treepeo
832 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017
16 Jul 2019
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Hi Larry,
It is great that you are going to quit again. I think your idea of writing about your struggles during this quit is a smart idea. It should help you in the future should you be tempted again.
You're right, it is very difficult to quit. I quit cold turkey after smoking for 43 years and trust me, that is not something I ever want to have to go through again. Once was enough. The thought of going through that again makes me shudder, and is another thing that motivates me to keep my quit. Interestingly, like you, I quit 2.5 years ago, but managed to quash any ideas of lighting up again when those thoughts surfaced. And they do surface from time to time. That's why I caution people to remain on guard, because you never know when this addiction is going to come back to haunt you.
The good news is that you have quit once before, so you know that you have what it takes. Try to avoid triggers. When you get a craving, wait 10 minutes, and then another 10 minutes, until the craving passes. Do things to distract yourself. Keeping busy is helpful. And drink lots of water to help flush the toxins out of your body.
Remember how good it felt to be a non-smoker. You can have that again. Take a deep breath and go for it. You will be happy you did.