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OK... Im not hating anyone but myself right now for even STARTING this STupid habit that is making me nuts right now trying to quit !!! GRRRRR ! Its the second day & Ive found myself crying about 3 times now !! Im just bored like I would get up & go outside on the commercials watching a fav tv show before & now I gotta waytch the danged things..& riding in the car...I dont even wanna talk about that !! Im bored.  I pulled out my yarn & crochet needles.  Hopefully I'll fill a void with that Wish me luck pray for me, ANYTHING ! Thanks  :hug:

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

Try going here:::  http://www.pmusa.com/en/quitassist/

I have heard that they are very helpful and it is free and it could never hurt having more resources to help you cope....

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Will sing or fish for food!!I'm not quite right!!

Kelley,  I had a post here, and it got wiped out.

Congrats, and you'll do it !   Don't "Hate" yourself.  You are doing something positive for yourself that you must do.  The discomfort won't harm you, It's very uncomfortable, but it goes away. I recall the games my mind played (sort've like the tantrum a bored and restless kid might throw).  My mind was annoyed that I couldn't have a ciggy, sort've pi$$ED feeling as tho I've been jipped out've a friend.  BUT,  THAT'S AN ILLUSION !  Don't buy into it.  What you must do is find a means of replacing that hand to mouth action that you got so used to over time, especially during times of stress.  That too is a tough habit.. So I'll post this again. I'm not sure whether or not these coping skills were known in my day.  My guess is they were but I never was aware of them.

So Here.  Some tips as to what you can do..

and again CONGRATS ! BUT,  you spend A LOT of time with that little smokey companion, SO you need to replace it with something.  I chewed gum, drank Seltzer and tonic water.. Some of these are for the person planning on quitting, however you still know WHEN you tended to feel more of the urge, triggers, times and can use this technique as a non-smoker too.

Write down your reasons for quitting. Read over the list every day, before and after you quit. Here are some other tips.

Write down when you smoke, why you smoke and what you are doing when you smoke. You will learn what triggers you to smoke.

Make a list of activities you can do instead of smoking. Be ready to do something else when you want to smoke.

Join a smoking cessation support group or program. Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association.

Talk to your physician who may recommend medications to help combat nicotine craving and also help with information on using nicotine substitutes, such as a patch or gum.

How Can I Avoid Relapsing?

Don't carry a lighter, matches or cigarettes. Keep all of these smoking reminders out of sight.

If you live with a smoker, ask that person not to smoke in your presence.
Don't focus on what you are missing. Think about the healthier way of life you are gaining.

When you get the urge to smoke, take a deep breath. Hold it for 10 seconds and release it slowly. Repeat this several times until the urge to smoke is gone.

Keep your hands busy. Doodle, play with a pencil or straw, or work on a computer.
Change activities that were connected to smoking. Take a walk or read a book instead of taking a cigarette break.

When you can, avoid places, people and situations associated with smoking. Hang out with non-smokers or go to places that don't allow smoking, such as the movies, museums, shops or libraries.

Don't substitute food or sugar-based products for cigarettes. Eat low-calorie, healthful foods (such as carrot or celery sticks, sugar-free hard candies) or chew gum when the urge to smoke strikes so you can avoid weight gain.

Drink plenty of fluids, but limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. They can trigger urges to smoke.
Exercise. It will help you relax.

Get support for quitting. Tell others about your milestones with pride.
Work with your doctor to develop a plan using over-the-counter or prescription nicotine-replacement aids.

(I have no knowledge of nicotine-replacement aids to be honest, and in my day using these would've likely been controversial, but I'll keep my mouth shut on this)
Regarding "Milestones with pride",
*this is why I say "pet yourself on the back for a tremendous accomplishment EVEN though you MUST do it. Make it positive, a commitment that you have EVERY intent on stubbornly following thru with. You won't go back because those little things cause early death and pain and you choose life.. It's how I fought to stay away.*

Seriously, DO NOT be to proud to seek support from others who've quit.

These are just a few things that work for SOME.  Naturally all experience things slightly differently at different stages and all integrate their own coping skills to an extent.  But remember,  discomfort is ONLY discomfort and THAT is less harmful than what you were actually doing to your body while smoking.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

To be honest, it's been a long time so I don't recall exact order of symptoms, time they lasted.  It's slightly different for all but here's some of what you an expect.

How Will I Feel When I Quit?
You may crave cigarettes, be irritable, feel very hungry, cough often, get headaches or have difficulty concentrating. These symptoms of withdrawal occur because your body is used to nicotine, the active addicting agent within cigarettes.

When withdrawal symptoms occur within the first two weeks after quitting, stay in control. Think about your reasons for quitting. Remind yourself that these are signs that your body is healing and getting used to being without cigarettes.
(btw, regarding this.  Don't mistake it for how you are going to feel indefinately as a non-smoker.  YOU WON'T feel this way in time.  Body Healing is not going to mean "feel better when smoking, feel antsy and aggitated when not smoking".  The restlessness is just initial crap we all go thru.

The withdrawal symptoms are only temporary. They are strongest when you first quit but will go away within 10 to 14 days. Remember that withdrawal symptoms are easier to treat than the major diseases that smoking can cause.

You may still have the desire to smoke, since there are many strong associations with smoking. People may associate smoking with specific situations, with a variety of emotions or with certain people in their lives. The best way to overcome these associations is to experience them without smoking. If you relapse, do not lose hope. Seventy-five percent of those who quit smoke again. Most smokers quit three times before they are successful. If you relapse, don't give up! Plan ahead and think about what you will do next time you get the urge to smoke.


(These are from the link I posted above.)

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Thanks Isis & Steven for the great info.. I have come back to this topic here quite a few times in the past couple of days just for "something I missed"  to help me thru this total pi$$ed off feeling that Im going thru right now. The more I tried NOT to be pi$$ed the more pi$$ed I got though ! I finally blew tonight after the post I wrote earlier & hubby blew right back at me. I soo totally warned him before I smoked my last pack that this was coming but man I didnt realize it would be so hard Ive got tears in my eyes right now typing, We made up & everything is ok now but I just got so angry over something so trivial tonight I feel like crap for biting his head off ya know ?  He finally understood why I did it but at the time he didnt care he just thought it was another speed bit**ing session  until I  wouldnt let up, he finally just kept quiet until I got done poor guy. Tomorrows another day Im glad i just read the 14 day thing just now, maybe it'll be alot better then.

Oh & I did something that today that I have never done before. Ive been going to my church for 7 years now & less than half of the people I know there knew I smoked. I just never wanted to be disrespectful to anyone by smoking in front of or in their company so I never did. I actually tried to hide it from most everyone I went to church with. For the obvious reason, I just didnt want to hear what a sin I was commiting by smoking in the first place. Nobody wants to be "called out" like that ya know ..  Well I thought I could use some prayer to help with this. I mean if its one thing I know its the power of prayer. Its shown itself to be very true in my life in other situations. Sooo I asked my sunday school class & had my kids ask their class & asked a few other members to pray for me. I was a bit ashamed that so many people that think they know me so well had no clue. BUT I do believe its going to be of such great help by helping me be accountable too. Not just to God but to all of my church family that is praying for me. Make sense ? Thats my theory anyways. I hope it works.

What great timing for this thread Thanks Billy ! And BTW how are YOU doing so far ? Any better ??

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

hi there kelley, so far only 3 dead, personally i think that's pretty good i was thinking the  death count would be much higher....well there r those 12 injured, they don't count tho, they were asking for it....ll

truth is i'm doing pretty good, nothing major, i really do feel i'ts mostly a mind game....and ur the one that decides who wins who loses, yesterday i won, i will again today too....if i sit and think ok it's gonna be tuff today, well i'ts gonna be,  the sec. that feeling hits i move on.....i agree prayer does mean and help alotttt....so just turn it over to him let him deal with the hard part....good luck  and tc

agreed 100%  At least this was MY mindset. It's discomfort we feel, it's not dangerous. Something I learned is that during tough times (that are more prevalent during this time of my life when giving up the substance) I have a right to *MY* personal space ALONE, as a means of not blowing up. This isn't a time to be handling "stress" from others if at all avoidable, and those around me out've respect also were expected to minimise THEIR expectations of my performance when possible druing the initial more acute period. If a situation seems it might push you over and edge..Create your own private space somehow ! RUN AWAY if possible... go into a bathroom, bedroom, shut the door, lay down on the bed, take deep breaths, shut off the lights create your space AWAY from the pain in the a##. This gives you both a new chance at life !

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Good luck you guys. It's a great choice to make.

When thing I tried to keep in mind when I was smoke-free was that it was my choice. I picked the time, I made all of the arrangements like clearing all traces of smoking from the house. I know that I quit at about the same time as my two bestr friends but I still picked that time. Ultimately, it was MY CHOICE.

Thinking "my choice" was a big help in getting through cravings. I also had to do pretty much everything that has been mentioned in this thread.

This isn't a suggestion, it's not anything more than an observation as to what appeared in MY particular case during the fight, BUT,  it's as if my mind split into 3 specific areas

1)  The addictive game playing portion determined to get "it's fix" without regard for
    my being

2)  The mature and logical individual who KNOWS I wish to survive and do the right
     thing knowing right from wrong

3)   The observer able to say "Look at this battle going on in my head", Isn't it
     interesting how addiction works, there really is a fight going on and my head
     has become a ring.


<I somehow utilized 2 and 3 and stubborness that exists in all we compulsive individuals to ultimately kick this.  It's knowledge and awareness of this type of
game that the spectator (#3) recognises and sometimes says something like "#2 you may appear to be taking nasty blows now and the underdog, but I still invested a lot on you winning this match">  In a fight to stay smoke free you stand your ground DESPITE what the addictive mindset is telling you.

You call in help to fight at times, Mostly ALL you have to beat this, God, you name it. WHATEVER works but there's ONE goal and mindset  

-Smoking is dangerous to me, it will likely cause me to die early. IT'S EVIL,  it's become a demon for me.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

UPDATE....... it's been 16 days since my last cig. and 4 min. and 13 sec since i killed someone, i think i feel it easing up....

no i haven't given up, still a non  smoker, plan on staying that way too....but it does seem the longer i go the harder it's getting,  before i wasn't antsy at all now i get that way about 4 times a day.....make that 5....as i'm typing this i looked around for a cig....not good....

i bought a bbq smoker, so instead of me smoking my meat i'll be smoking some other butt ( pork that is) ....not sure how busy it will keep me but  i'll eat good...ll...tc.....Billy

Hang in there, we're all pulling for you......

Don't worry,  You'll find more people to kill in time !  Be patient !




Of course,  It became a "reflex". To reach for one.  Mind and body both became conditioned.  It's not that it's "Not Good".  It's just a reminder how smoking became so integrated into your automatic routine.  Now it's missing.  HANG IN THOUGH !   Our mind can get used to almost anything !  In time you will retrain it not to crave the ciggies by going without and not succumbing.  Sure, it's tough. You'll beat it.



  But seriously, Glad you went out and bought that smoker !!   Buy yourself gifts !!   Reward yourself for being a non-smoker.. ALL the dough you were spending on cigarettes can partially go to rewarding yourself with things you want to fill your time.  New toys,  Hobby Stuff.. You've got to keep this positive and really say "Damn,  I'm tough enough to beat this,  you watch".  and Pet yourself on the back..  Short and sweat is something this withdrawal unfortuneately isn't.. and that's why it sucks so much more compared to even harder substance withdrawal..  Promise yourself you'll do everything EVEN if it means you need to consult with your doc and hook up with supportive folks.  With me,  I promised myself I'd do absolutely everything in my power to kick ALL stuff "the final time" on my own.. I was able to do it.. (Meaning even the harder stuff I didn't go in patient despite people telling me given the amount I was drinking I could've died doing it alone), I wanted to know what it was like to "go thru it".  I wanted to know just what this stuff really does to our body and mind... and I found exactly what you've found..  It's a mind game.. Yeah,  the body reacts,  but I never felt NEARLY as sick as I did with a flu, or bad bug... It just reminded me of my days as a kid... Bored, throwing tantrums when the parents said NO and I didn't understand why, and just like ALL those years in school, so antsy I couldn't stand it.... However tough it is,  it's just REALLY uncomfortable.. but so are A LOT of things in life... When we lose someone close we mourn.. but we get over it in time...  This is a type of loss, as much as a hate to say it....these habits DO something for  us during a time...  Now it's time to say goodbye !   Sortuh like having a wild pet that gets too big..  The thing can kill you and rip you to shreds, but when it was a tiger cub it was cute and fun..

OK,  I'm done rambling.. wicked cafeine headache today

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

<<<billy then


<<<billy now

Yahe wlel,  I';n over in anaother thread dicusiing1979 roksongs and as a rzult I'm now sokming, drunkn, and shottoing up !  Flash bakcd stuff   sortyuh lik being theer relkiving songs like head east, foreigner, starship, yuadda yadda <burp>

Huh whahja say kappy ?

Nothin, go away !

Jow many sjots of Scope to milk for a grasshopperer ? <hiccup>

No, seriously, billy congrats on another day.  Amazing how reliving a few of these songs I haven't thought about for two decades REALLY brings me back to that same mindset of when I was active, and really sick...  WOW, scary !!   Tried to remember the instrumental parts to Head Easts song from around 79 and ALL the associated memories came flooding in..  This is why I say,  we are NEVER totally out've trouble in certain ways..  The mind really can set us back years later... It sucks being a sensitive dude.  But it was kinduh interesting flashing back to the days from before I gained my virginity !

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

As a certified addict counselor I have refrained from posting in this thread for I dont believe in remote meddling or non personal or non professional guesses on a forum such as this. However I will make some general statements. I smoked 3 packs of non filter cigs for 30 years and quit cold turkey.

Tobacco addiction is one of the hardest to break. To be successful there are several other requirements. You cannot quit smoking if you are in a bad relationship are chronically depressed have financial problems or anything else that is stressful in your life. These issues must be addressed first either by counseling or meds.

With other stresses reduced then  a deep soul search is induced with the following questions. Do I love Me? Do I want to Quit? Do I love me more than Cigs......

I will do it for 1 day Repeat above and make it one more day. After 3 days the withdrawl is decreasing after 1 month the nicotine is almost gone from the body.

At some point the sense of smell returns a bit and smoke or nicotine smell is repulsive.  As with alcohol or drugs it is easy to quit but staying off long enough to develop a total distaste for the drug is the hardest This is proportional to the number of years on the drug.

If you need a crutch or subsitute for the addiction then at some point that crutch or sub does not work and the addiction takes over again. IF YOU WANT TO QUIT THEN YOU WILL QUIT!!!

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Join The Karaokle Singers Social Network. Upload Your Music!!

Hi,   My name is Kappy and I'm a compulsive <Edit>.  It's because I "love me", that I can't give up my addiction.   But hey,  I found a way to keep my hands busy and no longer feel compelled to reach for a cigarette.  It was a behaviour mod change   Cured depression 'n stuff too !  Also helped me find a way to remain monogamous,  I finally felt so together alone !  But so much for me, and yeah, this is my first time here at an Onan-Anon meeting..

Is there any coffee, and donuts in this 12 step meeting ?

<takes 5 dollar bill out've bowl as it's passed around and drops nickle in>






.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Ollie,  I agree that will is really wanting something.  Not sure about "need a crutch or substitute however".  I believe the addict DOES need something that they are lacking internally but the problem is the latching on to external things as opposed to finding the natural fix within.. Whether it's a dopamine fix we are looking for, or we're self medicating, I believe we do need to substitute the addiction with something BUT, something that's not dangerous such as interests, esteem, behaviour techniques, or something to fill the void. I think if you need to displace one addiction with something external you are transferring your dependance, a problem was see with dysfunctional rebound relationships,  the need for a person is often displacing the discomfort felt alone.. BUT, many people have their God, develop social interests, find something to replace the addiction with that's safer healthier means (at least in accordance with our Western cultures acceptable norms, this is often subjective).. OFten times the addiction starts because a powerful medication is being used to dull underlying symptoms such as fear, anxiety, depression, boredom, and the addictive substance creates it's own need when mixed with the human chemistry once the ball rolls., Some just love to alter their state, as if it's a mini-vacation.  In most cases I believe it's endorphans the addict searches for. I think most either experiment too heavily and become temporarily addicted, or medicate themselves given brain chemistry and the substance does something for them, that it doesn't do for the non-addict.. Alcohol and barbs were panacea to me initially,  I was in heaven..  Never got a hang over, but did need increasingly more to gain beneficial pleasure sensations... also first drink I had I got in a wicked fight which wasn't me..  All the signs were there.  I just didn't accept it for years to come. I became another person.  Who that person was,  I don't know

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

(You cannot quit smoking if you are in a bad relationship are chronically depressed have financial problems or anything else that is stressful in your life.)

ok after reading that statement i'm back to smoking again...ll....kkkk

but it sure does depress u thinking about giving up things instead of the pleasures of what u gain by quitting....

right now i get up very first thing on my mind is cig. second thing is coffee to take its place.......working so far.

i'm finding for me anyway, that for every craving i have i have to replace it with something doesn't matter what just something...could be as simple as walking it off, r buying more bullets for my gun....getting low....

day 18 all is well

You should be getting color back in your knuckles. It gets easier and easier. In a week or so the nicotine will be gone from the body. Just remember right now your lungs are self cleaning One puff and that stops again. The time to quit is now for as you get older and have a longer history of smoking the harder it gets.

link

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Join The Karaokle Singers Social Network. Upload Your Music!!

Yep.  Absolutely.  Healthy stuff like walking to buy ammo !

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".