I started as a young teen, and finally quit three years ago (I'm 43). Here's a term for ya, I've been "smober" for three years.
I was not on and off again. I smoked first thing and last thing and all in between. Having to go a few hours for whatever reason made me stressed and cranky. And hiding it from everyone made me even more cranky. But it seemed like my best friend. It's a wily one, that cigarette. I had rarely even tried to quit more than a day.
I finally decided to do it. And I prepared myself. I used Zyban, patches -> gum -> lozenges (not at the same time), tootsie roll pops, shopping, and anything else I could think of. I considered these things weapons. Arm yourself girl, this is WAR!!!!
For me the most powerful weapon was imagery. My main reason for quitting was my kids. And almost worse than the actual possible death was thoughts of emphysema. I had a very detailed image in my head of me sitting in a chair hooked up to an oxygen tank, the room heavy with stale smoke, a messy large 70's style ashtray next to me, and the kids as teens coming home from school, too embarrassed to ever bring friends home, and hating me for looking, acting, smelling and sounding like death.
This would not be something that just happened to me. It would be the result of choices I made over and over and over again. And still smoking. Too many people have had to suffer this in reality.
So when I wanted one really bad, I brought this very specific image up in my head. "I want one......" and up pops the horrible mental image. It really helped me. Just think of the worst situation you can and detail the image. Don't think of your funeral because then you'll just feel sorry for yourself.
This may sound strange, but I also still very much enjoy second-hand smoke (although it's hard to find anymore! Which is good of course.) Instead of thinking "oh that smells good I want one I'll have one" I just think "oh that smells good" and that's all. Just enjoying the smell. I also never gave up coffee or beer. I just enjoy the coffee part, and the beer part. They really do still taste good without the smoke! I did often enjoy a nic lozenge afterward. I used those for a good long time. I think they helped me get over the weight gain part faster.
Another goofy thing, when I particularly miss it, which I still do, I do the mouth motion and puff, as if I'm really smoking and inhaling and blowing it out in that relaxing way. Somehow this is very comforting to me.
Sorry to be long here, but one more thing. I accepted that it would be hard. Nothing makes it easy. But I was going to do it anyway. It's hard and I'm doing it anyway I said to myself.
And now I am so happy to be free. I can think of spending the day with my kids and not think how am I going to sneak away from them. I can go anywhere and not worry about how I smell (at least not from the smoking ; )
I am free of that feeling of shame you have these days when you smoke. Imagine yourself free of all of it.
I'd say good luck, but you don't need luck, you need strength and you need power! So gather your weapons and see you on the other side! : )
Elizabeth
I was not on and off again. I smoked first thing and last thing and all in between. Having to go a few hours for whatever reason made me stressed and cranky. And hiding it from everyone made me even more cranky. But it seemed like my best friend. It's a wily one, that cigarette. I had rarely even tried to quit more than a day.
I finally decided to do it. And I prepared myself. I used Zyban, patches -> gum -> lozenges (not at the same time), tootsie roll pops, shopping, and anything else I could think of. I considered these things weapons. Arm yourself girl, this is WAR!!!!
For me the most powerful weapon was imagery. My main reason for quitting was my kids. And almost worse than the actual possible death was thoughts of emphysema. I had a very detailed image in my head of me sitting in a chair hooked up to an oxygen tank, the room heavy with stale smoke, a messy large 70's style ashtray next to me, and the kids as teens coming home from school, too embarrassed to ever bring friends home, and hating me for looking, acting, smelling and sounding like death.
This would not be something that just happened to me. It would be the result of choices I made over and over and over again. And still smoking. Too many people have had to suffer this in reality.
So when I wanted one really bad, I brought this very specific image up in my head. "I want one......" and up pops the horrible mental image. It really helped me. Just think of the worst situation you can and detail the image. Don't think of your funeral because then you'll just feel sorry for yourself.
This may sound strange, but I also still very much enjoy second-hand smoke (although it's hard to find anymore! Which is good of course.) Instead of thinking "oh that smells good I want one I'll have one" I just think "oh that smells good" and that's all. Just enjoying the smell. I also never gave up coffee or beer. I just enjoy the coffee part, and the beer part. They really do still taste good without the smoke! I did often enjoy a nic lozenge afterward. I used those for a good long time. I think they helped me get over the weight gain part faster.
Another goofy thing, when I particularly miss it, which I still do, I do the mouth motion and puff, as if I'm really smoking and inhaling and blowing it out in that relaxing way. Somehow this is very comforting to me.
Sorry to be long here, but one more thing. I accepted that it would be hard. Nothing makes it easy. But I was going to do it anyway. It's hard and I'm doing it anyway I said to myself.
And now I am so happy to be free. I can think of spending the day with my kids and not think how am I going to sneak away from them. I can go anywhere and not worry about how I smell (at least not from the smoking ; )
I am free of that feeling of shame you have these days when you smoke. Imagine yourself free of all of it.
I'd say good luck, but you don't need luck, you need strength and you need power! So gather your weapons and see you on the other side! : )
Elizabeth
