DenaliBlues

Discreet detectives don disguises.

taught elementary math

Ago

loads

Griping

uniform code

wrestling coach

fail the quiz

mouse maze

nope

Diphtheria

sleight of hand

nope

Xena

bang a gong

slams

dog toy

canned corn

Rapper

Botulism

NOPE!

Thanks for checking in @tocevoD. Glad to hear you’re still smoke free! I smoked for over 40 years. And I, too, temporarily used lozenges (and patches and gum) to support the first stage of my quit. So I respect NRT as a tool in our quitting toolbox. Only you can decide what kind of relationship you want with nicotine. The pattern you are describing sounds like an active addiction. Is that okay with you? Perhaps not, if you’re even asking… It wasn’t okay for me. Nicotine is a super addictive chemical that distorts our brain receptors and can alter our ability to experience joy and fulfillment in other ways. I was always craving my next fix. And I was beyond tired of being imprisoned and manipulated by a chemical that was making someone else rich off of my suffering. Weaning gradually off of NRT did not work for me, because it put me in a more or less constant state of withdrawal. So I used NRT for a few weeks, to reorient some of my physical behaviors around smoking. But then I cut myself off from the lozenges, etc. It was rugged at first, but I made it. And am so grateful that I did. After things settled down, my heart rate and blood pressure improved, foods tasted better, and I became able to enjoy more of life. Everybody’s story is different - you do you. But it is 100% possible to smoke heavily for over 4 decades and then become a happy nonsmoker. I’m living proof.

I had very similar experiences @GonSo. The nicotine is all out of your system now, but the addiction is still there, the compulsion is still deeply ingrained. The cravings last a while but their strength will ebb as your quit grows. You did the right thing to just ignore it! Focusing on cravings can intensify them. Remember that cravings aren’t commands… just loud obnoxious commercials for junk you don’t wanna buy. Change the channel… distract yourself, go for a walk, shift your attention. You can do this!!!

7 months is awesome! Hope you’re doing great!