Day 1 of not smoking

beats me · Post by **beats me** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:49 pm

Come along with me on a journey through loss, panic attacks, mood swings, resentment, emptiness, and anger which supposedly leads to energy, health, confidence, freedom, and some extra cash. Coincidentally this same description could be used to describe most of my relationships except in the exact opposite order.

It's been 10 glorious years but it's time to cut the cord. I'm tired of footing the bill and smelling like ass. I'm going with the cold turkey method just like any other break up (if you have any dignity or self respect). There's no slowly weening yourself off or substituting. Just get the fuck out and let the healing process begin. It's not the end of the world. There's other addictive unhealthy life shortening substances out there.

Any tails or words of advice are welcome except substitutes that also aren't healthy. No more nicotine, period!

ava · Post by **ava** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:53 pm

Try nicotine patches over your eyes... can't find your fags!

Precision · Post by **Precision** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:26 pm

Well done mate!

Welcome to a whole new world, consisting of massive (and tangible) health benefits, fewer colds and 'flu, much more cash, greater self-esteem, a vast feeling of well-being, increased self-respect, more energy, greater convenience, (no need to nip out for a smoke anymore), you'll be able to enjoy the taste of decent food, no more worries about 'that' cough, your senses will likely become sharper and your confidence will rise as you conquer the addiction - leading to increased willpower, better concentration and a general feel-good factor.

And that's only the short-term. Every day you don't smoke is another day in which the long-term benefits start to add up.

And yes: I am an ex-smoker.

Yes, I can attest to all those positives personally.

Finally, yes: I did go cold turkey

3dot... · Post by **3dot...** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:35 pm

GOOD LUCK !!! MAN!!! BE STRONG!!!

I've tried to stop a few times before and it's HARD!!!

At this point... can't say that I'm truly willing to stop smoking....

probably need me a heart attack to get motivated,....

I'm drinking black coffee, whiskey...and smoking cigarettes...

...like a true bluesman!

Precision · Post by **Precision** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:38 pm

It's not easy....But if I can do it, it really can be done!

(I wasn't exactly first in the queue when self-control was handed out

)

autodidactic · Post by **autodidactic** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:42 pm

Let me start by saying that the following are my own observations and experiences trying to quit. I went cold turkey after 14 years of 1.5 packs a day. I did two things to stay on track. The first thing was that I constantly reminded myself that the short term withdrawal symptoms only last for 1-2 weeks max (I knew that from my previous attempts to quit). That means the moods, irritability, anger etc. If you know that in two weeks there will be a definite end to your suffering, you can mentally overcome that a lot more easily than the other way around. Think of it this way. It's easier to deal with a two week prison sentence than to be thrown in the slammer not knowing if and when you'll get out.

The second thing you can do is channel that energy into some sort of physical activity. This would be a good time to start playing a sport or start swimming, working out etc.

If you do these two things I think you'll find that after the two weeks, all that will be left is just the remnants of an old bad habit. Little things like reaching for a pack of cigarettes that's not there, when drinking coffee. Thinking of having a smoke after a meal. The rage and suffering will be over though. The only times you'll need to be strong are when you're out drinking with friends. I've successfully quit a few times getting past the two week hurdle and every time I wound up fucking it all up when I was out drinking.

Anyways, those are my experiences. I hope they'll help you overcome your smoking.

beats me · Post by **beats me** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 3:55 pm

Thanks guys.

i think the hardest habit part is going to be those little bookmarks or rewards in the day and of course boredom. Funny how you can look at a smoke as an activity or busy work. Then of course is the biggest challenge of going out drinking. That is why I set aside this weekend to not go anywhere and I normally don't go out drinking during the week.

evernaut · Post by **evernaut** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:18 pm

Good on you...and good luck.

doc holiday · Post by **doc holiday** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:39 pm

think of it as having the flu

you feel like shit, but you will feel better

you will feel like shit

but later you will feel better!

i kicked after 10 years.. in september 98
it sucked, it was not the first time i tried, i had previously made it 6 months

finally i have absolutely no desire 0%

that took like 3 years

The Phat Conductor · Post by **The Phat Conductor** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:46 pm

the trick is to never, ever, EVER, under any circumstances smoke another cigaretta or little bit of tobacco in a joint again EVER!

no 'i've been so good this week' or 'i only smoke when i drink' or else you'll wind up on a slippery slope towards smoking again before you know it.

trust me.

ava · Post by **ava** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:49 pm

The Phat Conductor wrote:the trick is to never, ever, EVER, under any circumstances smoke another cigaretta or little bit of tobacco in a joint again EVER!

Good advice, i tried to give up about 2 months back, 2 days later i thought "just one", before you know it your back smoking 30 a day... DON'T DO IT!

nepotist · Post by **nepotist** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:57 pm

I've quit for over 4 years now, I was addicted to smoking and nicorette gum (idiotic, i know). Best thing I've ever done, I had hit the bottom and was ready to quit. There were hard times especially when drinking, it just didn't seem as fun. But that DOES go away, the symptoms and depression suck but eventually you come out the other side, and trust me you will feel so much better for it. I now run 5km per day and that keeps my head clear and my creativity focused. Also: drink TONS of water, it flushes any nicotene out of your system. If you are dying for a smoke, go outside for a 10 minute walk instead. GOOD LUCk! Just remember, smoking, if done properly, is designed to kill you.

4.33 · Post by **4.33** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:27 pm

Allen Karr is your friend....

fingerprince · Post by **fingerprince** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:28 pm

Just popping out for a smoke brb

Yhtomit · Post by **Yhtomit** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 5:38 pm

3dot... wrote:GOOD LUCK !!! MAN!!! BE STRONG!!!

I've tried to stop a few times before and it's HARD!!!

At this point... can't say that I'm truly willing to stop smoking....

probably need me a heart attack to get motivated,....

I'm drinking black coffee, whiskey...and smoking cigarettes...

...like a true bluesman!

yeah same here

Smoke anyone?