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Coping with my "mental" relapse Cancel

1. justfortoday

   

   168 posts
   Registered:
   12 Aug 2019
   22 Dec 2019

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   Over the last several weeks, I've been really struggling with my cravings.
   
   The "recovered" part of my brain understands that this particular season will trigger me and I just need to fight through it. But the part of my brain that remains addicted feels like it's gaining strength.
   
   I've been close to convincing myself to just smoke. Telling myself this is too hard, and I can't do it. I dream about smoking constantly and I feel relieved to be smoking again.
   
   For me, it feels like a mental relapse of sorts. And the constant need to "resist" can be very discouraging.
   
   This is how I've been coping:
   
   I remind myself of the commitment I made on Sept. 3/19.
   
   I imagine how my smoking will impact the people I love.
   
   Instead of "resisting" the mental cravings I go back to the tools I used those first few weeks.
   
   I come here to give support and reach out when I need it in return.
   
   I can't force my thoughts to show up a certain way and if that thought wants to smoke, it wants to smoke. But the last three months has taught me I'm in the driver's seat and I get to choose how I respond.
   
   I get to wake up on January 1 2020 and enter a brand new year without cigarettes!
   
   My best wishes for the season to all of you!
   
   
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   23 Dec 2019 in reply to justfortoday

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   Justfortoday,
   
   It is the terrible 3's - 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months. It is the last kick at the can for the addict in your head. Sounds like you're hitting the 'blahs' and feeling like you've fought the fight and when will it end.
   
   You know, I still had moments I really felt like having a smoke right into my 9th month. But, no way was I going to give in and have to start all over again. Back in months 3-6 I remember having lots of moments where I needed to remind myself why I quit smoking. It takes time to get used to being a non-smoker, and it takes time to go through activities we did that associated with smoking that can cause triggers.  Even a few weeks ago it hit me as I was shovelling the driveway - how much faster I did it without smoking AND I wasn't breathless. Keep reminding yourself of the benefits. 
   
   You are rolling through your 3rd month smoke free. Think about all the improvements in your health, outlook and pocketbook. In the next few weeks through the holidays reflect on how far you've come. I know Jan 01, 2020 will be a special day for me - One year smoke free. 
   
   Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. 
3. jeyan

   

   176 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   23 Dec 2019 in reply to justfortoday

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   hi justfortoday.
   
   quitting smoking is a process and needs commitment. Hang in there, drink lots of water, go for walk, take a shower, eat any of your favorite food, and it will pass and the cravings will ease off. Also, keep in mind smoking is also a habit and not only an addiction.  So you will have to unlearn you bad habits which might have been causing your cravings, and relearn new habits.

4. fenceguy06

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   06 Jan 2020
   05 Jan 2020 in reply to justfortoday

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   cigarettes are so addictive man, theyll get you to start trying to convince yourself to start. that's a desperation move by the nicotine, and it means your winning pal. you've got the smokes on there knees do head down, plow through. been 2 years for me now, the waves are still there but thryre smaller waves. I would think about having to tell my kids I started smoking again...and that helped me a lot. keep it up