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1. franny

   

   41 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   04 Nov 2018

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   I have been cigarette free for 17 days.  The cravings aren't too bad but I am on the patch for now.  I am going to try and put some days under my belt before becoming completely free of nicotine.  For me, the real challenge is changing my routine.  For breaks, I would smoke before starting another chore.  I am currently not working, so it's a bit of a challenge to keep myself busy and not thinking about smoking.  But I've had other addictions in the past and managed to get rid of them, so I will really try with an honest effort to stay quit.
2. brieffree

   

   1478 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   05 Nov 2018

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   Hi Franny
   
   Congrats in 17 days smoke free! you did it! us like a new habit to stay on the quit! is a different life, we can live without smokes!
   
3. franny

   

   41 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   06 Nov 2018

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   Thanks brieffree... yes I am starting to work on identifying as a non smoker.  I had Obsessive Compulsive behavior in the past (treated with medication) and smoking for me is really engrained in to my routine.  I smoke in between chores.  But if I smoke 1, I know I will smoke many as I am excessive in any substance use.  I must stay strong.  Last night, I had a huge craving.  But I didn't cave.  I asked my neighbor for a cigarette, but luckily, he didn't have enough.  So that saved me, but I will have to learn to cope and deal accordingly with these urges.  
4. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   06 Nov 2018

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   Hi franny - congratulations on getting through last night.
   
   It's funny how we regard having a cigarette as a reward, when in fact it is actually more of a punishment.  We need to change our perceptions and find alternative rewards, especially rewarding oneself for not smoking.
   
   E
   
5. franny

   

   41 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   07 Nov 2018 in reply to efreeman75

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   Yeah, I really need to find alternative means.  This morning, I cave and bought a pack.  I am stressed and a bit anxious and unfortunately turned to smoking again.  I don't know why, but I hit an immense wall whenever I near 3 weeks free of cigarettes.  I am very discouraged, but I will try to get this quit thing going again.  I smoked 10 and threw out the pack.  I also need to find hobbies or things of interest to do, to relieve me from the boredom I am feeling lately.  I know with God's help that I can succeed.  I need to do my part and work at getting through the urges.  I hope the rest of the day will be better.
6. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   07 Nov 2018

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   Hi Franny - don't beat yourself up or get discouraged.  Congrats for getting right back on this quit.
   
   And I totally hear you on the 3-week hurdle.  The toughest time for myself was day 30 through to about day 90.  There's a lot of reading on another site (becomeanex.com) where they refer to this period as No Man's Land (NML).  Basically, after about a month, the initial excitement of the quit loses some initiative, support of friends and family may dwindle off, and we are tired both physically and mentally from a month of fighting withdrawal.  The trick is to recognize this as a natural step in the process of becoming nicotine free.
   
   Wishing you all the best on your fresh start.
   
   E
   
7. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   07 Nov 2018

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   Hi Franny,
   
   Generally it is recommended to use the nicotine replacement products for 2-3 months, so definitely do not rush off them too quickly. There are certainly there to help with cravings and withdrawal.
   
   In addition to the physical aspects of smoking (nicotine) those habitual routines can be tough! But you can do it for sure since you HAVE done it before! Perhaps making a list of ways to keep busy may help for you so you have more than one activity to choose from.
   
   efreeman75 - you make a very interesting point about smoking as a reward. If we change how we think about smoking in this way, it can help to stay quit. 
   
   Best to you both,
   
   Jenna Lee