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1. nicotinefree

   

   1 posts
   Registered:
   21 Apr 2020
   21 Apr 2020

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   Smoked for almost 20 years since I was 18 years old. The number of smokes for the first 10 years was 4-5 max. Since last 10 years, I have been smoking 10-15 cigarettes a day. Have tried to quit many many times, it's almost like I have fooled myself since 10 years that I will quit next week. Here I'm again and pretty serious about it again. Hopefully I can gather the will to stick to it this time. I do not believe that supplements (patches, sprays etc.) are for me as it will serve as a reminder to me that I'm a smoker (which I'am, but I denied to myself for a very long time). Hopefully a denial of some sorts ("I don't smoke") can help me over fighting the urge ("I can't smoke"). 
   
   My triggers are stress (conflict), boredom and self-reflection. Really its just the small sensation in the throat when smoking which keeps me in the loop.
   
   Any sort of advise will be really encouraging for me. Hopefully there are many success stories on this forum.
   
   
2. efram, quit coach

   

   243 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   21 Apr 2020 in reply to nicotinefree

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   Hi nicotinefree! 
   
   Welcome, and congrats on two days and 20-30 cigarettes NOT smoked already! 
   
   Keep in mind that everyone is different, and that what works well for one may not help someone else at all! So, you have the advantage of having tried to quit many times; in doing so, you've learned more about what works best for you.
   
   Some general tips, based on research of what works best overall: 
   
   Having a plan which includes coping skills to manage cravings (and here it may help for you to focus on those specific triggers which you mentioned); 
   
   Having support (posting here is a great start; it may also help to enlist friends, family, etc.); 
   
   Not having cigarettes around;
   
   And, for someone who smokes 10 or more cigarettes per day, a quit aid (like the patches and sprays you mentioned) also tends to help (research shows it can double someone's chances). If you choose to go this route, it may help to tell yourself something different about them, i.e., "I'm not a smoker anymore; the patch is taking the place of my cigarette so I can wean off of nicotine with fewer withdrawals and cravings." 
   
   You wrote about "gathering the will"; today could also be a good day to strengthen your resolve by telling us here why you've decided to quit and how you see life being different for you as a non-smoker. 
   
   Hope this helps. I'm looking forward to hearing advice from others here on the forum! 
   
   KTQ ("Keep The Quit"),
   Efram
   
    
3. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   22 Apr 2020 in reply to nicotinefree

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   nicotinefree,
   
   I quit cold turkey after 30 years of smoking pack a day. I learned from past failed quit attempts and I think I was mentally ready. 
   
   Do the quit plan on this website - it really helps. So does signing up for the email and text support. 
   
   I spent a lot of time reading up on the effects of quitting - and I really focused on those timelines to help motivate me. It only takes a few days to start to notice the improvements. 
   
   Drink lots of water. It really does help. 
   
   Be prepared for some restless sleeps. 
   
4. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   23 Apr 2020

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   Hi nicotinefree,
   
   Congratulations for deciding to quit smoking!  That is one of the best decisions you could ever make for yourself.
   
   I quit cold turkey 3 years ago after having smoked for a good 43 years.  For me, the physical pain in my lungs was the issue I had to deal with.  But we are all different.  So many people can relate to your issues, including stress and boredom.  The thing is, you will always experience stress and boredom.  The key it to tell yourself that you are going to learn to deal with things like that without smoking.  
   
   It IS possible.  Think about all the people you know who don't smoke.  They get by.  How do they do it?  We all find different ways to cope.
   
   I agree with atp.  Give the quit plan here a shot.  You may be surprised at how helpful it is.  It may sound stupid, but I had no idea how to go about quitting.  The quit plan and the information on this site helped me a great deal.  And it also reinforced my desire to quit smoking.
   
   You can change your life for the better.  Get excited about it, nicotinefree!  Life is so much better when you don't smoke.  Believe in yourself.