I quit smoking need to vent

[jennfran]

Well I quit, and it is my third day without a cigarette. Why is it getting harder as the days go on? I was fine the first two days and today it is bad. I have smoked for 18 years and I feel like I have lost my best friend but at the same time I am excited about being a non-smoker. Today I keep telling myself, "oh just have one, or smoke until the holidays are over and then quit." If anyone is a reformed smoker, please tell me it gets better, tell me that this is worth it....Thanks for listening..Jenn

[phlika29]

It gets better. I would recommend that you buy the patches, they work really well. If not, just try to remember that the cravings only last a few seconds at the most, so if you can just distract yourself then you'll be fine.

Your brain is trying to trick you into starting again, but if you think of it as gaining something rather than loosing something then it should help. Think of all the things you are gaining-health, better skin, more money, better breath, better coping with stress, less wrinkles, more money to spend on clothes.

I think tomorrow you should treat yourself for being so good-why not buy some new nail varnish/music/magazine/shoes/anything you like.

Best wishes

Sarah

[Melissa W]

Hi Jenn,

Congratulations on doing this!
I think that cold turkey is the way to go.
It will be really hard to resist but the more you resist the easier it will become. I like Sarah's suggestion of distracting yourself with other things.
Try pampering yourself like getting your hair done and going shopping
Lots of holiday parties to buy dresses for.

And for those weak moments that you feel you might go for a cigarette get a friend whom you can call whenever that happens.
And of course we're here when you need us!

Stay strong and healthy!!

All the best,
Melissa

PS Think about how nice and white your teeth will stay and how good you will smell without smoking!

[TheMediumDog]

Its tough!

One thing is for sure, which is that nicotene is really good at making up excuses for why you NEED a cigarette, sounding convincing, and pretending that its really you.

Don't listen to that voice. In fact, what you need to do is drown that voice out with a better one.

Things get easier when you start seeing how you can be a non-smoker. If you go two, three days without smoking, then that is something totally new. It feels really strange. Well, when it stops feeling strange and starts feeling like...you...then it starts getting easier. It only takes a little while.

[jennfran]

Thanks so much guys. I am going to stay with this, I have to. I am sick of killing myself with these things. I joined the quitnet online group today and that helped out alot also. I am using the gum because I cannot use the patches and it is helping but i still get these cravings, like right now after dinner. I decided I would come type on here instead of giving in.. Thanks for the support and thanks for letting me vent..Jenn

[patty]

I smoked in my late teens. Quitting was the smartest thing I've ever done. Now that I have children, I'm so glad they never saw me with a cigarette. You mentioned that you would like to have a baby. Stay strong!
Your biggest benefit will be healthy babies and a healthy mommy!
Best wishes!

[Steve95301]

Patches are the best way to go. My advice is to chew on toothpicks or do something to satisfy the oral fixation (I chewed sunflower seeds).

The best part is that now you can look down on smokers as smelly, cancerous people, and feel far superior. Enjoy!

[jennfran]

You are so right Steve. I feel so much better knowing that I do not smell and I was so embarrassed to have people know that I smoke. I am still sticking with it, it is hard in the mornings. I just miss it so much, so sad that I miss something that eventually would kill me or do my body such harm :? I will stay strong...Thanks alot guys Jenn

[Melissa W]

Hi Jenn,

Another big benefit of quiting smoking are your eyes. Smoking dries them out and exacerbates any ocular rosacea!

Hang in there... you can do it!!!

Melissa

[Barbara]

Hi Jenn,

excellent decision to quit smoking! Keep on going! You can win this battle!

My best wishes,
Barbara