Sazerac

oh course your psyche misses smoking. you are a nicotine addict. it takes time to adjust but, adjust you will and love Freedom. Oxygen is the new drug of choice and it is splendid !

oops, I didn't know this was States-centric. of course, the 4th. will this redeem me ?

Congratulations, Michele on your first month of Freedom. Very excited for you.

ooh, somebody knock that girl over so I can steal her shoes !

I am not interested in chasing you down, Lily. Either you will quit or you won't. But, for you and other eyes out there struggling with a decisions to quit, I would like to put this video in the thread and a short essay from Joel at the end. I know I will quit again “I don’t know what happened. I just went back to smoking. But I know I will quit again.” I often encounter similar remarks from people who relapse to smoking. While the smoker may not recognize what led to the relapse, the reason is obvious to anyone understanding addiction. The person took a drag on a cigarette. While the situation that causes the first puff varies, the end result is inevitably the same. The first puff causes a second. It may be a minute, a day or even a week later. In some extreme cases even a longer time will pass. But the length of time is not important. The addictive process has been set into motion. Either the smoker becomes hooked immediately or gets a false sense of confidence leading to another drag, and still another. Eventually the addiction will be reinforced, and once again the smoker is hooked to the deadly substance–nicotine. So what about the idea that the smoker will just quit again some other time? There are two flaws in this concept. First, the smoker may never again get the desire, strength or opportunity to quit. When dealing with deadly substances, death may result and, sometimes, without advance warning. But, often, the smoker does have the opportunity to quit again. The only problem is that if he didn’t understand what prompted relapse the first time, the odds are he will make the same mistake again. Once again he will face the same problem–addicted and unable to quit smoking. If a person is enslaved in this process of on-again-off-again smoking, he must take time to consider what his particular problem is. His past attempts failed because he refused to treat cigarette smoking as an addiction. It is said that those who don’t learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them. Nowhere is this more evident than in dealing with addictions. If he doesn’t consider the consequences of taking the first puff, he will take it. And once again his noble attempt will be wasted. Smokers and ex-smokers must learn from their own or better yet from other people’s mistakes. Quitting smoking is worthwhile if you are able to stay off. All the physical, psychological, social and financial benefits will last only as long as you remain free of cigarettes. If you don’t smoke now, great! You understand your addiction. If you do smoke now, quit. You too will overcome the powerful grip of nicotine. Then, all you need to remember to stay permanently free is NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF! Joel

Congratulations on your Freedom A. You will learn the new you soon enough. Addiction took away so much of our true selves that the power returning is an amazing experience.

Congratulations, @JohnQ on your first month of Freedom. It is apparent that you are building yourself a fine and sturdy quit thank you for sharing this with us and also sharing your inciteful and honest posts. I'm a big fan.

Dreams of Smoking

bump

Here is a piece I wrote about my resentment over nicotine addiction. I'll bump it to the board also so, you don't miss it, Jeff. Lifetime of Addiction

Guided hypnosis will never work for me, I resist the hypnotist, I don't want them in my brain and refuse them any access. But, I use the techniques of self-hypnosis in many ways. It is a useful tool for me. A few issues here (these vids were a huge influence in my quit) What Withdrawals Should I Expect From Quitting Smoking What Is Nicotine Withdrawal Really Like Were You Addicted Minimizing The Most Common Side Effects To Quitting Smoking Every Quit Is Different and Possible Changes In Caffeine Tolerance

How did I miss this ??? Damn. Congratulations, Mona on your two month quit. I am over the moon that you stuck to your plan with the patches and put down the nicotine too. You have built, are building a strong and sturdy quit and this is inspiring. Thank you for all your contributions here also, you are helping more people than you can imagine. and have taught me how a quit with NRT Patches should go first hand. I really appreciate that. SO, belated joy for you. where did I leave the band ?

bump Darlings, Quitting smoking is a marathon not a sprint. Enjoy the ride. Find joy in every moment of freedom. You will learn skills you never even knew you had and experience a profound trust in yourself having stopped feeding your addiction to nicotine. Let Time be your ally.

As both JohnQ and I said up thread, smoking hid many issues both physical and mental. Please consult your health professional with any concerns. Here are some resources for y'all Is Anyone Else Experiencing The Symptom Of...? Does Nicotine Withdrawal Really Last For Months or Years ? When You May Really Need To Talk To Your Doctor About Quitting Smoking

9 he who hesitates is lost @reciprocity

I'm pulling out my glitter stash and sneaking it into @c9jane29's pocket because her rugs must never be glitter free. What kind of world would that be ?

Oh, Latoya ! I am so happy to hear from you. I remember the first day you came by and so glad to know you are keeping your quit and doing so well. Love to your Mama ! S

Lily, Your 'quit window' has been open for many years. Every damn day you smoke, you could be free. Every cigarette you light could be your last one. Start at the beginning again even if you think you know it all because if you are still smoking it hasn't sunk in AT ALL. 10 Ways To Effectively Use This Forum To Stop Using Nicotine People come and go. Some quit, some relapse, it is the nature of Nicotine Addiction. If you are here to build a sturdy, successful quit and being Honest and Kind, we will be here for support.

JohnQ is absolutely correct. These issues are not related to nicotine withdrawal. Give me a minute and I will find a post from Joel that addresses this issue. Smoking hid many things, both physical and mental that may be revealed now that you quit. All making you a healthier and better person...better to know than be deceived by Nicotine. Consult health professionals with any concerns.

and you have to have a successful quit with us ! your handle, Sarisaac and Sazerac are too great a tongue tier to miss !