Sazerac

-12

I post this in hope it will help somebody lurking here with vascular problems and also to make sure we all understand the vicious implications of nicotine addiction. here is the text “I’m mad that I can’t smoke anymore! It is so unfair.” This statement was angrily expressed by a clinic participant while introducing himself to the group at the third session of his smoking clinic. He had been totally off smoking for two full days, and was absolutely disgusted about it. I asked him why he was giving up cigarettes if he was so miserable about the prospect of quitting. His reply was quite incredible. In front of more than 20 people he said, “I have peripheral vascular disease. I have had gangrene on one foot three times and already have lost a couple of toes. I am going to lose that leg in the near future. To tell you the truth, I hope they take it off soon. It hurts so much all of the time. I hope they just take it off and give me an artificial limb that won’t hurt anymore. My other leg is also affected, as well as both of my arms. Do you know why I have to quit? My family begged and pleaded for me to stop when I was first diagnosed, but they finally gave up. They now say, ‘Keep on smoking, Dad, but be forewarned–once you lose your arms, we are not going to buy or light your cigarettes for you. You can lie and cheat now, but you won’t have a chance of sneaking then.’ I couldn’t believe they were telling me that. I immediately enrolled in the clinic. It is so unfair, but what choice do I have? I hate that I have to quit.” “Do you realize what you are saying?”, I replied. You are mad that you can’t smoke. But what is it that really is making you mad? The fact that you are going to lose a leg from smoking? No, you have accepted that quite well. In fact, you are looking forward to getting rid of the one quickly because it hurts so much. You are not even upset about losing the other leg, even though it would mean you would probably never walk again. Are you mad that you will lose your arms? No, that is okay with you, too. Sure, with no legs or arms you would be totally dependent on others, a complete cripple. But that still is not the basis of your anger. What are you mad about? You are mad at how unfair your children are because they are not going to let you smoke once you lose limbs.” Without hesitation he replied, “Yeah, how could they do that to me?” Some of the clinic participants looked on in disbelief at the exchange that just occurred. Some of them thought he was crazy. Others exhibited a sense of shame, for, even though their own conditions may not have been so graphic, they recognized his attitude in their own thinking and they were not very proud of that realization. Two days later, the participant with peripheral vascular disease who had been so traumatized by the thought of quitting smoking was expressing great relief in being free from cigarettes. Once he beat the initial grip of addiction, he recognized just how irrational he was and the true destructive nature of his cigarettes. He was already feeling some physical improvements in circulation, and, in fact, had starting forming a thin layer of skin underneath a scab that he thought would never improve. He was still exhibiting anxiety about not smoking, but now from a totally different perspective. He feared smoking and prayed that he would never again get caught in the grip of nicotine dependence. A dependence that he now recognized once controlled his thoughts and behavior to the point of his being willing to give up his limbs, independence, physical abilities, and even his dignity. He was completely justified in maintaining these fears. If given the opportunity, cigarettes would once again regain such control. But now, all he needed to do to insure that cigarettes would never again exert such a grip was to NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF!

Wow, @jillar what gruesome news and a reality check. There is nothing good about tobacco and nicotine addiction. Nothing. I hope your Mom listens to somebody and stops. I am so relieved that you built a sturdy quit, Jillar. This is frightening and so damn sad.

-10 They're still in The Fun Room until we get some gratitude for our spanking hands.

-2

Grateful for the BIG O, @despair not ??? Do I hear, 'Thank You, Saz, For My Big O' ? Do you need more spanking, Mister Man ? -1

Protecting Your FOREVER Quit Nearing my six year anniversary, I am examining how I protect my quit. This quit is as precious today as it was during it's infancy. I know that. I continue my vigilance. I am not in full battle Riot gear anymore but, I still NOPE, if only to myself, every morning. In the evening I am grateful for the day, grateful for my quit. My commitment stands firm. So, to newbies....this isn't a struggle anymore, hasn't been a struggle since the v. early days. It is now a conscious reminder that nicotine addiction doesn't magically disappear OR stay asleep if provoked. Addiction must be acknowledged and our commitment, our fidelity to NOPE ~ Not One Puff Ever WILL protect our quits...forever. This ritual of NOPE is a part of me now, it takes no extra thought but, I haven't forgotten what it means. Hanging out on QTrain keeps my eyes open and helps me to absorb the facts of addiction in a deep and daily way. I am grateful to be able to watch new quitters begin their journey. It is an elixir. Here is a fresh off the press video from our friend, Joel Spitzer. He is the one who helped me (and many, many others) understand my nicotine addiction. I am so appreciative of his continued teachings. Video describes resource pages set up to help people who have already successfully stopped smoking to maintain their quits over the long-term. Resource pages discussed in this video: Resources/Videos Related To The Implications Of A Puff Once You Have Quit Relapse Prevention Can You Spare About An Hour And A Half To Help Save Your Life ? Joel Spitzer's Daily Quit Smoking Lessons

-20 Is this the second day in a row that I wake up to the Big 20 ? Happy Day Happy Triumphant Chicks Happy Happy Happy.

I think Jo is right but, I'll take 1 for no reason at all.

-16

Some of my very good traits have been undermined.

Congratulations, Juan. You will never have to go through this again, Juan. Freedom is delicious.

-16 good morning Dnot Because I have ethics...I must admit that the score is actually -15 I took advantage of bakon earlier. -15

Really on a strange trip today

I need greatness

NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE

Congratulations, Sammy, on your Seven Months of Freedom ! Hope all is well as you near your first year. Please continue to reward yourself and have a celebration. You've done such great work !

Thinking of you mrs, Depending on if those patches were viable or not, your body is pretty close to being nicotine free. Now, it is a matter of retraining your brain to deliver endorphins for good things instead of the tie to nicotine. So reward yourself ALL THE TIME !

-13 glad to see you playing on the Chick's side ! Happy Smoke Free Life, baby. Sorry we forgot, Your asshat friends.

Congratulations, bakon on your Seven Years of Freedom. You know we love you, even as you cheat at Chicks/Sticks. You know we love you even when you call us window lickers, asshats and jerk faces. Have a big celebration, baby. Love, An Egg.

-11

-9

@reciprocity wins

Hovering over water

-7 lucky seven, Leanna