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trying to move past craving and withdrawl Cancel

1. tiny2018

   

   55 posts
   Registered:
   23 Mar 2019
   29 Mar 2019

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   I am now near the end of my second day quit. I had 2 false starts but really thought what was the slips about and why. a quit coach called me and that was the best thing for me to move past my slips. I wrote down what it is like to be a non smoker and kept that book open all the time. I also today got together my version of my quit kit and helps with another way to fight my cravings. today the cravings were bad as was on my computer and banking with frustration and told myself what it is like to be a non smoker and breathed deeply while banking. when was on this morning I came and read the posts. I also today got some water can keep in the fridge nice and cold as decided am going to try to not drink coffee. I also got some nibble candy to snack on as well as healthy food to make meals which often most times did without. have a word search book with a twist with the left over words make a word just need to figure it out. little bit of thinking and distraction. the only thing is day 2 and now I am having a hard time staying out of bed and sleeping, I wake up just to go back to bed not being able to stay out. I also kind of feel horrible. when you quit does this happen as well as have been pretty nauseated too? have been drinking water and thought that would help too. with all this I keep one mantra in my head and hang onto it as I go through the cravings each day 
   
   "Don't give up what you want most for what you want now."
2. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   29 Mar 2019

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   Hi tiny2018,
   
   Everything you are experiencing is normal.  It is all part of the withdrawal process, so there is no need to worry about it.  I know it's not pleasant, and can leave you wondering what the heck is going on.  It is hard to quit smoking.  We are all addicts, and we have to break the physical addiction as well as the mental addiction.
   
   It's great that you are distracting yourself and drinking lots of water.  Keep doing what you are doing and take it one step at a time.  You can quit for good.  Hang tough.  It will all be worth it.
3. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   29 Mar 2019 in reply to tiny2018

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   hi tiny2018,
   
   You have taken your set-back and turned them into learning opportunities. You should be so proud! Figuring out what works for each individual takes time and perseverance. Your strategies are awesome!
   
   In terms of the sleeping and fatigue, treepo is correct, they are normal withdrawal symptoms. As your body is in a state of healing, just like being under the weather, you may want to rest more. If it becomes a concern (i.e. you lose interest in activities you normally enjoy, etc.) or find it difficult to perform activities of daily living (brushing your teeth, showering, etc.) you may want to consult your healthcare provider such as a doctor as these can be signs of depression. 
   
   As we don't know your medical background, I wanted to share this with you to encourage you to reach out for support. The awesome news is that withdrawal symptoms don't last and mental health symptoms improve with quitting smoking, according to what we know from on evidence-based research. 
   
   Here's to your continued success, 
   
   
   Jenna Lee
4. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   30 Mar 2019 in reply to tiny2018

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   Tiny,
   
   The struggle to quit involves testing us with the physical withdrawal - sleeplessness, headaches, irritation, nausea, dry mouth, hunger, loss of focus - those things i experienced, as have most others. That is your body screaming out for nicotine. In a few days that will peak and then start to pass. Be strong and ride it out. The rewards are fantastic - smell better, feel better, realize you can breath again and walk stairs without having your heart exploding in your chest, the money you save...
   
   Those first few days I munched through a bunch of bags of Nibs and rice cookies. 
   A also got in the habit of making oatmeal in the morning - steel cut type that you have to cook for half and hour. Keeps you focused and occupied instead of missing those morning smokes and the oatmeal fills you up. 
   
   
   

   Last modified on 30 Mar 2019 09:18 by atp
5. tiny2018

   

   55 posts
   Registered:
   23 Mar 2019
   30 Mar 2019

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   thanks so much everyone. I did listen to my body last night and I just made sure got lots of rest even though was awake off and on most of the nigh but was because the people upstairs were having a get together or party and were quite loud and kept waking me up. almost 4 till around 7 I slept pretty good but the heat went off. I woke up and thought what else could go wrong but I stayed quit and didn't give in to all this stress I continued to stay with my quit. when I did think whats the point I am just gonna have a smoke I kept telling myself there is good things that am working to achieve and for most part I didn't think about oh I am just gonna have a cigarette. I did a couple of meditations this morning and all night last night beside my bed I played relaxation music all night thinking will help and will hear it even when I sleep. was too cold to have a shower in here this morning and I thought that what am I going to do I cant have a shower as have always had one when put new patch on so have clean skin but I wasn't going to give into that one either. took off old patch and I put on a new one this morning on my other arm and use tegaderm to help it stick and does wonders. I got lots of sleep this morning too after I went back to bed and I slept solid till around 11:30 and actually feel so much better. last night was having dry mouth too. today am into day 3 and am feeling good and only had a coffee today when was out for half hour and am glad decided to do without that too as think that has helped too.
6. sarah, quit coach

   

   222 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   30 Mar 2019

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   tiny2018 - wow! You have been coping so well despite everything going on at home, and managing with some really effective strategies (meditation, music, and getting good quality sleep). Being aware of your body helps so much to figure out what needs to be done in the moment - its sounds so empowering! 
   Take care!
   Sarah
   
7. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   30 Mar 2019

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   Hi tiny2018,
   
   You should be so proud of yourself!  You have faced a number of challenges but you didn't use them as an excuse to give in.  Good for you!  That shows you have the strength and fortitude to be successful in your quit.
   
   As you know, sometimes life is easy, and sometimes it is really hard.  Part of the quitting process is learning how to deal with every situation that comes up without resorting to smoking.  That was your go-to in the past.  Now you have to find new ways of coping.  I know it may feel strange at first, but eventually it becomes second nature.
   
   Anyway, I sure hope you get your heat back again.  And enjoy the rest of your weekend!