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1. mzblack

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2022
   07 Mar 2022

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   HI Everyone,
   I'm new here. This is the hardest thing I have ever done. I've had many setbacks. The longest I have stopped smoking for was 4 months.  I've been sober over 500 days and it's time to quit smoking now. I thought quitting smoking would be similar to getting sober, boy was I wrong. I'm realizing now that I should have quit everything from the get-go but I used cigarettes as a way to cope with alcohol urges. I'm good with sobriety now so I don't think I will relapse while I quit smoking. The tools are mostly the same for sobriety and quitting smoking but for some reason my drinking program is not really working for smoking. Maybe because the familiarity of the tools for one addiction makes it harder to translate to another addiction when you're not dong it all at the same time. Curious if there is anyone else on here that has been through this and have any advice.
   
2. dublinguy

   

   379 posts
   Registered:
   09 Dec 2021
   08 Mar 2022

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   First off well done on your 500 days not drinking. That's something to be really proud of. I would love to give up drinking but I like it too much. Have definitely cut down in the amount I drink as a result of quitting smoking.
   
   Have you considered using NRT to help you? I just recently finished with the patches and found they really helped me. I use the Nicorette spray mist too. Havent let go of the mist yet and I wont for a while cos even though Im on day 92, I still get the odd craving now and then and I know a relapse is just around the corner if I give in now. The further along you get the stronger you want to stay quit and not lose all the hard work you put in.
   
   Read threads on here... That's what I do. Read read and read some more. Ive spent a lot of time on this site cos it really does help and getting encouragement from others who know what your are going through is a bonus. You feel supported.
   
   Well done again and keep posting :)
   
3. tinalee

   

   26 posts
   Registered:
   24 Jan 2022
   08 Mar 2022

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   Hi 
   I can relate to quit drinking I have 7 years sobriety but the smoking like you is the hardest thing I've ever done. I think admitting defeat against this addiction helps. Some recovery programs say the addiction is cunning baffling and powerful so it becomes clear to see how much so in smoking addiction! 
   Congrats on your sobriety and you can beat this addiction too. 
4. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   15 Mar 2022 in reply to mzblack

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   Hi mzblack,
   
   Quitting smoking was the hardest thing I have ever done, too.  I decided to quit cold turkey, because for me, it was a physical thing.  My lungs hurt like crazy if I didn't smoke after every meal, even after a little candy.  I didn't think something like the patch would touch that kind of pain.
   
   What I found helpful was doing things to distract myself.  I went for frequent walks, read books, and played computer games.  Anything to help keep my mind off of smoking.  I drank lots of water to help remove the toxins from my body.  I read about all the benefits of quitting, and I watched my non-smoking friends to see how they spent their time.  I also spent a lot of time on this site, because there is a lot of wisdom and support here.
   
   You quit once before, and you can do it again.  Just like getting sober, you have to really want to quit.  It's actually kind of exciting to do something to truly and profoundly change your life.  And you might find that quitting smoking will lead to other changes, such as a healthier diet, and perhaps more exercise.  You will breathe easier, have more free time and will definitely have more money for other things.  Quitting is really a win win situation.
   
   Hang in there, mzblack.  You can do this.  I am rooting for you!