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1. ahunt2230

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   06 Aug 2019
   07 Aug 2019

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   I have been a smoker for 18 years and this is my first time quitting. Was I prepared? Not really....I had emergency dental surgery and I wasn't allowed to smoke for at least 24 hours so I figured I guess now is the time to try. I am on day 6 and I will embarrassingly admit that I take a couple puffs in the morning and night to ease the edge (my husband is a smoker). I have been looking at other threads and am terrified of whats to come when my body starts getting rid of the nasty crap. It sounds horrible but it almost makes me want to go back to smoking just to avoid it. I also know that statistically it takes a smoker several attempts to quit before being a "forever non-smoker".
   
   How has everyone pushed through??? 
2. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   07 Aug 2019

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   Hi ahunt2230
   
   Congrats in your try again for good!
   The cravings are normal, you need to distract  yourself 
   You past the first 24hs is incredible! Good Job!
   Tomorrow will be easy!
   
   One day at the time!
3. emily, quit coach

   

   247 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   07 Aug 2019

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   Hi ahunt2230,
   
   Welcome to Smokers' Helpline Online and congrats on quitting smoking!
   
   I know that it's not always easy, but as brieffree mentioned distractions can work very well to help you get through the cravings. 
   
   What worries you most about what you may experience when quitting? The withdrawals that people go through can be different for each person and are only temporary. Plus they are a sign that your body is starting to heal and clear itself of the chemicals from cigarettes. 
   
   If withdrawals are your biggest concern have you considered using a nicotine replacement? They not only help to reduce the cravings but can help with withdrawal symptoms of quitting as well. 
   
   Emily
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   07 Aug 2019

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   Hi ahunt2230,
   
   Congratulations on Day 6.  That is wonderful, and it's great that you decided to quit smoking.
   
   Don't be afraid of what is to come.  We all experience different things when quitting.  And there are plenty of people who quit successfully on their first attempt.  Statistics don't tell the whole story.
   
   I quit cold turkey after 43 years.  It was just my time to quit.  First, I read the information and did the exercises on this site.  This is where I learned how to go about quitting.  Then, I joined this online forum and practically lived here.  This is a very supportive community and we do our best to help each other stay strong.  
   
   When I got cravings, I waited in increments of 10 minutes, because anyone can wait 10 minutes, until the craving passed.  Granted, sometimes those 10 minutes led to 1.5 hours, but hey, taking it 10 minutes at a time got me through.  I did my best to keep myself busy and distracted.  And I drank lots and lots of water, which is something I do normally anyway.  Those are some of the things that worked for me.
   
   You have already made such great progress.  Keep up the good work.  Remember, you can do this!  Believe in yourself!
   
5. ahunt2230

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   06 Aug 2019
   08 Aug 2019

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   Thank you everyone for your replies and kind words! This is a journey I feel somewhat ready to take but I know I have to for my future. 
   
   The biggest thing about the withdraw I'm nervous about is the fact that I have no control over what is happening. I do have lozenges that I could use and maybe will have to stop being so stubborn and just use them. Today is day 7 and hopefully will keep going up from here!!
6. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   08 Aug 2019 in reply to ahunt2230

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   I was a pack a day smoker for 30 plus years. My quit was motivated by trying to get my son to quit too (he did!) and did it cold turkey.
   
   Nicotine is out of your system in 3-4 days. The physical withdrawal is over between a week or two (a month at most for some). The HARD part is the mental withdrawal - breaking the habit - AND learning how to be a non-smoker. It takes some getting used to, BUT, in a few months you will be so happy you did. It is such a big difference. Be positive about your quit. Look forward to reaching the milestones.  
   
   For me the aha moment was the first time I walked up the stairs and wasn't wheezing - that happened a week into my quit. It was that dramatic.
   
   You're mostly a non-smoker already, just go for it and challenge yourself. 
   
   
7. nadia b, quit coach

   

   47 posts
   Registered:
   18 Jan 2019
   10 Aug 2019 in reply to ahunt2230

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   CONGRATS ahunt2230 for making it 7 days smoke-free!! The first week is checked off.
   You may think you have no control, but really...you have been taking this quit by the reins and steering it in the right direction.  Those withdrawal symptoms are positive signs that your body is healing (although they may not feel great). Remember, you need not suffer through those symptoms, so feel free to use those lozenges and other nicotine replacement therapy products to support you.
   
   Keep up the amazing work, and to remember register for the First Week Challenge Contest!!
   
   Sincerely,
   
   Nadia B.