jillar

Welcome @DFINALJ, congratulations on over a year quit. Thank you for letting us know this kind of garbage exists. I have removed the link though as there's no need for someone who's quitting to view it and possibly get triggered. If you get a chance maybe you could head over to the Introduction forum and introduce yourself to everyone ☺

MarylandQuitter Quit Date: 10/07/2013 Posted August 1, 2014 I Know I'll Quit Again Video discusses the risk of allowing yourself to relapse using the logic that you can always simply just quit again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHp8yFnHbZQ Get Right Back In The Saddle? Still quit right away but figure out what went wrong and what happened so it doesn't happen again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcEzzFM6c7A "Well at least I attempted to quit smoking. That's better than not trying to quit at all." This comment was stated by a clinic participant who, after five days of not smoking, gave in to an urge and took a cigarette. It was only going to be one cigarette, he thought. But by the end of the day, he was up to his old level. So what about his logic that at least trying to quit smoking is better than not trying at all? If this was his first attempt, it could be said that it was a learning experience. Maybe he just didn't understand the concept of addiction. He did not believe one cigarette could reestablish a physical dependency on nicotine. After taking one cigarette, he lost all control. So now, if he would ever quit again, he would not question the concept of one cigarette causing a total relapse. But this was not his first attempt quitting. It was his second time in our clinic, as well as multiple previous attempts at other programs, hypnosis and on his own. He once quit for two months before relapsing. At that time he broke all physical dependency on nicotine. Also, after two months he successfully overcame many trigger situations which cause many smokers to initially relapse. Work pressures, family problems, and social situations are obstacles that all ex-smokers initially face when quitting. He overcame all of these trigger situations. But then, one day, out of sheer boredom, he took a cigarette. In that attempt, too, he relapsed right back to his old level. Obviously, taking that cigarette was a serious mistake. This attempt, too, he chalked up to experience. But when considering his latter attempts, it is apparent that he learned nothing. Unless he objectively evaluates what causes his relapses to smoking, he is wasting his time trying to quit again. Because instead of recognizing his past attempts as failures, he rationalizes a positive feeling of accomplishment about them. This type of rationalization all but assures failures in all future attempts. Don't allow yourself to get into the same rut as this man did. On again, off again, one withdrawal after another. Quitting smoking is only the first step in smoking cessation. http://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_03_11_at_least_i_tried.html Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/2156-relapse-i-just-cant-do-it-right-now-i-know-ill-quit-again-back-in-the-saddle/

Hi @Linda, glad to see you and I'm happy you're keeping your awesome quit! Well done! ☺

I too am sorry for your loss @Genecanuck, you've been given some pretty big triggers to get past so early and should be proud of yourself for keeping that awesome quit. You're doing great!

Sazerac Quit Date: October 23, 2013, A Good Day to be Free. Posted October 22, 2019 In celebration of my Six Years of Freedom, I wrote this little piece, Sazerac's Simple Guide To Freedom Desire: You must want to quit more than you want to smoke Decision: Make the decision to live life without Nicotine. Commitment: Commit wholeheartedly to live without Nicotine and intend on standing by your resolve. Choice: Choose to never smoke again, EVER. This choice will empower you in many, many ways. “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson Education * Thanks to Joel Spitzer, this site and lurking around the sphere, I am still learning everything I can about Nicotine Addiction. Information is Big Power and I feel sufficiently armed to maintain my quit. Changing Focus. It took some doing but, s l o w l y, when junkie thoughts would drag me down, I began to train myself to look at something beautiful or think of beauty in some way. This retrained my brain and also gave me a bump of endorphins. I use this technique during any moments of distress or discomfort. These are not nicotine related anymore, just moments of life. The concept of H.A.L.T. * (are you Hungry (thirsty), Angry (emotional), Lonesome (bored), Tired) Nine times out of ten, smokey thoughts weren't about nicotine at all, it was my body (poor thing) hollering at me to do something life sustaining for it. Now, the signals are very clear and not related to nicotine in any way. I also want to share the benefits of Breath. Deep, calming breaths of Oxygen. An elixir to sharpen and focus your mind away from the patterns of addiction. Rewards * Not only does rewarding yourself help re-wire your brain receptors, treating yourself well and being as kind to yourself makes life nice. A little spoiling goes a long way, especially during rugged transitions of any kind. ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Quitting smoking has taught me much about myself and the human condition. The truth and honesty involved in making and keeping a commitment to myself has been profound. I know myself so much better. I have exchanged an empty bravado for an inner trust and knowledge. I am grateful to everybody here, your stories, your triumphs and your lapses, too. ALL have helped me understand the hideousness of nicotine addiction and the Power of Choice, the Preciousness of Freedom. I am so proud to be part of this community. Y'all are beautiful nicotine free creatures, my friends. S *Joel Spitzer's Quit Smoking Library * Riffing On H.A.L.T. * The Significance of Rewards p.s. To anyone beginning their journey, I would recommend this thread, 10 Ways To Effectively Use This Forum To Stop Using Nicotine Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/13165-simple-guide-to-freedom/

Great post @DenaliBlues, I was the smoking spouse as well so can really relate to so much of this.... Thank you for sharing ☺

Thank you @Genecanuck for posting these topics from the quitnet site. I totally agree with there is no slip ups, only relapses and have also wondered many times the same things as the poster

Happy anniversary @intoxicated yoda, I hope you celebrate today! Thank you for sticking around and paying it forward

jillar Quit Date: May 29, 2016 Posted May 20, 2018 the perfect quit by jwg1763 » Tue Jun 22, 2010 8:03 pm Welcome come right in ,, how can I help you today? Umm yes I would like to see about buying a quit Well sir you have certainly come into the right store Let me show you some of our newer and maybe are best Ok ,, that would be great,, are they expensive? Lets just look and then we can talk price Umm , umm ok.. Now here this is a wonderful quit, about seven years old fully matured No cravings I can see no real problems for you and this quit I think it could fit you well… but you do have to walk it by 7 am oh and that’s after a good breakfast Umm , I work nights im not up at 7 am Well if you want this quit you will have to get a new job you can only work 9-5 with this quit do you have something else? Why sure we do,, we have the perfect quit right here for you this is the one,, it is only 2 ½ years old but very mature and well behaved However you do have to sit every day and eat two bags of pop corn While you watch the soap operas Ohhmm ,, I don’t like pop corn or soap opera s I think this is a house wife quit . Not for me Well sir quits don’t have a gender there just tailored Oh ,, I see well I need a quit that works nights Likes to sleep in in the morning,, play some video games Doesn’t like pop corn and about two meals a day What do you have like that? Well sir I don’t think you understand you have to Tailor yourself to our quits we don’t tailor them to you.. These quits have taken years to fit there original owners That’s what I want a quit tailored fit to me Where do I get one of those? You can’t buy one of those ,, you just have to stop smoking and Let it grow,, you have to nature it , love it, and respect it If I could just buy a quit like that just for me how much Would it cost? Sir a quit like that is priceless,, you do not have enough money `jwg` Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/10435-the-perfect-quit-repost-by-jwg/

Congratulations @Vuk, you're past the hardest month of them all

@Genecanuck, I can't imagine how much harder my quit would have been if there was still a smoker here but we've had quite a few success stories. You have to remember and keep telling yourself that you are quitting for you and that you choose to quit. That helps make it a little easier imo. Also ask your spouse to smoke outside and avoid those areas when they are out there or until you feel more comfortable with your quit. @Stewbum still has a smoking spouse at home I believe so maybe he can give you some clues as well

Irene Quit Date: 19 June 2020 Posted March 14, 2020 Before I even entertained the thought of quitting, I always looked at drug users or addicts with pity, thinking how lucky I am not to have fallen into that trap. Ironic huh? Now I have empathy. I'm not a person who bares her soul, wears her heart on on her sleeve, nor starting a thread about something she doesn't know much about....lol I know I'm not the type of person to join a group therapy session on addiction introducing myself and telling my story. Never! Out of the question! Why? Because my fear of quiting was to acknowledge my addiction, and in acknowledging my addiction, made me no different to any addict. 10 days into my 1st quit, I read Allen Carr, surfed the net, and found Quittrain...I knew this quit wouldn't last, and that I just needed to find an excuse to have that smoke. 40 odd days into my quit, I found one, feeble as it was, it was the excuse I was looking for. Still lurking on Qtrain, I started to take things more seriously... 4 days and 2 pkts later, I found myself stepping into that group therapy room...Qtrain..a very brave move from this introvert, but a wise one. It will take me a while to accept the thought that I'm always one puff away from renewing my addiction, to start baring my soul a little, opening up, feeling proud of the quit I am now building, to start enjoying the things I most enjoy without the necessity of have a smoke as well. One thread stood out for me..Introsucktion..MLMR which I highly recommend to all newbies like me..read twice and still find something useful. I know for a fact that I will have a wobbly and will be sorely tempted, and sincerely hope that I have the courage to ask for help. I have made the first step of opening up...now to embrace this frucking quit and start living Thanks for listening......you are all very appreciated, I hope you know that Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/13659-acknowledging-the-addiction/

New kid on the block

Said no one ever. But I guess there is one thing

Boo Quit Date: March 9, 2016 Posted March 28, 2016 For much of the last couple of weeks, I hit a mental wall of sorts. It wasn't that I was craving a cigarette so much as I was finding it difficult to identify myself as a nonsmoker. Nagging, insecure thoughts were persistent. I began to doubt if I was really done with smoking for good. My policy to this point had been to "fight like hell." What am I fighting? The fight is with addiction of course, but do I really need to fight? My addiction is my own creation and is not an independent entity. Addiction cannot hide around corners, jumping me when I least expect it and force me to smoke against my will. Addiction can only plant a seed, it is my choice to cultivate it or not. My addiction only has the power I give it. I've ceased fighting my addiction and since then, its voice has been a whimper subjugated to the back of my mind. When I was fighting tooth-and-nail, its voice roared. I recognize its existence, but now any irrational addiction thoughts that spring to mind are quickly silenced by reason and logic. I am not becoming complacent, I simply realized the futility of building a thing up only to spend the rest of the day attempting to knock it down. There is no reason for me to fight as I have finally realized there is nothing to fear. Maintaining a successful quit is a simple matter of never making a conscious decision to place a cigarette in my mouth and light it on fire. It does not get more simple than that. I spent time in the darkness, but eventually saw the light. Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/6851-perception-shift/

How long I've had a basement and why I haven't stumbled upon one in all these years. Maybe the thud is the mice when they're

Wow @Mee, I can't believe it's taking so long to restore your power! Thank goodness you're all safe! I HATE tornados and don't miss that part of living in the south at all....

Tofu

Holding a bird up to your ear and keeping your fingers crossed. So many times there has been

8. Eat some squid ink pasta

Rock star

That's stuck in my head for Jardiance. At least I think that's what an ear worm is and not

Happy anniversary @Doreensfree, my kind beautiful friend. Thank you for being here all this time supporting others and lifting them up when they are down. Not to mention you're the best moderator Have a great day!

Sazerac Quit Date: October 23, 2013, A Good Day to be Free. Posted August 30, 2018 Here is an article I found googling around dealing with the Quitting Smoking Blues. This is from the Very Well Mind website Depression Related to Quitting Smoking How to Deal With the Temporary Mood Changes By Terry Martin | Reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Updated August 29, 2018 Quitting smoking is difficult enough when you're feeling happy. Unfortunately, it can become further challenging due to depression—a common complaint early on in smoking cessation. Knowing what you may experience as you work to become smoke-free can better prepare you for the journey ahead. If you start to feel depressed after quitting tobacco and your low mood doesn't pass after a few weeks or gets worse, be sure to check in with your doctor for advice. Physical and Psychological Changes Nicotine withdrawal is the primary reason for the temporary depression you may experience after quitting smoking. When you use nicotine on a regular basis, your body and brain become dependent on it, as the nicotine bonds with your brain receptors to trigger the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone. Once you stop smoking and are producing less dopamine than your body and mind have become accustomed to, it is normal to react with low moods and depressed feelings. Lack of nicotine also means losing the "companion" that you thought helped you manage everything from anger to fatigue, which leaves most new ex-smokers feeling empty and adrift for a time. Luckily, for most, the condition is a byproduct of smoking cessation and is temporary. Some common symptoms of depression that you may experience when you stop smoking include: Sleeplessness Sadness Difficulty concentrating Anxiety or an "empty" feeling Fatigue Changes in appetite (eating more or less) Loss of interest in hobbies and activities Emotional irritability You may experience one, some, or all of these at one point or another, and to varying degrees. Coping Techniques Quitting tobacco is a big change in lifestyle, and you should expect to react, to some degree, both emotionally and physically. You are also at an increased risk of suffering a smoking relapse during periods of depression caused by smoking cessation. It is hard to stay focused and maintain the resolve to not smoke when you're feeling low. After years of smoking, it is possible that you began to bury your feelings behind a cloud of smoke. Cigarettes are used to deal with everything from anger to sadness to joy, causing smokers to often lean on tobacco to avoid difficult emotions. It is healthy and productive to let those feelings out, even if you feel a little raw from the experience. For depression that comes with smoking cessation, try some of the following ideas to improve your mood: Get out of a quick walk. Fresh air is always invigorating, and exercise releases endorphins in the brain, which are known to improve mood. Set goals, but don't bite off more than you can chew. Divide tasks related to your goals into small chunks that you feel good about accomplishing. Spend time with people who make you feel good. When negative/sad thoughts come up about smoking, remind yourself that you miss smoking mostly because it was an addiction, and once you're healed, you won't feel this way. Create a list of things you can do at a moment's notice when you're feeling the urge to smoke, like do a crossword puzzle or call a supportive friend. Jolting ourselves out of a negative thought pattern is often as simple as changing what we're doing. Join a support group. Meeting people who are going through the same struggle as you can help you know you're not alone and offer some much-needed support. The American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking program has groups all over the country, or do some research to find other support programs in your local area. While quitting smoking, the body and mind are in a state of transition, and it's not uncommon for new ex-smokers to struggle with their emotions. Don't worry if you are close to tears one moment and angry or sad the next. The balance will return in time. Change Your Mind, Change Your Life One of the greatest challenges new ex-smokers face is an important change in perspective. It is that shift in thinking from seeing smoking cessation as an exercise in deprivation to realizing that it is, in fact, one of the best gifts you'll ever give yourself. This is a crucial step in the process of healing from nicotine addiction, and it is with this transformation that many see their quit-related symptoms of depression begin to lift. Pre-Existing Depression If you have been diagnosed and/or treated for depression prior to quitting smoking, it is important to let your doctor know ahead of time that you're planning to quit. Smoking cessation could make you susceptible to additional mood disturbances. Smoking also causes some medications to be metabolized more quickly, so when you quit, prescriptions you're already taking might need to be adjusted. Your doctor can monitor and correct dosages on any medications you might be on, if necessary. Always be on alert for drastic mood changes and contact your doctor as soon as possible if anything out of the ordinary occurs. If you're having thoughts of self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 800-273-8255. A Word From Verywell If the blues have come on since you quit smoking, remember that this is not uncommon. As you are patient through this likely temporary phase, find comfort from your friends, family, and keeping busy with healthier, more productive activities. With time and dedication, these will become the more familiar sources of good feelings, and smoking will become that thing that you thought used to bring you benefit. You can also take comfort in knowing that millions of people have been through this process successfully before you, and many include it among the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Happier days are ahead, and with them will come a tremendous sense of pride and empowerment from overcoming this addiction. Article Sources: National Institutes of Mental Health. Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recognize Signs of Depression. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/guide/depression-and-smoking.html I would like to include Joel Spitzer's video and Resources Concerning Mental Health Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/10971-quitting-smoking-blues/

That's awesome @tocevoD, ☺