Quit smoking support group

I think I've got it kicked. I can drink now and not want one. That was the key to me quitting the first time. Of course I've been staying away from the bar also so that helps.

 

tbf, that sounds like a big milestone to get drunk and still not slip. Tommy, that also sounds like a milestone to not even want one when you drink.

And like Tom Petty says, if there's ever a slip, it doesn't have to mean you've failed. Every following day can be a success. Keep it up, all.

 

I am so proud of the progress that every one has made. I did keep with my plans from a few months ago in that I have cut down a considerable amount. I have always said my problem is that I don't WANT to quit. And I still don't want to. However, I have just purchased my first carton since the latest price increase and I realize that something is going to have to change.

For now, though, I am going to make an effort to cut back even further. I am by no means ready to quit yet. But I am going to make some lifestyle changes that will force me to cut back more.

That's the best I can do for now.

 

well, good for you, then. you can't quit unless you really want to. at least you're scaling back.

 

It's been 16 days and I'm still having cravings, but I think I have it licked. Had a stressful couple of weeks, but I didn't cave in. Like TP says, the key is being ready to commit to it. I have tried at least half a dozen times before, but kept giving in and postponing it. At some point you just have to realize you're never going to quit if you keep putting it off. For financial reasons and the length of time I've been jeopardizing my health, I finally made up my mind it was time. And like others have said, if you falter, just keep trying. It's worth it in the end.
And 'gola, the dreams are getting weirder by the day with the nicotine patches. A couple have kind of freaked me out. But they seem to be helping.

 

if you still are having cravings, why do you continue using the patch?

 

My dad uses nicotine gum now. He basically quit smoking, but he smokes on rare occasion. As far as I know, he hasn't taken it back on as a habit.

Perhaps that might be an option instead of the patch?

 

Nothing since the first week of January.

I hope I can keep it up.

 

you can. the physical cravings are gone.

it's all in your mind now. that's exactly what i turned it into: proving to myself that i wasn't mentally weak ... but, fuck, it was hard.

 

That's what I meant, I guess. I'm not having actual physical cravings, but the habit is still there, like we've discussed before, in the mornings and when I perform certain tasks or think I deserve a reward. Hasn't been too tough after about the first week. I think the patch works pretty well for me.

This is exactly the stage I am at now.

 

Ever since I posted here about cutting back, I have actually been smoking more. For some reason, I've been back-sliding this week. Ugh. I keep thinking, "Tomorrow I'll cut back more."

 

That was the problem I was having for the longest time. I'd try to quit, then say "Nah, it can wait til next week (month/year)." You'll make the decision to commit when you are ready. Don't sweat it too much.