Quit smoking support group

I'm a longtime smoker/dipper. I started smoking in middle school (20-plus years ago), then switched to smokeless tobacco in high school. I have been bouncing back and forth between the two for years, but have been dipping exclusively for 7 or 8 years after experiencing the type of lung issues that TP references. And I just don't want to spend money on the stuff anymore. What a waste.

I have tried several times to quit, but have always slipped up. Now I'm committed. I'm using the patch, which has been somewhat effective, and it has been 4-plus days. It is getting easier, but like Angola! I am off for the first time tomorrow and the weather's supposed to be iffy, so I might not have much to do.

I have been pretty good about getting my mind off it quickly, but like TP says, the reward system is tough. I want one when I wake up and start reading the paper (yes, I still do that). And when I get done at the gym. And after a good meal ... and on and on.

But I think it has really helped that I have been going to the gym, because I proved to myself that I can commit to something. It's still not easy by any means, but I think I'm making it.

Also like TP, I have been carrying an unopened can just in case, but I'm not sure that's wise. I think it was necessary the first day or two so I didn't panic, but I know that if I slip even once, it's back to the drawing board. I'll let you all know how it goes, and good luck to all of you.

 

i had a monster urge to smoke today for some damn reason.

i drove 8 minutes to the grocery store and bought flour tortillas and chips, and forgot all about the urge. don't really know what that story means, but it's how i dodged that bullet today.

 

stay strong dd. i'm up to 27 days. now i'm working on kicking my nicotine lozenge habit.

 

Looks like I've made it through Day 5, despite not having a lot to do on my day off. It's unbelievable how one minute I feel like I'm going to give in and the next minute I am very proud of myself for fighting it off. The patch is helping ... it might be all in my head, but I really don't care.

 

have you had insane dreams? everyone i know who has used the patch has talked about freaky dreams.

 

Nothing too crazy, but definitely more vivid dreams.

 

vivid is the exact word they used. i almost wish i used the patch to experience those. anywhoo, keep pounding.

 

i have something for you to suck on, bitch.

 

why don't you answer your phone? your wife say you can't?

 

puffer.

 

I don't smoke but check in on this thread every now and then to see everyone's progress. Although many of us differ in politics, that's just politics. I consider you all friends, even if you don't feel the same way.

That said, keep up the good work Zeke, tomas, angola! dirty deeds and everyone else.

 

preciate it tony. we almost had a beer once. hopefully this biz allows it again next spring.