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Day 41 ....still focused but struggling Cancel

1. alexjw

   

   29 posts
   Registered:
   15 Sep 2018
   19 Oct 2018

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   I am  still cigarette free after 41 days cold turkey. They say this is the hardest way but I don't like the gum afraid of the patch or drugs since I take something for anxiety already. I had dinner at friends and she and her husband still smoke only outside thank goodness as I didn't go out which felt weird to sit inside and I really wanted a cigarette but I managed. I only had a glass of wine switched to juice and got home early but couldn't sleep and felt awful ...it's so hard to go out with anyone or be around anyone that smokes ...will that end ? 
2. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   19 Oct 2018

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   Hi Alex - congratulations for 41 days - that's amazing.
   
   I too quit cold turkey and am convinced it was the only way for myself.  Eventually, everyone who quits has to go cold turkey and get the nicotine out of their system. 
   
   Quitting smoking is a lifestyle change.  Our habits and routines are often turned upside down.  Personally, I was able to somewhat resume my "normal" routine by about month four.  I could go out, socialize, be in large crowds, moderately drink, etc. without too much stress, yet being ever vigilant that I must remain smoke free.  It is a difficult road, but is so worth it.  Things are only getting better everyday!  I never want to smoke again. 
   
   What you're feeling will pass, and when it does, you will so much better. 
   
   The more difficult the battle, the sweeter the victory.
   
   E
   
3. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   19 Oct 2018

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   Hi alexjw,
   
   You should be so proud that you made it through that difficult situation smoke-free. You may be viewing this as a failure because the craving was there, but not so! You did everything you could not to smoke- you stayed inside, switched to juice, etc. Keep up the amazing work you are doing!!
   
   To be honest, nicotine (the addictive substance that causes cravings and withdrawals) is out of your system around 48-72 hrs after a cold turkey quit. The cravings you had were situational, or social, since I am sure that if you were not quit, you would have smoked otherwise.
   
   efreeman75 brings up a great point that getting used to the lifestyle change is a big one, and it is definitely not easy, but it is worth it and does get easier with time. I am not sure how long you have been a smoker, but compare that amount of time with 41 days.
   
   Hope you continue to do what you can to keep your goal and thanks for sharing,
   
   Jenna Lee
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   19 Oct 2018

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   Hi alexjw,
   
   Way to go on being smoke free for 41 days!  You are getting the job done, my friend!
   
   I quit cold turkey, too.  Call me a masochist, but I was determined to face all major triggers head on pretty well right off the bat.  So I kept my cigarettes where I could see them, and told myself I was choosing not to smoke them.  And I hung out with two of my sisters who not only smoke, but smoke inside.  And when they lit up, I told myself, be proud of yourself, because you are doing something amazing, and you are doing something that they are not prepared to do yet.  And you are setting a good example and showing other smokers that it is indeed possible to quit.
   
   So give yourself some mental pep talks as you go along on this journey.  Because it is true.  You are doing something absolutely remarkable.  You are quitting smoking, and that is one heck of a challenge.  You should be really, really proud of yourself for hanging in there.  And remember, it will get easier over time.  
5. alexjw

   

   29 posts
   Registered:
   15 Sep 2018
   21 Oct 2018 in reply to efreeman75

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   thank you efreeman ... its been years of stopping cuting back smoking a lot and i think cold turkey is my only way. Thank you for words of encouragement 
6. merline, quit coach

   

   124 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   21 Oct 2018 in reply to alexjw

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   Hi alexjw,
   
   First of all congratulations on your quit and do not be discouraged because the difficult moments are temporary.
   
   When you quit, there are usually difficult days and easier days. You should celebrate and congratulate yourself no matter what kind of day you make it through. After each smoke-free day, it’s important to reflect on the benefits and rewards that you have gained.
   
   The Rewards of Quitting
   Now that you’ve quit it’s a good idea to keep track of the benefits that you’re getting from not smoking. Make a list of your rewards as you go, keep it handy, and refer to it often – especially when cravings hit. For example, “I feel less out of breath when I take the stairs” or “I’m saving money every day.” Aside from the benefits, remember to reward yourself for your progress.
   Rewarding is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself stay on track.
   
   Everyone finds different benefits to quitting. What are yours? Share with other quitters on Smokers’ Helpline Online.
   
   Alex please stay focused on your progress to remain smoke-free
   One day at a time!
   Merline
   
   
7. nat222

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   21 Oct 2018
   21 Oct 2018 in reply to alexjw

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   oh my gosh you did incredibly!!!!!! awesome job!