 for me :) keep going guys, and dont be too hard on yourself if you slip up

[donnamoon]

Yeah, I think it all depends on the individuals. My husband is quitting too and agrees about the NRT but I am a teacher and I can't really handle the ups and downs of cold turkey in my opinion in this kind of job. The patch seems to be helping me to gradually get rid of the whole habit and not go from 20 cigs of nicotine to 0 nicotine plus all the physical habit,mental habit, psychological habit breaking etc. in one day. For individuals who kind of need moderation it helps. It's working for me, so far so good. :-) I do hate the sticky, itchy arm though. :-(

Donna

[jande2211]

Could be. Whenver I get a blood draw, I ask them to use paper tape since the adhesive on regular bandages gives me a nasty rash that takes a few days to clear up and itches like mad. :help:
Make sure that you stay well-hydrated (extra water) and watch out for sugar cravings during the first 72 hours or so while your body is detoxing from the nicotine; the extra water will help your body clear the nicotine out quicker and also help your liver and kidneys work at their best.
You may feel a bit brain-fogged and tired for a bit as well while your brain is getting used to functioning without that regular nicotine hit; within 2 weeks that should be gone as well. :)

OK, so I'm not wanted in 7 states for aggressive behavior/violent crimes. That has to be good. :thup:

Yeah, I didn't know if it was the adhesive or the nicotine. Made me raw. I've not had problem with tape otherwise, but then I dont' think I've ever worn any for the time I'd wear the patches (which I can't recall the timetable). T

You are SO right on the water. I'm bad at that anyway and really need the kick in the pants. Will do. I'm also bloating from TOM, so the water should be helpful all the way around.

Have been foggy and tired, but I was chalking it up to the TOM stuff. Maybe it's a combo thing. Appetite was pretty much shot all day due to cramping, but then kicked in this evening. Only wanting something sweet. Detox? TOM? Both? I dont' think I care, just want to get thru it without hurting myself too much.

Thank you again on the water tip. Something I really should know and be doing anyway!

[jande2211]

You know, quitting cold turkey, it hasnt been as difficult as I would have imagined. Its all got to do with how bad you want it. I attempted to quit before, I started with the patches, which say you can wear them overnight, but should be removed if you have 'vivid' dreams. Vivid is an understatement, I've never EVER had a dream feel so real, it was, incredible, and terrible, as it happened to be a nightmare, and not some nice dream about me and a handsome young man - anyway, back to my point, I say ditch all the patches and other stop smoking BS, everything is a business, including health :(

Anyway, its day 23 for me :) keep going guys, and dont be too hard on yourself if you slip up

WAY TO GO!!!!! Keep the good news coming, I need to hear it!

I tried the patch and never had the dream problem. Probably because I couldn't get a deep enough sleep due to the itching the patch caused. I have to go with you on ditching all the gum and patch stuff. Allen Carr makes a point that it made no sense to him that the gum or patch is used till the "habit" is lost when smoking is not a habit but an addiction. Sure, but it's an individual thing. For me, I jsut have to do it all, all the way.

[jande2211]

Yeah, I think it all depends on the individuals. My husband is quitting too and agrees about the NRT but I am a teacher and I can't really handle the ups and downs of cold turkey in my opinion in this kind of job. The patch seems to be helping me to gradually get rid of the whole habit and not go from 20 cigs of nicotine to 0 nicotine plus all the physical habit,mental habit, psychological habit breaking etc. in one day. For individuals who kind of need moderation it helps. It's working for me, so far so good. :-) I do hate the sticky, itchy arm though. :-(

Donna


I can't remember how long the patch thing is supposed to go, and how it incrementally goes down. But, yeah, I can see how you'd be eager to want to keep your cool when slowing down to ceasing. How long have you been on them? (Not in minutes, just days please :p ) I was working when I used the patch and I don't know what I would've been like without them. But my skin just couldn't hang with the program.

BTW, I do recommend Carr's book if you can track it. I found it at Barnes&Noble for ~ $15.

I'm excited that you are quitting too. We're both doing OK. I think we'll make it. So far, I've had urges, but nothing mind scrambling. I really REALLY want this, for ME. The thought of stinking of an ashtray and my workouts being affected are real motivators. I'm pretty confidence, if not joyful, at this point.

[jande2211]

Was in the grocery store today. It wasn't till I'd been back home for an hour or so before I realized that I hadn't bought smokes out of "habit". YAY! It's not so bad. Really. Actually, this is remarkably simple. And to think I'm doing this with PMS and the husband still came home. Cool. Oh, and he'd been home over 2 hours before I remembered to tell him about not getting anything at the store. Completely forgot, again.

[Lisa N]

Jande, it's as simple as never taking another puff. Then again, simple doesn't always mean easy. ;)
Good on you for keeping your quit! :thup: :D

[boopiee]

Did you guys know that cigarettes are more addictive than heroin??? No wonder it's so hard to quit, and I applaud anyone who tries. It is a very hard thing to kick.

[Lisa N]

Did you guys know that cigarettes are more addictive than heroin??? No wonder it's so hard to quit, and I applaud anyone who tries. It is a very hard thing to kick.

I think it's important to qualify what that means exactly when it is said that nicotine is as addictive or more addictive than heroin. What mostly is referred to is the amount of exposure to the chemical needed before physical addiction occurs and with nicotine, that is very little, just at it is with heroin.
OTOH, symptoms of withdrawal from heroin are much more severe than they are for nicotine, often requiring medical supervision in the hospital to assure that seizures or cardiac arrest do not occur.
Symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine involve mild anxiety and that's pretty much it; quitting nicotine is a cakewalk compared to what some drug addicts have to go through to get free.
When it's said that nicotine is just as addictive as heroin, it's true but that was never intended to be an indication of how physically difficult it is to break that addiction or used as an excuse to not make the attempt.
Yup...we're addicts but thank God I didn't have to endure what a heroin addict goes though to break my addiction. :idea:

[jande2211]

Yup...we're addicts but thank God I didn't have to endure what a heroin addict goes though to break my addiction. :idea:

For those who have quit, are in the midst, or and planning on it . . . this REALLY puts things into perspective. By comparison, what I'm "dealing with" is NOTHING. :thup:

[boopiee]

Mentally, I believe I did endure everything a heroin addict would endure. It was hard, very hard... but as time went by it got easier and easier.

Congrats to all who are trying, have tried, or have kicked the habit.

[jande2211]

Still no smokes, and I'm holding at 135. Have to admit, I really didn't expect THAT to happen!

[Lisa N]

You're doing, great JAnde! :thup:
Pat yourself on the back; you've made it past the hardest part. Now you need to be on guard against mental triggers; situations and emotions in which you used to smoke before. The good news about those is that you only need to refuse to reward the trigger with nicotine once to break its power over you. :D The hard part is recognizing the trigger for what it is. Physical cravings should be pretty much a thing of the past now so any craving you do experience is likely a mental trigger.
It really helped me to tell myself when I had a craving like that, "I used to smoke in this situation, but I'm chosing not to now". ;)

[jande2211]

Lisa, thanks for the cheers! If that was the hardest part, then it really wasn't so bad. That or I'm tougher than I give myself credit for.

I get what you're saying about triggers. Now, physically, there's still something going on. Yesterday afternoon, I was making LC cupcakes to celebrate our 20th anniversary and, out of the blue, I was wanting a smoke pretty bad. Husband just happened to call and I was able to talk to him about it and got thru it. Nothing physically since.

Emotionally? Well, that's different. My cat of 16 years is dying and it hurts and it would be so easy to make myself believe that one smoke wouldn't hurt, that I just need the break. But then I tell myself, yeah like smoking will really help this sweet dear friend. Boy, the excuses I can come up with to get one hit, eh.

[Lisa N]

Wanting to smoke isn't necessarily a physical craving; emotional and mental triggers can provoke an urge to smoke every bit as powerful as any physical craving can. The fact that they often catch us off guard makes them even more difficult to resist but good on you for doing just that! :thup:
Triggers can be something as simple as a smell (like those baking goodies) or emotions, both positive and negative, a time of day or even seeing/talking to a former smoking buddy.
Be on your guard and have a plan for dealing with those sudden urges like calling someone or taking a walk. :idea:

[dougerry]

the way i quit was to make one room in the house my smoking room, there was nothing there but 2 chairs. i pretended my doctor was sitting on the opposite chair watching me light up. it worked for me 5 years ago and all i do now is feel so sorry for the people that are still smoking. i did for 40 years. gerry