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Nope!

NOPE

NOPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min Hour Day as required!)

NOPE

No matter how you go about quitting in the end after that last patch, pill, gum, lozenge or vape it's gonna be just you and the turkey. How you meet him is solely up to you. Quit Nicotine and all else will fall in line.

NOPE!!

I didn't quit cold turkey (this time). FOR ME...cold turkey was not the way to go on an emotional/psychological level. I needed NRT to get me past the habit stage. That said, I knew the NRT wasn't going to be what made me quit successfully, that came down to not putting a smoke in my mouth.. I used NRT sparingly and as a band-aid to get me past the habbit stage....it worked for me...so yay. Then again I do honestly think that it prolonged the craves and when I did ditch it I still had to detox...so it dragged out the very worst of it and turned that third week into a few months. I do remember feeling guilty and inferior to those cold turkey quitters but being smoke free for over 2 years and now nicotine free over 2 years as well I get it....NRT feeds the nicotine addiction which is what makes us smoke....still being addicted to nicotine increases our chances of smoking again because we are still feeding the cravings so still addicted...your quit will never be successful whole you still feed your body nicotine...those pushing cold turkey are doing it from a place of science telling us it is the best way...and I think those of us who use NRT or Champix (etc) feel inferior because in our heart we know it's true. Finally though let me say, I would rather see anyone addicted to NRT than smoking or vaping. I truly believe NRT & quit aids have their place because some of us need it to get there. It's horses for courses people, what works for some may not necessarily work for all because we aren't all the same. Here is something for you think about, I have 2 substantial quits...both were spur of the moment and unplanned...one was cold turkey and lasted for nearly 7 years and every single day of that quit I wanted and craved a smoke, every single day I would actively look for a good enough reason to smoke again and be able to justify it...until the day I had a reason I could rationalise. This quit, I used NRT and I've had some horrendous things and dresses happen in this time and for over a year now I haven't even considered smoking regardless of the trigger or stress. So I might not be of the popular opinion but I do think NRT had its place and I'm happy to support someone using it. On a personal level @Sunshine59 I think I have been watching your journey for a while now wanting you to succeed, and i do because I know how amazing it feels to be smoke and nicotine free...but i see you using NRT without success. I want you to succeed..I think you will and can because you are still here trying..but I am not sure NRT will get you there because at some point to be truely quit you need to stop the NRT or have a plan to stop and only then will NRT be the way to go.

NOPE !!!!

NOPE

NOPE - I don't smoke anymore.

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min Hour Day as required!)

I think some of Sunshine's point is being lost in translation...English is not his first language...those of us who use NRT often feel defensive, uncomfortable and shamed here...and that our quits aren't as good or worthy of the cold turkey quitters...I'm not saying that is the intention of others, I'm not saying that's not more about us than anyone else but in all honesty I've felt it...so I choose to stay out of a lot of the descussions because I feel my experience and advice is less valid because I used NRT. Would I change my choice with hindsight, probably not because for me it worked. In Sunshine's defense he has never lied about or fudged over his use of NRT...he has never pretended to be quit when he isn't...he has often faced a negative reception for some of his opinions and his "oh well attitude" and still he stuck it out...he does want his quit to succeed or he wouldn't still be here. Yes it's frustrating to watch, and at times annoying, and from our side of the freedom fence we can see it all clearer and believe me you I wanna ask Doreen to pass her bloody frypan my way at times. There is nothing wrong with a hardline approach, just also give something concrete as an alternative. I know we've all done it before, but eventually someone will say the one thing that will click and lead to an ahh ha moment. Now Sunshine, more than 6 months is a great start...and you should be proud. I respect that you want others to stop smoking and you want to help the do it. I do think NRT has its place BUT anyone who is more than 4 days smoke free has quit cold turkey and suggesting NRT at that point would be a step backwards in my opinion and I think that's why the others get their backs up. So here are the facts (well my opinion) Fact...everyone can quit cold turkey. Fact...some people find it easier to start with NRT or medications. Fact...you are not truely quit until you are NRT free Fact...all smokers are addictions and their drug of addiction is nicotine. Fact...addiction to nicotine is what makes us want to smoke. Fact...NRT prolongs your quit. Fact...using NRT is feeding your addiction. Just like a heroin addict having a hitvof methadone. Fact...it doesn't matter how we get there, or how many stops we have on the way...we just need to get there.

NOPE

For me chewing 1 or 2 gums is not about addiction anymore , its something i do to kill the boredom Sunshine .....your deluded .....if your still using 2 gums ...then your still addicted ...it's got nothing to do with boredom ..... Using ordinary regular gum would help with your boredom .... You want to leave because the truth hurts .... If you thought you were right ...you would stand and fight .... Deep down you know we are right and you are wrong.... I've always said all road lead to Rome ...no matter how you quit .....you haven't got to Rome yet .... Time for the frying pan to come out !!!

NOPE!

N O P E ...

NOPE!!! NOT TODAY!!!!!

NOPE...

@Sunshine59 can I suggest not using NRT as a reward....that keeps the wrong link in your brain with the nicotine receptors...we need to work at deleting that link, between nicotine and reward. I get juice is not a good option for a diabetic but how about freezing some juice as ice cubes. You could have a cube as a reward and eat it like an icypole (popsicle) which would take longer than juice but have much Jess sugar because it is a smaller quantity. Have done fresh strawberries, they are probably the best fruit for diabetics. Suck a diabetic friend lollypop....or chew some normal gum. Have a piece of dark chocolate but don't chew it, just let it melt. Have a handful of nuts (almond or walnuts). Definately don't use NRT as a reward, it just strengthens the addiction.

NOPE

NOPE

Hi again...I had written the above and decided to get some sleep now its after midnight and having read all your comments, I'm feeling worse lol Sazerac, I started to feel overwhelmed about what was happening around me, which is no reason to quit....millions around the world are feeling the same emotions, and are in a much worse situation....I have plenty of support from my sister ( she quit 5 yrs ago ) and from the non smokers at work, who were gutted to see me smoke today. This is the second time I have now let them down, including myself.....the smokers were quite happy to have me back in their fold again. Your support means a lot and I thank you for that, so I have one more task to do, before I get some sleep, and that is to get out of bed and throw the cigs away. I will be on the train first thing tomorrow morning. Night all and once again, thanks for your support

Sorry to read you relapsed Irene. You have to really be ready to quit in order to succeed. When I first quit it took me three weeks to sign up to my first forum and then I was glued to it as much as I could. I found that reading, posting, supporting fellow quitters and even socializing helped me stay focused on my quit and gave me a sense of camaraderie with my fellow quitters so much so that I didn't want to let them down by relapsing. I also posted for extra help when I was having a hard crave and members came running to help me past it. We want to do that for you too.....

Hello Irene, Glad you're planning on getting on the train. I left 6ish years ago and only just made it back 14 days ago. REALLY hope to see you. Pretty sure it is safe to acknowledge all the emotions here... many are rolling around and you are not alone in them. Please don't shy away from the feelings you're having about smoking. .. once I relapsed, it was like Oh-well, I made my choices. I only posted here once after the relapse and it was very painful to read what folks had written me and I chose to walk away from....until I found my back. Remembering reading something that MQ shared ... statistically about the likelihood of people trying quit again once they had relapsed. it's not good. Grateful I'm on the train now. Can almost hear the nicotine junkie in your head ... have enough smokes to get to Friday, I'll quit then. The nicotine junkie is a liar. Irene...come sit by us on the train. holding us all in love and light in these weird scary times. it is the only way I can hold people right now, so I will.

I quit cold turkey, although it took me multiple attempts to quit for good. I did finally quit for good through the help of another quit site (QSMB) and in my early days I assumed all of the more established quitters there quit cold turkey as well. Turns out many of them quit cold turkey but a lot of them also quit by some sort of nicotine replacement therapy. Ultimately the most important thing is did you get to the point of no longer consuming nicotine of any type. I think the belief that cold turkey is the best way to quit is because if you are successful, it is probably the quickest way to quit. I would not discourage people from using NRT to quit if they struggle keeping a quit cold turkey though. The goal is to get to the point where nicotine is completely out of your life. Once you get to that point, you have succeeded, regardless of the method. But let me repeat this. Ultimately the most important thing is did you get to the point of no longer consuming nicotine of any type. If you are still consuming nicotine at this point in your quit, Sunshine, you really need to work on getting that out of your life once and for all. Otherwise, you are still living the life of an addict.

A Quit is a Quit ..... I've always supported someone using NRT ....and I have always posted this ... All roads lead to Rome .... I don't think this is the issue here ....I think it's the length of time he has been chewing ... Being tied down to Nicorette gum is not Freedom .... No one should feel uncomfortable in thier Quit .....

NOPE...

NOPE - I don't smoke anymore.

I quit cold turkey but I don't have an issue with people using NRT as long as they consult with a doctor and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. NRT is meant to be a bridge to eventual freedom from nicotine. I do have an issue with someone giving questionable advice to new quitters then changing their name and avatar over and over again.

Rez, if you had been chewing on your dog's poop for two or more years, we would be having a conversation. lol.

I agree with Sunshine! As long as you can stop sticking paper and tobacco in your mouth and lighting it on fire your on the right road. I quit using the gum a long time ago, did it for about 2 or 3 months before gradually switching to regular gum then none. I am not discounting how other members did their quit at all because everybody knows everybody's quit is different. The way things are today with the corona virus, I would chew my dogs poop if it would help me quit. Just saying

Sunshine, you started quitting at the same time as me. It has been a year and 7 months and you still have nicotine in your body. You have not quit the addiction. The object of using NRT is to use it for a short term to help you transition over to not smoking. It is not to be used as a replacement to smoking. You may feel this is healthier but it is not. You may feel you won't end up with lung cancer but you are still at risk for throat or oral cancers. Addicts come up with all types of excuses as to why they feed their habit. It is time for you to put the excuses away and quit the habit completely.

Hello helmethermit, Glad you are having a fairly easy beginning. May it continue! Being in the beginning stages of my own quit, I am grateful that my days have been mostly easy as well. I am wondering what my commitment to freedom may look like once I am out working, doing errands, and living life in a more familiar manner. I am not romancing the smokes. there may have been a time when I actually enjoyed smoking, but that ship sailed over a decade ago...kept doing it out of addiction and habit and coping and whatever else my junkie thinking wanted to use as an excuse. Smoking stinks and makes all your things stink, too. .... your desire to be closer to nature and the hope /belief that being smoke free will facilitate that connection....NURTURE that idea, play around with it while on lock down ... kind of in that vein...somewhere in week one, I had the delightful experience of being really connected to the sense of taste inherent in my body. Probably not the bigger nature connection you are referring to, still ...maybe a nudge toward the connection for purity and harmony?.... Glad you're here. Glad you're staying.

NOPE

There is nothing ominous about day 6. I believe angeleek was just commenting on Her Experience. No shoe drops on day 6. It is just another early day in the journey. Stay vigilant Every Day and remember to reward yourself for every crave/trigger conquered The Significance of Rewards Rewards can be free and simple. A nap, a bath, a book, a song, a dance, a pleasant thought, a beautiful memory, a smile, a belly laugh.

I will let an expert in the field of smoking cessation explain Cold Turkey, here are some resources. Cold Turkey Defined Cold Turkey Defined Again Are you still using nicotine ? Why ? I thought you said you stopped. After more than six months, including one relapse, you have not dealt with your nicotine addiction. You worried us with your early abuse of nicotine gum. 30 Years of Nicotine Gum We support all people quitting smoking/using nicotine, all quits are a good quit. Quitting means Quitting. Quitting means putting nicotine addiction to rest. Is Cold Turkey The Only Way To Quit ? I am an advocate of cold turkey because it addresses nicotine addiction immediately and that is why we smoked. Nicotine addiction. I am a cold turkey quitter. I know it is not for everyone but anyone can quit cold turkey. Anyone. It doesn't take super powers. It takes commitment to NOPE. Whatever You Do Don't Quit Cold Turkey

thank you boo, yes, used to be the only way a navy instructor could come up with on how to teach the cadets to swim. push them in and let them figure it out. yes, now that i have 4 days or 5760 minutes or 345600 seconds smoke free i should not blow up my account. wow, that feels huge. love the answer to the second question, lol. thank you for the motivation and your positive energy

Cold turkey is the most direct method of quitting. It is simple. It is free. It is freeing. Many of us had success with quitting cold turkey. In spite of health agencies, marketing campaigns, and an assortment of "experts" telling us that cold turkey is not a viable option...it fit some of us like a glove. I will extol the virtues of cold turkey quitting every chance I get. I have no desire to proselytize nor condemn anyone for their method of choice. However, I will share my story of success and hope it encourages someone just starting out that they already have everything they need to quit forever.

nope

I am sorry to hear this, Irene. Yep, relapses make things a lot worse. Smoking helps nothing. I'm glad you are starting a quit again (and I would suggest sooner than Friday) but remember how this feels. Relapses are not something you want to go through again. Use these feelings to encourage you to quit and stay quit for good.

Love the elephant analogy helmethermit, and I learned something new

Good thinking H .... Keep positive and you will succeed.....to keep busy ,join in the games it can be fun .... It will pass some time away .... If you read some of the old posts ...you will find plenty of knowledge.... Knowledge is a powerful tool when Quitting ...

Our brains can sometimes be are worst enemies..... My advice ....Don't over think ...everyone's journey is different .... One day at a time ....

@Sunshine59, like Jo said there is no one way to quit this addiction. Yes the ultimate goal is to be completely smoke/nicotine free but how you get there is your choice. I think you mistake our experiences with quitting cold turkey as ganging up on members who think they need NRT's to quit when in fact they dont. And encouraging someone who has quit smoking cold turkey to use NRT to get past a crave is bad advice imo. Why introduce nicotine back in the system?! I encourage all people who have quit smoking period. I just think that for me pulling the bandaid off fast was much better than the slow approach which is NRT. I hope you decide to stay on the forum sunshine and I hope you give up your NRT gum, six months is a long time to be on it. Maybe try regular gum instead?

Hooray, Kate! Congratulations! Any reason to quit is a good one! Keep it up!

Congratulations Kate.

Great job Kate! Celebrate your amazing achievement. Stay diligent.