relapse prevention The Quitnet Lounge

[Genecanuck]

Do you feel like a smoker who just isn't smoking? Quitnet Re-Post, September 19, 2003

 

Today as I re-read this post, I found myself wondering if I was just waiting for some life catastrophe to happen to go back to smoking. I remember past lost quits. Arguements with partner, a death in the family, high stress at work, loosing a job etc. All high stress points in life.

 

And using that as an excuse to smoke again.

 

Well, people who don't smoke manage to cope with these life events WITHOUT SMOKING.

 

I never want to go back to smoking and I'm keeping my quit.

 

Gene

 

 

DO YOU FEEL LIKE A SMOKER WHO JUST ISN'T SMOKING?
From leejay on 9/19/2003 10:49:35 AM

Somebody posted this question when I was about 5 or 6 months quit and it really hit home with me. I realized I hadn't 'conquered' anything...I was just waiting until it was time to smoke. It was like I was waiting for a big enough disaster or heartbreak or anger so that I would have an excuse to smoke. That's when I figured out I 'wasn't getting it', the freedom you find when you quit smoking.

If you are feeling that way, maybe you should do some serious thinking about this quit you have going. It's hard to let go of the idea that you will never again be able to smoke. I used to get through one day at a time. But at 6 months I realized I was still hoping someday I could smoke.

I took a step back and looked at my life since I had quit, checked how I was feeling physically and then remembered how I felt while I was still smoking. I finally realized I never wanted to go back to smoking. I still had the desire to smoke or the craving to smoke, but I decided I was never going to smoke again. So now I could let go of that idea, and my quit became easier. Maybe up to that point I wasn't ready to admit I was really quit and it was a keeper. I'd failed so many times when I tried to quit I certainly didn't want to blow this quit. So I quit waiting for a catastrophe to hit, giving me an excuse to smoke. Now I know there is no excuse to smoke.

Are you just waiting for an opportunity to lose your quit? I hope not.

Leejay

 

Edited October 6 by Genecanuck

[QuittingGirl]

1 hour ago, Genecanuck said:

Do you feel like a smoker who just isn't smoking? Quitnet Re-Post, September 19, 2003

 

Today as I re-read this post and found myself wondering if I was just waiting for some life catastrophe to happen to go back to smoking. I remember past lost quits. Arguements with partner, a death in the family, high stress at work, loosing a job etc. All high stress points in life.

 

And using that as an excuse to smoke again.

 

Well, people who don't smoke manage to cope with these life events WITHOUT SMOKING.

 

I never want to go back to smoking and I'm keeping my quit.

 

Gene

 

 

DO YOU FEEL LIKE A SMOKER WHO JUST ISN'T SMOKING?
From leejay on 9/19/2003 10:49:35 AM

Somebody posted this question when I was about 5 or 6 months quit and it really hit home with me. I realized I hadn't 'conquered' anything...I was just waiting until it was time to smoke. It was like I was waiting for a big enough disaster or heartbreak or anger so that I would have an excuse to smoke. That's when I figured out I 'wasn't getting it', the freedom you find when you quit smoking.

If you are feeling that way, maybe you should do some serious thinking about this quit you have going. It's hard to let go of the idea that you will never again be able to smoke. I used to get through one day at a time. But at 6 months I realized I was still hoping someday I could smoke.

I took a step back and looked at my life since I had quit, checked how I was feeling physically and then remembered how I felt while I was still smoking. I finally realized I never wanted to go back to smoking. I still had the desire to smoke or the craving to smoke, but I decided I was never going to smoke again. So now I could let go of that idea, and my quit became easier. Maybe up to that point I wasn't ready to admit I was really quit and it was a keeper. I'd failed so many times when I tried to quit I certainly didn't want to blow this quit. So I quit waiting for a catastrophe to hit, giving me an excuse to smoke. Now I know there is no excuse to smoke.

Are you just waiting for an opportunity to lose your quit? I hope not.

Leejay

 

 

Actually this is a perfect post for me now.  The reason I went back to smoking the first time after being quit for 6 years, was because my husband had Tachycardia and had to have a heart ablation procedure. Needless to say, I was extremely stressed and PETRIFIED  so I went back to smoking.  Thankfully he was ok, but did going back to smoking make him Ok? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Smoking did NOTHING for my husband or me.  Fast forward to a few weeks ago when another very stressful medical incident happened.  My 98 year old mom who is in pretty good shape for a person of that age, needed to have emergency hernia surgery.  Needless to say, I was very stressed out and nervous.  A 98 year old going under general anesthesia and having surgery!!  I was PETRIFIED!! Thankfully, my mom came out of surgery with flying colors!     She stayed over in the hospital for 3 nights and the doctors, nurses and hospital staff were amazed at her rapid and easy recovery.  She barely took any Tylenol as she didn't have any real pain except for some soreness which is totally normal.  My mom is an amazing person with such a positive mental attitude! The difference between the last time and this time, is this time I didn't go back to smoking.  It certainly wouldn't have changed me being nervous.  It actually would have made me more nervous, because my heart rate would have increased A LOT, and I might have ended up in that hospital as a patient instead of being a visitor!  So yes, no matter what incident you go through, cigarettes, will NEVER help you!  

 

Thank you again Gene, for bringing this up!!  Btw, you are doing fabulous with your quit, and I do believe you will become a regular around here!! 

[jillar]

Wow @QuittingGirl, your mom IS amazing! I'm happy for you all that she sailed through the surgery. Here's to many more years with your mom  

Thanks for sharing @Genecanuck, you're doing awesome!!

[Doreensfree]

QG … Your Mum sounds Amazing . Glad you she got over her operation with such a great attitude ….

Gene  ..  am excited for your quit , your already helping others …

[QuittingGirl]

Thanks!  She truly is! 

[DenaliBlues]

Best wishes to your mom for a continued recovery, Sandi! I totally know what it’s like to smoke your way through a crisis… it does no good for us or the people we’re trying to support. It makes us less present, less focused (always preoccupied with getting our next fix), and more anxious. Good on you for keeping your quit! 

[Genecanuck]

4 hours ago, QuittingGirl said:

 

Actually this is a perfect post for me now.  The reason I went back to smoking the first time after being quit for 6 years, was because my husband had Tachycardia and had to have a heart ablation procedure. Needless to say, I was extremely stressed and PETRIFIED  so I went back to smoking.  Thankfully he was ok, but did going back to smoking make him Ok? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Smoking did NOTHING for my husband or me.  Fast forward to a few weeks ago when another very stressful medical incident happened.  My 98 year old mom who is in pretty good shape for a person of that age, needed to have emergency hernia surgery.  Needless to say, I was very stressed out and nervous.  A 98 year old going under general anesthesia and having surgery!!  I was PETRIFIED!! Thankfully, my mom came out of surgery with flying colors!     She stayed over in the hospital for 3 nights and the doctors, nurses and hospital staff were amazed at her rapid and easy recovery.  She barely took any Tylenol as she didn't have any real pain except for some soreness which is totally normal.  My mom is an amazing person with such a positive mental attitude! The difference between the last time and this time, is this time I didn't go back to smoking.  It certainly wouldn't have changed me being nervous.  It actually would have made me more nervous, because my heart rate would have increased A LOT, and I might have ended up in that hospital as a patient instead of being a visitor!  So yes, no matter what incident you go through, cigarettes, will NEVER help you!  

 

Thank you again Gene, for bringing this up!!  Btw, you are doing fabulous with your quit, and I do believe you will become a regular around here!! 

@QuittingGirl...  wishing your mom a speedy recovery. And good  for you for keeping your quit during a very difficult period! And thank you for your support. Hugs, Gene

Edited October 6 by Genecanuck

[QuittingGirl]

Thanks everyone! 

[Genecanuck]

Quitting is the best thing a smoker will ever do. Quitnet Repost, Sept. 19, 2003

 

From palNdrom on 5/14/2008 11:16:04 AM

 

Quitting is the best thing a smoker will ever do for themselves. There are no 2 ways about that. Everyone knows that smoking kills, stinks, costs....etc. etc. etc. There is nothing good, satisfying or fulfilling about it. Logic and common sense dictate that smoking is bad and quitting is good. 

 

So why is it so difficult to do the sensible, logical, good thing?

Smoking brings you down, it makes you weak, it encourages you to hide, it hinders you from being comfortable, it forces you to give up control. And all this so that it can ultimately kill you. 

 

Let go of the mistaken belief that you've lost something or lost part of yourself. Be proud that you are finally doing the right, good, healthy, logical, sensible thing! That you are showing your loved ones and children that you feel worthy and that they should too. That everyone has a right to be/do the best that they can. You only get one life.

This heavy sense of loss or deprivation is an unnecessary burden. Let it go and feel your shoulders rise, your scowl erase, your back straighten, your steps lighten and your spirits lift. Once you do that, you'll KNOW you can do or deal with anything else.

 

Mady 

[Genecanuck]

The Nicotine Addiction Story. Quitnet Re-post, November 23, 2005.

 

From GidgetPicklebrain on 11/23/2005 12:47:15 PM

THE NICOTINE ADDICTION STORY
The Nicotine Addiction Story

Nicotine is probably the most addictive of all drugs we know of. The addiction process is very complicated, with dopamine receptors, neurotransmitters, etc. This illustration is an oversimplification of the process, but helps smokers to understand the reason for the difficulty in quitting.

Imagine that you have a factory in your brain which makes acetyl choline (you really do, but it doesn't quite work this way.) The acetyl choline workers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no breaks, no vacations, no union representation. Acetyl choline is an essential part of our nervous system and without it we could not function very well (ask a smoker who is trying to quit how they feel and you will know how acetyl choline works.)

These factory workers work day and night and produce as much acetyl choline as the body needs. That amount is determined by the foreman who does continual blood testing to make sure there is an adequate amount available. After about 10 or 12 years you decided to try a little tobacco (either smokeless or smoking.) In 7 seconds th nicotine is in the brain and the foreman cannot tell the difference between acetyl choline and nicotine. He announces to everyone, "I don't know what is going on, but there is plenty of acetyl choline available. It looks like you can take a break". 

The factory workers go out on the lawn, in the sunshine and have a glorious time. They are only out there about 30 minutes and the foreman calls them back in. He tells them that the acetyl choline levels have dropped and they will have to resume production.

The factory workers continue to work 24 hours a day, but they also remember how nice it was out on the lawn. You decided to have another cigarette. The foreman hardly gets the words out of his mouth and the factory workers are all out on the lawn. Again because the half-life of nicotine is just one half hour, they are soon called back in. You try tobacco again, with their encouragement — and again — and again.

Pretty soon you are smoking quite regularly and the factory workers are on the lawn most of the time, having a wonderful time. So you become fully hooked and smoke on a regular basis. The factory foreman tells the workers, "You haven't been needed for quite some time. Why don't you go on vacation. I'll call you if you are needed."

So they take off to the Caribbean. They are there for many years.

Finally you decide you've got to quit smoking. You stop.

The foreman checks the blood levels and panics. He starts trying to round everybody up, by sending letters and telegrams and making phone calls. The factory workers have to say goodbye to all their friends, find their cool-weather clothes, make airline reservations and prepare to leave. They are not happy and they let the foreman know that. He passes that information on to you and you give in and start smoking again.

One day you finally make it. You quit.

It takes one month for the factory workers to get home and start working again — but they never forget the Caribbean.

 

Edited October 9 by Genecanuck

[Doreensfree]

The Tobacco Companies work very hard 

to make sure the poor smoker stays hooked 

They keep adding more crap to the cigarettes 

The cigarettes you buy today are nothing like the cigarettes I first smoked at the tender age of 11  . 
I promised I wouldn’t give them another penny of my hard earned money .
 

[Genecanuck]

 

Some old advice that might help: Advice for Newbies or anyone beginning this journey...

Quitnet Re-posts. June 3, 2004

 

From Y2Kfree on 6/3/2004 5:34:54 PM
From Monika on 11/23/1998 5:58:19 PM

We have so many new people here and that's wonderful. But it seems everybody wants the same thing...advice. How about all of us posting our Quit advice. I know several of us have our lists...BroKen, ToddL, etc. let's post...Here is my advice...

Suggestions for Quitting:

1. READ<READ>READ, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Read anything at all related. Make notes of anything that catches your interest. Follow links. Learn as much as you can about your addiction & the process.

2. START A JOURNAL. It is important to remember where you have come from. You think you will never forget but you will, & the Nicodemon will help you forget. You want to document your struggle. There will be days you think you have made no progress & will need to remind yourself that you have & what you would have to go through if you have to start over.

a. List all the things you’ve done/accomplished so far to help quit smoking (Cut back, limited locations, etc.)
b. List why you want to quit or the benefits to you in quitting
c. Make a list of all possible excuses you can think of that you or the Nicodemon might use to tempt you to slip & write down why they are not true or won’t work. You will need to refer back to this list many many times.

3 .Before you quit, pay attention to where it is & why you are most likely to smoke. Count how much you smoke. Wait 15 minutes before smoking. This is to recognize what those cravings will feel like. Look at options like Zyban, the Patch, or Gum.

4. Before the quit, eliminate some places where you are use to smoking. Ex. the car, at computer, your bedroom. This will reduce triggers when you do quit.

5. Drink lots of water, avoid sugar, exercize (It releases dopamine in the brain same as Nicotine does (stimulates the pleasure center)
6. Join a support group (Such as QuitNet, or others)
7. Post often, ask questions, read & post , read & post- get the idea? Respond to posts, give of yourself to others who are quitting.It will reinforce your quit as well.
8. Try to keep busy, especially your hands. How about knitting/crocheting a security blanket to replace the fiend/friend you think you lost. It helps when you’re tired or watching tv. How about cleaning the windows? You’d be amazed at the brown gunk on them!
9. Never give up the war, even if you lose the skirmish. A slip is just a slip, it doesn’t have to be a fall.
10. Think of some mantra or saying to repeat to yourself. Mine is “Smoking is not an option” & “I don’t smoke anymore” -say this out lout-auditory stimulation to the brain. Say it often enough & you will believe it.
11.Take Vitamin B Complex, lots of Vitamin C, eat good healthy food.
12. If you believe in a higher deity, pray.


Ok, what's your list?

love,
Monika
5 1/2 months

Here ya go! Good idea, Monika!
From BroKen on 11/23/1998 6:37:37 PM

Some QuitNet Basics For Newbies, From a Recent Arrival

Hi, and welcome to the QuitNet, a friendly crew of quitters determined to help one another remain smoke-free, a day at a time! Here's some basic info I've been gathering and saving:

A little info on YOUR Profile pages would make it easier for all of us to get to know one another.
A little biographical data, some quit info (first time? tenth? patch/cold-turkey/Zyban/gum?), makes it easier for us to find common ground and gear our advice/suggestions, when solicited, more appropriately.

Suggestions for those of you in, or approaching, Day One:
Breathe deeply.
Drink lots and lots of water and/or cranberry juice (flushes out nicotine, thus hastening the END of withdrawals).
Walk, write, read, talk, move, swim, bike, jog.
Pray.
Sleep (as much as you want to!).
List your reasons for quitting (positive AND negative), and add to them and refer to them often.
Break pencils.
Pace.
Scream.
Remember: the cravings ALWAYS pass, WHETHER YOU SMOKE OR NOT!!! So stare at your watch for 2-3 minutes, write a novel, hold your breath, ANYTHING BUT SMOKE!, and it will pass.
Make lots of buddies on the Q and post to them often.
Love and forgive yourself.
This list is by no means conclusive. Feel free to add your own....

Some basics about the QuitNet:
If the Messages or People text at the bottom of your screen is yellow, you have new messages or buddies logged onto the Q. Click on it to see them. You can file posts into your personal library. You can send messages to others on the Q privately, by clicking on the person's name (in blue HTML text), then clicking on Send a Message when the person's Profile page comes up, and typing your message into the popup window that appears. There's plenty more, but that should be enough to get ya started!

You (we) can do this thing!
"What one has done, another can do."
"I'm one puff away from a pack a day."

Good luck on your quit!

Yours in recovery,
Ken

Re: FOCUS....Repeat: I CAN DO THIS!!!
From Keith45 on 11/23/1998 7:26:33 PM

1. You have to want to quit because YOU want to!

2. When you have stressful situations, smoking Will Not Make It Better!!

3. PLAN what to do NOW instead of smoking, make a list of what to do...like do situps, walk, listen to music, clean something, write letters and post them here at Q
(IF not for the Support in Q I'm sure I would have failed along time ago!!)

4. Write down why you Quit or why you are going to quit, and put them around your home.

5. Pray to your Higher Power for Strength & Courage To Do This!

6. FOCUS

7. Repeat This:
I Want To Do This,
I Want To Quit,
I Am Quitting For Me,
I Can Do This,
I Will Do This.
I Am Doing This!

GOOD LUCK & COME HERE OFTEN

P.S. If You Fail..Do Not Beat Yourself Up,
We All Make Mistakes In Our Lives...
Pick Yourself Up, Brush Yourself Off & Try Try Again!!!

Keith
193 Days 18 Hours 25 Minutes & Counting
15,440 Cigarettes Not Smoked
772 Packs Not Bought
$ 2,702 Not Spent!

In addition to Monika's awesome tips:
From HMike on 11/23/1998 6:43:31 PM

-Write your top five reasons for quitting on a 3 x 5 card and put it in your pocket or purse. Also write those same reasons on a piece of paper and take it to the copy machine. Make about a bazillion copies and put them on the fridge/mirrors/car/office/bathroom/ everywhere, and read and remember - remember -remember.
- Don't wait 'til your quit day to do the things that Monika suggest....start at least a week in advance.
- Reduce or eliminate caffine and alcohol for at least 2 weeks. Caffine is the world's biggest trigger, and booze makes you stupid and forgetful.
- Premedicate with your favorite pain killer 24 hours before you quit. Aspirin/advil/whatever...you're gonna get a headache.
- The effects of withdrawl are timebound....they end. Maybe not soon enough for many, but BE PATIENT.
- Above all else....YOU CAN DO THIS.

Mike

Attn Newbies: Listen to this guy! He quit, like, before I was born!!!! (nt)
From BroKen on 11/23/1998 6:52:10 PM

Jeeeesh.....thanks a LOT Ken....:~) (nt)

Groovy idea, Monika!
From Barbiedoll on 11/23/1998 7:03:47 PM

Well, I never did make a list. What I did is write out my advice (for what it was worth) so very many times that I started feeling like a broken record. So, finally, on my 7 month anniversary I tried to put it all in a post (my "ramble.") Like I said, it's not a list, but it DOES answer a lot of questions that newbies have always asked me.
Hope it helps, let's see how well I can cut and paste it.......

I know that seven months might sound like an impossibly great amount of time to a newbie (I know it did to me!!) , and quite often it seemed like hell, but there were some things that made this quit beautiful…… like, the Q. If you spend much time around this place, you'll see it's magic. I know I've made friends here that I'll keep forever, and I'm sure I made friends here who made my quit possible at all-at least in the beginning!…..
Another
thing that made this quit so Worth It was the whole "reinvention
of myself" thing that many people have mentioned. When you
quit, your life changes. There's no getting around that. But it can
be viewed as a time to really take stock of what's going on, and
do a little reorganizing. We can "rewrite" ourselves, and it's kinda
cool to live through, and watch as others do the same. The other
good stuff about quitting (health benefits, increased energy, more
money, less ruined clothing, nice breath, etc) make it seem
almost like a party!!
(I'm sooo kidding!! At least in the beginning!)

Speaking of the beginning……. My friends and quitmates, if it IS
your beginning, here's a little more advice from Barbiedoll the
Wise One (?)…… HANG ON, IT WILL GET BETTER!!!!! I
know I've said this so many times but it's true. The beginning
sucks. The beginning hurts. The beginning is hell. But if you just
hold on/exist/put one foot in front of the other--you'll get past it.
In a couple days or weeks you WILL feel better. You MIGHT
cry less. You WILL stop yelling at people/animals/cars. You
MIGHT get some work done. It doesn't get EASY all the
sudden, but it gets EASYer. And you can't get to that "middle
part" unless you get past the beginning part. So just please hold
on. And come here. A lot. That's how I did it. And this is my 4th
serious (3 months or more) attempt at quitting. (And my 400th
less-than-serious attempt).
And while we're on that subject, I just have to say a little bit
about the Just One syndrome. I'm saying it to myself as well as
to any of you who are still listening, cuz--dang it!!--I was just
going through this the other day. The "negotiation," that is.
Trying to talk myself in to having Just One…… But I had to
remind myself that Just One Smoke is not just one decision, but
several. Because NO MATTER WHAT I TELL
MYSELF--ONE can always turn into MORE. Which means
giving in to my addiction. And starting all over again. And feeling
like all the changes I've made in my life were for nothing. And
putting all my loved ones and friends thru hell again. And feeling
very, very disappointed……….
Please think about all of that (grammatically incorrect as it was)
the next time you are Negotiating w/yourself. I hope you will
come up w/the same answer that I have for the past 7 months:
"Today I will not smoke!" (and I'm pretty sure I won't tomorrow,
either!!)
Oh, speaking of tomorrow, cockiness should be avoided! I really
think complacency is a big enemy right now. I think it's the
reason why people refer to day/week/month 3 as being so hard.
The euphoria of 1 and 2 are gone and a person starts to feel
over-confident. That's when s/he ends up stepping on a banana
peel!! Don't do it!!

Be gentle w/your self!! This is one of the most difficult things
you'll ever do!! Cut yourself some slack!! [Especially if it's your
first month!! Major Slack!! You'll (hopefully) never have the
excuse of it being your first month again-so go all out!! Eat
everything, drink everything, spend money, cry, laugh, argue,
space out!!]

And, like I said, come here often. Because this place is really
what did it for me. I was lucky enough to have the time to spend
(and friends, boyfriends, work, etc, to sacrifice, LOL) and be
here a lot. It meant so much to me. And still does. "The best way
to keep your quit is to give it away." Soooo true!!

Have I rambled enough?!?!?!?

I love you all!! Have a Most Groovy weekend!! We ALL are
awesome, and we will Make It, After All!!!!! (and the Yanks,
too!!)
 

 

 

 

[Genecanuck]

 

How smoking affects your mind. Quitnet Re-Post, December 12, 2005

 

From xoxsarahxox on 12/12/2005 2:58:22 PM

How Smoking Affects Your Mind
 

Mary smokes to relax when she's feeling tense.
 

Bob smokes to feel more alert when he's feeling dull.
 

Others smoke when they're depressed or bored, or to overcome feelings of anger or grief.
 

How can a mere cigarette be so many things to so many people? The answer lies in the chemicals in cigarettes and the powerful psychological effects they have.

Nicotine—A Stimulant

Nicotine, the chemical that makes addicts out of cigarette smokers, is a stimulant with properties similar to those of cocaine and amphetamine (speed). Nicotine provides the pick-me-up that smokers feel. It increases heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate, and makes the smoker feel more alert. Unfortunately these effects wear off after 20 minutes or so and the smoker is left craving another pick-me-up.

Acetaldehyde and Carbon Monoxide—Sedatives
Acetaldehyde, a byproduct of both cigarette smoke and alcohol, has some sedative properties. The carbon monoxide in cigarettes makes you feel dull the way you would in a stuffy room with not enough air. These chemicals seem to dampen some people's feelings of tension, anger or strong emotion.

 
Other Psychological Effects
For many, the act of smoking itself—pausing in one's work, lighting up, exhaling a certain way—becomes a comforting ritual in itself. The smoker may be involved in a private fantasy that relieves feelings of boredom and meaninglessness. Smoking may go hand in hand with other activities, such as drinking coffee or alcohol or eating dessert. These "triggers" are why quitting smoking involves more than just kicking the nicotine habit.

The Force of Addiction
Sooner or later everyone who smokes does so to relieve the craving for nicotine—a powerfully addictive drug. The addicted body sends messages of uneasiness and need to the conscious mind until the smoker gives in and lights up.

Understanding Is Power
Take a close look at the feelings that make you want a cigarette and those that YOU have after YOU light up. Understanding these feelings will put you in charge when you're ready to quit smoking.

Distributed under license. © Parlay International 1640.004


 

 

 

[Genecanuck]

How will you greet the morning? Quitnet Repost, December 12, 2005

 

 

From Peter_is_in on 12/12/2005 11:51:23 PM

So how will you greet tomorrow morning . . . ?

A) As someone who is experienced at being smoke free and solid in your quit. You will face the day knowing that smoking is never an option and that you now experience all the rewards of your positive choice. You are probably so grateful for finally being free that your main reason for coming to this site is to support others. You are greeting the day smoke free.

B) As someone who is new at being smoke free. Your first waking thoughts are about your quit and how you will manage another day to defend it. You wake up knowing that this is something you want to do and that you have started the journey. You are grateful for the support others have shown and you come to this site to receive support and give it as well. You are greeting the day smoke free.

C) As someone who is ready to quit smoking. Your day is filled with wondering about your ability to make it finally happen. You have made plans and you are ready to start a smoke free life. You are grateful that you are just on the verge of quitting and you come to this site to receive support, to learn about quitting, and to witness others helping others. Before long you too will be greeting the day smoke free.

So how will you greet tomorrow morning . . . ?

Greet it smoke free . . . . addiction free . . .

Peter

_ ‹(•¿•)›
¯°°°¯¯°°°¯¯¯¯
_
___________________________________________________________

[Genecanuck]

 

I just got back from climbing a mountain, Quitnet Repost, March 16, 2005

 

I Had this in my library and thought it might help someone!

Sandra
D436

I just got back from climbing the mountain (100 day ramble)
From Kiwi100 on 3/16/2005 2:26:37 PM

Newbies and repeat quitters - NEVER GIVE UP.
This has been with me a long time. Finally - after several attempts I have made it.. no more excuses as to why I can not do it.


I Tried To Climb The Mountain Today

I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my way up the path, I felt overwhelmed, so I had to turn back.

I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall, and I was full of fear, so I had to return to a safe place.

I was ready to climb the mountain today. But it was so hot outside, I thought I better stay in my nice air-conditioned house and rest up for tomorrow`s attempt.

I was about to climb the mountain today. But I had so many other things to do, so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of much more important tasks. I washed my car, mowed the grass and watched the big game. Today the mountain will just have to wait.

I was going to climb the mountain today. But as I stared at the mountain in its majestic beauty, I knew I stood no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even bother trying.

I have forgotten about climbing the mountain today; until a friend came by and asked me what I was up to lately. I told him I was thinking about climbing that mountain some day. I went on and on about how I was going to accomplish this task.

Finally, he said, `I just got back from climbing the mountain. For the longest time I told myself I was trying to climb the mountain but never made any progress. I almost let the dream of making it to the top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could not make it up the mountain, but never once did I give myself a reason why I could. One day as I stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that if I didn`t make an attempt at this dream all my dreams will eventually die.`

`The next morning, I started my climb.` He continued, `It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my head screamed `Stop!` I focused on my goal never letting it out of sight, and I kept moving forward. At times, I was ready to quit, but I knew I had come too far. Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I struggled to make it to the top, but I climbed the mountain!`

`I have to be going,` my friend said. `Tomorrow is a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way, what are you going to do tomorrow?`

I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said, `I have a mountain to climb.`

 

Edited October 21 by Genecanuck

[Genecanuck]

 

Addicts and non-addicts are exactly alike - with only a few differences.

Quitnet Re-post, March 24, 2007. Author Unknown

 

Addicts have cravings; non-addicts have hunger, thirst, headaches, depression, anxiety, and so on. The feelings are identical, but addicts use the wrong word. Do yourself the favour of honesty and call things by their right names. Perhaps then you can do the right thing about them, and there won’t be anything to fight.

 

Addicts have withdrawal; non-addicts have stress. The sensations and chemical causes are identical, but addicts use the wrong word. Also, the addict takes nicotine, which amplifies the feelings. The addict in recovery often `fights` against these feelings, and so only adds to the stress. Stop the insanity. Address stress the way sane folk do. Don’t think that smoking will help. Don’t think that fighting will help. They can only make it worse.

 

Addicts have urges and desires; non-addicts have memories. Again, same thing, wrong word. I remember my old girlfriend, but that doesn’t mean I want to wreck my life and leave my wife. And while I’m remembering, I’ll remember the hells that wench put me through. While you’re remembering smoking, remember that made you feel good only by taking away some of its own bad, and that bad is gone for good now.

 

Addicts fear consequences, non-addicts fear causes. Stop looking for the `next one`, start seeing through your delusions. Then there won’t be a `next one`.

 

Addicts believe that addiction `makes` them think things; non-addicts know that faulty thinking IS the addiction. You stopped believing in monsters under your bed, stop believing in demons between your ears.

 

You can quit. It can be amazingly easy and permanent. You just have to quit the right things. Quit using the wrong words. Quit lying to yourself. Quit fearing your own imagination. Do it consistently for two months, and I guarantee you will find yourself quoting Dr. King:

 

`Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last!`

 

Addiction is not about weakness,

Recovery is not about strength.

 

Addiction is about self-deception,

Recovery is about self-love.

[Genecanuck]

 

 

1000 days ... and on ... GAELthoughts, Quitnet Re-Post, August 3, 2005

From The_GAEL on 8/3/2005 3:05:47 PM

 

It's a funny thing, this addiction. It starts with the most social of behaviors - just sharing some time and a chat with friends, and 'lighting up' as we used to say. Usually, a beer in one hand and cig in the other, feeling grown up and mature at - what was it - 15, 16 years old... In those days, it was usual to offer your cigarettes around the group, and in turn, accept one offered back - part of the bonding process, I guess, being accepted into the group. And so the seed was planted.

Later it became less of an event, not something done when the evening arrived and a little relaxation was the prize for the day's labors and stresses, but it was a persistent nag, somewhere in the psyche to get away, to stop what I was doing, to halt the concentration and focus on the task at hand, and... light a cigarette. It wasn’t yet the constant companion that soon it would be, but it was definitely exerting pressure - selfish and vile - to have its hand on my shoulder and its lies whispered in my ears... that was coming, but I never saw it. And so it took root.

In time though, smoking was always with me. Always had a pack in my pocket and another in my car. Soon I was buying 2-3 packs at a time and then - self delusional and totally hoodwinked - I was buying cartons to save money. If I got below half a carton in my stock, I'd buy another carton; just to be sure I had plenty on hand. And I still never saw that I was addicted, and I was not choosing to smoke - my free will was totally ineffective - I had no choice - I had to smoke - and I was blind to the strength and power of the addiction - it was that good in its power over me. And so, the evil infestation grew and thrived on my withering self-determination.

Later it was clear that there was no rationality in smoking - not one - all I had believed was self-delusional. The financial cost, the disgusting smell, the morning cough to get the brown-green mucus out of my lungs, the lack of taste in any food, the difficulty I had in climbing stairs or carrying any load, the fact that that I was controlled by the need to inhale the smoke of a toxic weed, the very fact that I was killing myself... I was causing the acceleration my own death... the very end of my life... But I still didn't get it. It was still a pleasure, I told myself, one of the few I have left... even after I had seen my mother die of it, and aunts and uncles, one favorite with a tracheotomy after his larynx was removed due to throat cancer. My blindness was complete - oh, no, not me, I'll prove them all wrong, and live to be 100...

But, it's all crap.

The blindfold had to come off. For me, that happened just over 1000 days ago. I've told of the events that led up to it, and just beyond it many times - it's still in my profile, and I stand behind all of the words I wrote there, even though much of it is almost 3 years old. It wasn't easy. It wasn't the first attempt, or third or... I don't even know how many times. But it was the last. I had a quit in me, and I invested in it... I cleared the weeds and found a spot to plant a flower. It's a fragile thing, a single flower, and needs care and close attention. It needs the weeds to be kept well back, and it needs love and a gentle hand, but it has one purpose - to thrive. And it will thrive, and grow strong, and flower and gain strength with each passing season.

I used to say Strength, Courage and Determination was pretty much all that was needed. I now believe that these are part of it - a very strong conviction that you are making the single very best decision to improve your life, followed by the courage to accept that decision and act on it, and the determination to hold fast to your commitment to yourself. The missing part - was to recognize the importance of doing this alongside others, and in the supportive company of friends. I don't think I've ever thanked the friends I've made here at the Q, and in 1102, nearly enough. Without your support, whether you knew it or not, I would not have been smokefree these last 1000 days.

Thank you, for my life.

________________The GAEL
1006 days, 13 hours, 5 minutes and 13 seconds smoke free.
24157 cigarettes not smoked.
$4,225.20 and 6 months, 4 days, 12 hours of your life saved.
Your quit date: 11/1/2002 1:00:00 AM

[Genecanuck]

Hold on for a second. Quitnet Repost, February 11, 2004.
 

From Peter_is_in on 2/11/2004 8:37:50 PM
. . . just hold on to your quit for one more second, then one more minute, and then one more hour . . . .

Can you make it one more hour? . . . just another hour to be smoke free?

If you're having problems keeping your quit or struggling with it, then maybe just take it one hour at a time. And even one minute at a time.

There are some who make the battle to quit way too large in their mind. They look at others who are quit for a long time and can't imagine getting that far themselves. The problem with making the picture of quitting too big is that it becomes overwhelming for some.

Quitting is about not having a smoke now and not having one when you get the next craving. Take it one step at a time and before you know it you will be making huge leaps.

The thoughts of how long you are quit should only be reserved for retrospect and not for planning ahead. It is great to say that you have been quit for one week, one month, one year. But when you start your quit, to say you have quit for one hour, one day . . . are victories to cherish in themselves. So be glad in what you have accomplished. After all, one less smoke, is a celebration by itself.

So, one more hour . . . okay?

Peter
www.listrite.com/Breakaway
D81

[Genecanuck]

The Half-Percent Club, Quitnet Re-post, May 22, 2004

 

This is a good read. I'm sure that it is as true today as it was back in 2004 that a very small percentage of smokers actually join the elite quitting club and keep their quits.

 

Are you going be part of the half percent club?

 

Keep our quit.

 

Gene

 

Repost - the half-percent club (my doctoral ramble)
From melder7777 on 5/22/2004 8:49:23 AM
every so often I renew my membership in this club

feel free to join (the dues are outlined below)


maureen
chosing life for 649 days! (and regretting not a one)


From kevindontsmoke on 11/19/2002 11:50:48 AM

according to statistics published in June of 2002 by the American lung association (see "TRENDS IN TOBACCO USE" at http://www.lungusa.org/data/): *

over 46,500,000 (that's 46 and a half million) Americans smoke.

of those, 70% (or 32,550,000) say they want to quit.

of those, 34% (or 11,067,000) attempt to quit each year.

of those, 2.5% (or 276,675) succeed.

that's about one-half of one percent of the total number of american smokers.

the half-percent club.

* (since i don't have similar statistics for any other country, i'm going to assume that the percentages are about the same everywhere; people are people, wherever they live, and nicotine is nicotine, no matter who's addicted to it...)

--------

now, some people might look at those numbers and get discouraged. they might think, "only a half of a percent make it? what chance do i have of succeeding with odds like that?" - what they don't realize is that statistics say *nothing* about individuals. and every member of this exclusive club is an individual.

and every individual has the power of choice.

--------

the half-percent club has no officers; no president, no secretary, no treasurer.

it has no meetings; it has no meeting hall.

it doesn't march in parades, organize food, clothing or fund drives, hold garage sales, or have bingo on wednesdays.

but it does have dues, and if you want to be a member, you have to pay your dues.

it doesn't matter who you know, doesn't matter what you know, doesn't matter if you're from the right family, doesn't matter if you went to the right school, doesn't matter if you're from the right side of the tracks, doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, doesn't matter what color your skin is, doesn't matter what religion you follow (or even if you follow any at all), doesn't matter what your politics are.

all that matters is that you pay your dues.

because the half-percent club isn't like other clubs: nobody nominates you for membership; you nominate yourself. nobody votes on whether you can become a member; your vote is the only one that counts. you elect yourself. by paying your dues.

you pay your dues by waking up every morning, looking your addiction in the eye, and choosing not to feed it today.

you pay your dues by going to bed every night patting yourself on the back for having stuck by that choice today.

you pay your dues by choosing not to feed your addiction whenever you're hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.

you pay your dues by choosing not to feed your addiction whenever you feel sorry for yourself.

you pay your dues by choosing not to feed your addiction whenever you're under pressure.

you pay your dues by choosing not to feed your addiction whenever you get a crave.

you pay your dues by choosing not to feed your addiction. no matter what.

you pay your dues by choosing life.

because as long as you choose life, you're a card-carrying, paid-in-full member. and as long as you keep choosing life, nobody can vote you out. in fact, once you've paid your dues, the only way to lose your membership is to take it away from yourself. by choosing to feed your addiction. by choosing death.

--------

this morning, for the 366th morning in a row, i woke up, looked my addiction in the eye, and chose not to feed it today.

this morning, for the 366th morning in a row, i wrote in my quit journal:

"I am a nicotine addict.
I cannot afford to feed that addiction.
Not even one time.
- so -
Today, I choose LIFE!
Today, I choose HEALTH!
Today, I choose STRENGTH!
Today, I choose SELF-CONTROL!
Today, I choose FREEDOM!
Today, I choose NOT to SMOKE!"

thomas jefferson said, "the price of freedom is eternal vigilance"; writing these affirmations in my quit journal every morning is one way that i practice eternal vigilance against my mortal enemy. it reminds me, every day, that i'm an addict, and that my only power over that addiction is my repeated choice not to feed it. i know, from previous experience, that it only takes one feeding to bring that addiction back in full force, and this reminds me, every morning, that i can't afford to give it that one feeding. so far, this has helped keep me free for a full year; i'd strongly suggest that you find a way to practice eternal vigilance that works for you.

today starts my second year of freedom from smoking; my second year of membership in the half-percent club. i invite you to join me.

by choosing life.

today, and every day.

kevin - grateful to be in my second year of freedom!!!

[Genecanuck]

 

How Do You Hold on When the Going Gets Tough?, Quitnet Re-Post, October 28, 2004

 

From BaldGuy66 on 10/28/2004 1:17:30 PM
Posted by BaldGuy66 on 3/16/2004

 

That InnerJunkie™ tries to wear us down. It doesn`t last forever, but sometimes you need to concentrate that strength that you`ve already shown, and boil it down, put it to work at one instant in time, the instant when you just can`t take anymore: and don`t give up.

 

Imagine time as a conveyor belt, a long conveyor belt that stretches to infinity in two directions. You`re standing alongside it, and every few minutes, a cigarette goes by on the belt. You always have the option of reaching for one, when it goes by. You can only reach so far in either direction. There will only be one cigarette in reach at any given moment. Its pull is most powerful when it is right there beside you. THAT is the moment that you need the most strength -- just for that moment, when it would be so easy. Then it`s going off into the distance, and it`ll be a little while before the next one comes along. Then you choose again.

 

Each time you choose rightly, you get a little bit stronger. It gets a little bit easier to choose rightly the next time.

 

After a while, you`ve gotten so good at this, you don`t even have to fight anymore, for the most part. You just watch it go by. You know it`s there. But you know you have the strength to leave it there on the conveyor belt.

 

Sometimes, once in a while, you might have to call on your friends to stand on the other side of the conveyor belt and remind you why you don`t want to take that cigarette off and smoke it. And that`s okay. We`re allowed to ask for help.

 

Eventually, you won`t even notice the darn thing. You`ll trip over it once in a while, or you`ll see someone else walking (or running) up to take a cig off the belt, but you`ll know you don`t have to, and you don`t want to have to keep going back, watching the clock, making sure you`re ready for that next fix to come down the line.

 

Anyway, that`s how you get through. Making the right choice at the exact moment you need most to make it.

 

And I`ve rambled. I knew there was one in there somewhere.

***

BG
435 days, 1 minute and 59 seconds smoke free.
5220 cigarettes not smoked. 
$1,670.40 and 1 month, 9 days, 21 hours of my life saved. 
My quit date: 8/20/2003 1:15:00 PM     
 

[Genecanuck]

 

Transition from being smokers to ex-smokers, Quitnet Re-post, May 9, 2005

 

I do not know if I have posted this before, but its worth posting and reading it again.

 

Keep your quit. 

 

Gene

 

From DabL on 5/9/2005 5:00:14 PM

 

From Smokers to Ex (repost)

From Traveler24 on 6/24/2007 11:53:12 PM

I see alot on here tonight saying there nervous about quitting. Dont be afraid the actual anticapation is worse than doing it. Heres a post I thought might help explain it a lil better and maybe even help those who are struggling tonight!

 

Together we can do this!!

 

Bill D21

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

transition from being smokers to ex-smokers

From DabL on 5/9/2005 5:00:14 PM

 

The transition from being smokers to ex-smokers.

 

One of the things we face as quitters is the transition from being smokers to ex-smokers. Early in your quit, you're a smoker in withdrawal. Eventually, you're a smoker who's not using. At some point, you do actually become an EX-smoker.

 

It's a scary transition for anyone to undergo mentally. Years upon years of memories are associated with smoking. A mountain of stressful situations that we dulled (and in doing so, partially avoided dealing with) by administering nicotine. The belief that we NEED that drug to get through these situations in the future.

 

In a sense, we're newborns, facing a new world, and not sure what to expect. We're children, and children are often frightened by the unknown. As our conscious decision to reach out to this new world and embrace it becomes more and more real and tangible, the fear within us makes us want to run back, grab the security blanket, and hide under the covers. It's like the monster under the bed.

 

And, like the monster under the bed when we're small, the best way to deal with the unknown is to face it, to understand it. As long as we hide under the blankets, the monster under the bed grows bigger, scarier, more menacing. Once we finally get the courage to lean over the mattress, and stare under the box spring... only then do we understand there's nothing to be frightened of. If we avoid looking under the bed, seeing the "monster" for what it is, we risk letting that "monster" dominate our conscience, and drive our actions.

 

Right now, you're dealing with your monster. There's the fear of failure (you've been down this road before). There's the fear of success (oh my God, what am I going to do now that I won't have cigarettes to help me?). And there is the voice in your ear telling you things: You want a cigarette, you can handle JUST one, you NEED just this one, this crave is going to last forever, this crave is unbearable, quitting is just TOO DAMN HARD, I wasn't meant to quit, I'm not strong enough.

 

It's time to look the monster in the eye. It's time to confront the voice. There are non-scary answers to the things it's telling you.

 

1. Fear of failure:

Yes, I've been down this road before, but I didn't understand that I'm an addict, and that for the addict; one puff is the same as a million. I will never be able to take another puff without recommitting to a life of dependency. I've learned this the hard way in the past, even though I might not have understood the lesson at the time. Now that I know, I know that I won't take that puff.

 

2. Fear of success:

Millions of people have moved from smoking to a life without smoking. Some have had more difficult situations to deal with than I have. All have discovered that the nicotine fix doesn't really help; it just masks. I belong to a group of hundreds of people who have traveled this road, and the fact that they're making it through family tragedy, poor health, good health, work stress, celebrations, raising kids, divorces, day-to-day life of all sorts, good times and bad times, without nicotine tells me that I can too. I'm an individual, and as such, I'm not 100% like anybody else, but I share little bits in common with many of these people, and from these similarities comes my understanding that I too can live my life in the absence of nicotine.

 

3. You want a cigarette:

Do I? What do I want? Specifically? What about the cigarette do I crave? Okay, fine. Maybe I want the "ahhh" feeling. But, wait, I'm through withdrawal. The first cigarette won't even give me the "ahhh" feeling anymore, because the "ahhh" feeling came from nicotine's ability to stave off the early withdrawal I felt after not smoking for 30 minutes or an hour. Now that I'm no longer in withdrawal, I'll only get dizzy and sickly from the first one, and that first one will be followed by the next one and the next one as I search for the "ahhh" feeling, and long before I ever get the "ahh" feeling, I'll realize I'm hooked again. Heck, I'll realize it after the first one.

 

4. You can handle just one:

Can I? Why is it that in the past when I said that to myself, it didn't work out like I planned? If I could get by on just one, why didn't I smoke just one every now and again when I smoked, instead of smoking all of those other ones I didn't want? No. There is no such thing as just one for me, or the other greater than 90% of the smokers out there who smoke whenever their addiction demands that they smoke.

 

5. You NEED just this one:

Do I really believe that I NEED to inhale hundreds of toxic chemicals into my lungs to get through this given situation? Do I really believe that I need to recommit to my addiction so that I can dull the feelings associated with this situation.

 

6. This crave is going to last forever, this crave is unbearable, quitting is just TOO DAMN HARD:

Okay, what does this crave really feel like? How long is it lasting? Is it really lasting all day long? Or, is my fear of the crave, and my fear of failure, or my fear of success, making me THINK about it all day long? For how many seconds have I actually WANTED to put a cigarette in my mouth, light it and inhale, as opposed to just being anxious about my lifestyle change, and all of the things associated with it. Am I feeling anxiety? Or am I really wanting a cigarette? Will smoking a cigarette make me feel better or worse than I do? Furthermore, I KNOW from talking to all the former smokers around me that this isn't what being an ex-smoker feels like! I'm in the latter stages of withdrawal, and the early stages of reconditioning my life to NOT revolve around my addiction. Soon, I will be feeling a lot better, and I'll have a hard time remembering how hard this has been. It's only hard for a while.

 

7. You weren't meant to quit, You're not strong enough:

I wasn't meant to SMOKE. Smoking is not a natural thing. Ingesting deadly chemicals to satisfy a never-ending cycle of withdrawal and replenishing of nicotine supplies is NOT the way I was meant to live. I was MEANT to breathe freely. I was meant to taste my food. I was meant to have good breath. I was meant to be free. And I'm strong enough to realize that nicotine is stronger than me; that if I try just one, nicotine will win, and I'll be trapped. I'm strong enough to make it through this temporary difficulty, in order to live the life I was meant to live on the other side.

 

Confront the fear, and confront the voice. Our junky side doesn't fight fair, and uses confusing logic. It plays upon the parts of us that feel most vulnerable. The parts of us that want to hide and wish things away. You can eliminate the fear, and silence the voice by always looking it in the eye, seeing it for what it is, and never letting it get away without shedding the light of truth upon it.

 

Keep taking it one day at a time. One minute at a time if you need.... You'll get there. This is eminantly doable.

 

From <http://purplkoala.coolpage.biz/library/transition.html>

 

Edited November 7 by Genecanuck

[Genecanuck]

 

When Does It Get Easier?, Quitnet Re-Post, April 23, 2005

 

From peggy_c on 4/23/2005 7:34:01 PM

 

`When I noticed I was here to quit, and so any contrary thought had to be some kind of mistake... It got better.

 

When I stopped saying `craving` when I meant `I feel like crap from decades of poisoning myself`... It got better.

 

When I stopped saying `I need a smoke` when I meant `I`m stressed and need to relax`... It got better.

 

When I noticed that a bunch of my stress was caused by struggling against wanting to do something that I didn`t want to do any longer... It got better.

 

When I understood it wasn`t cigarettes that I wanted, but only some of what they provided... It got better.

 

When I realized that almost all of what smoking provided was relief from symptoms caused by smoking (so not smoking at all was the way to fix it)... It got better.

 

When I noticed that everything else smoking provided I could have without killing myself or wasting my cash or time... It got better.

 

When I saw that the simple joys of living free beat the pants off of the best smoking had to offer... It got better.

 

When I saw that the tailpipe of a city bus smelled better and had far fewer poisons... It got better.

 

When I realized that I was not depressed about `missing my buddies` or going crazy, but instead

experiencing a temporary chemical imbalance that made me feel depressed, irritable, or anxious... It got better.

 

When I realized that the problem was not with my willpower, motivation, or commitment - that the problem was with believing smoking`s lies and misunderstanding my body`s messages... It got better.

 

When I understood that addiction meant that with just one puff I would fall back in, not that I had to live with desire or craving for one second longer than I chose to... It got better.

 

The things that really make a quit are those moments when you realize that the whole idea of smoking was a collection of false beliefs, mistakes, and misunderstandings.

 

Once you see the truth, smoking ceases to be an issue. Chemistry and habit may grind at you for a few more weeks, but smoking will never again be a threat, never again be something that is desired.

 

You will be free.`

So you see it has no bearing on time but on attitude and knowledge and believing the truth thats when it all gets better!!

 

*********************************************
 

Edited November 11 by Genecanuck

[Doreensfree]

Another great post  Gene 

My lightbulb moment is when I accepted I was an addict .

All those years I thought it was my reward . 
my pleasure ….