Day #6 Smoke-Free

[MojoGM]

I've been a smoker for probably about 15 years, and the last 10 or so I've been at least a pack a day. I often quote the old joke, "Quitting smoking is easy, I've done it dozens of times!" and I have, with little success. But all these times have been cold turkey, and have lasted anywhere from a day to about a week or so, when I would "fall off the wagon" and be back up to a pack a day in no time.

I've always thought the psychological addiction to smoking was far stronger in me than the physical. After a meal, when I'm waiting for something, when I'm bored, when I'm drinking, these are the times when I tended to chain smoke. A few years back I bought a little plastic cigarette, flavored with mint, to help with the psychological addiction, but even using that the results were the same: failure.

Well, I decided 2007 was going to be the year I finally did it. I even bought the patch system. It was expensive, but I was able to defray the cost somewhat with a flexible-spending account at work (this takes out money from your check pre-tax which you can then get reimbursed for medical related expenses).

So, 9:30 pm on New Years Eve I had what I hope to be my last cigarette. The patch has taken care of the physical addiction, and when I feel the psychological need to smoke I pretend with my plastic cig. I made it this far.

But the weekdays are easier. Work is hectic as hell (every day I think I was busy from the time I started to the time I left), and I brought something to do on lunch so I would not be tempted to go outside and smoke 9 or 10 cigs (like I usually do).

Weekends are another story. Lots of time on my hands, hanging out at home, this is the danger zone. My g/f is out for the day, so she has the car, and I'm just puttering at home with the dogs. I've been busy cleaning all morning, and soon I will sit down to work on my D&D game for next week. If I can make it to 9:30 Sunday night, I will have done a full week, the longest I think I've gone without at least 1 cig (in past, even when I've quit I've had one here and there).

I've got to say it is one of the toughest things I've ever done. I once shared a cigarette with a homeless guy who approched me while outside work on lunch, and he told me he found it easier to kick his heroin addiction than his smoking addiction. I'm not sure I believed him then, but I'm more convinced now.

I have a little computer program running at work which counts how many cigs I have not smoked, and how much money I've saved. I have to say it is illuminating. When I left on Friday I had NOT smoked almost 100 cigs, and saved aver $25. 100 cigarettes. That's borderline revolting. In less than 2 months I will have not smoked 1000 cigarettes. That IS revolting. I've tried and failed before, I'm hoping 57th times the charm...

Anyway, as motivation for me please share your stories, both success and failure, in quitting this habit.

Thanks!

~Chris

 

[TarionzCousin]

No stories from me; I've never smoked anything.

But keep up the good work!

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Never been a smoker- my battles are with food.

:\

However, I know enough multiple-attempting non-smokers so I know its possible. Just because attempt #56 didn't work doesn't mean #57 won't. Besides, every day you don't smoke is a bonus.

What I know is also that those who quit tend to find food (see above)- sometimes gaining 20 lbs or more. Part of this is nervous- finding something else to do with your mouth instead of smoking, like having dessert. Another part is that you'll probably find that food simply tastes better, so you'll want to eat more. You might want to practice more portion control than you usually do, but don't be afraid of the occasional (or measured) indulgence.

Of course, you could always try to find another "addictive" but less harmful way to pass time that you'd normally spend smoking. Perhaps you could use some of the money you saved to buy a used hand-held portable gaming system. Instead of smoking ciggies, you rip off a few levels of a scrolling shooter.

For weekends, you could test your lungs' recuperation by finding a basketball, volleyball or softball team to join.

For some people, hypnosis can actually reinforce their resolve to help get them through the rougher patches.

One of the toughest things, though, is dealing with people, places and activities that trigger your urges. For people who smoke after meals, just having a meal can be a trigger. Hanging out with buddies who smoke can be a trigger. Your favorite bar can be a trigger.

You may have to restructure your life a little- hang out with your smoker buds while doing things that can't (easily) involve smoking, or in areas where the smoke won't be in your face as much. Find new places to hang out.

Best of luck!

 

[was]

Not a smoker, but good luck to you..

 

[Ferret]

I really dislike smoking, it smells nasty. That's Why I've never smoked. My mum started smoking again about three years ago, she had stopped for about 5 years. I've tried to stop her again but its no use.

Good luck quitting!

 

[Aurora]

DannyA had some very good ideas as how to help you quit. I smoked off and on for years. The funny thing with me though was I could have a long weekend, be around all non smokers, and not crave a single cig. So, I guess I never got the physical addiction mine was just the psychological. I am afraid my reason for quitting won't help you- I got pregnant. LOL
My advice is similar to Danny's. Time to restructure your life. Throw out all your ashtrays and your lighters. Don't go to the places that make you want to smoke. Ask your smoking friends for their help in not smoking around you. Pick up some hard candies to pop in your mouth everytime you really feel the urge to smoke.
Read this: Managing Withdrawl
Good luck!

 

[MojoGM]

Thanks all!

Well, I made it through the weekend smoke-free, so I've made a solid week.

As I said above, the week-days are somwhat easier, so I think I'm safe until NEXT weekend

Hopefully soon I'll be free and clear!

 

[jaerdaph]

Good for you, Mojo!

I quit at the very end of 2004 (a day or two before New Years, I believe), and haven't gone back.

You CAN do this!

 

[Dog Moon]

DannyA had some very good ideas as how to help you quit. I smoked off and on for years. The funny thing with me though was I could have a long weekend, be around all non smokers, and not crave a single cig. So, I guess I never got the physical addiction mine was just the psychological.

It's psychological for me an not physical. I've never suffered any physical effects from quitting though I do get periods where it would just be nice to have one. I have a couple every couple of weeks right now. Like if I'm hanging out at a bar with a couple of friends and it just seems like a cigarette would be nice, so I have a couple. Then I don't smoke for a few weeks.

However, I never got REALLY bad with my smoking habits like a pack+ per day, so I guess it made everything much easier for me.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Best of luck! Keep at it, you can do it!

My wife quit a number of years ago -- with some backsliding -- but I'm very proud of her for doing it.

Here's a suggestion: when puttering around the house on a weekend, try substituting some exercise for smoking. It's healthy, allows a reasonable behavior substitute, and will hopefully prevent the weight gain many smokers experience on quitting when they substitute food for cigarettes.