I Need Help!

[Guest]

I wish you luck. Everything is a trigger for my wife, including eating. My wife can't stop, and when I don't smoke kissing her is like licking the bottom of an ashtray. So instead of fighting with her I just smoke too. We all gotta die some day, might as well enjoy the time that we have here.


As Always
I Am the
Dirt Man

Thanks Dirt Man. Luckily my hubby is quitting with me. There's no way I could do it if he wasn't. We've both tried to quit together in the past, and it has almost always been me that crumbles first. This time it won't be.

Loulou, I quit once for six months when I had bronchitis; it was fear of the pain only. Then once for five years through a 5-week program run by my HMO, the biggest help was being part of a group (which included my best friend). We 'educated' ourselves. It included knowing "triggers", e.g., morning tea or coffee, drinks at a bar (before it was outlawed in bars), social occasions, the phone ringing, breaks at work, etc. For me reading and writing was a trigger; I remember thinking, "How will I be able to read or write without a cig?"

The physical withdrawal takes only 3 days to a week at most. Then it's all psychological. Chewing gum help for a while, also special snacks (but don't overdo it or you'll start smoking again to lose weight). If your family supports you, that will be good.

I wish you well.

still puffing, Perdita

Thanks, sweetie. It is going to be so hard to avoid the triggers. Sitting at my computer typing is the biggest one, chuck in a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with that and it's gonna be really tough. Thanks for the advice. Oh and with regard to eating to replace smoking, hopefully that won't be a problem. Adam and me have both said, as soon as the craving gets too much, we are to do at least 20 reps with the weights, or abs bar. That should help counteract any extra chocolate that passes through my lips.

Lou

 

[Remec]

Triggers

One of my favorite stories about trying to quit and what happens when we run into things that trigger a smoking response came from a friend. We were (a bunch of us who played D&D together) sitting around during a short break in our game and the talk gravitated to Tim's quitting smoking.

He says how it's going well, but he was a bit discouraged after something that had happened earlier in the week.

He was walking through the building where he has to take paperwork for the squadron he was assigned to, and ran into a senior chief he used to work with.

Turns out the chief had just been sent to that command and was on his first day back after having worked in the same building doing the same job seven years prior. Tim said he was on his way for a smoke, since he was phasing cigarettes out at that point, not quitting entirely, and asked if the chief wanted to join him.

Chief says that, no, he'd quit five years ago. Tim nods and they part. Moments later, Tim hears this string of curses from the office of the chief. He pops his head in to see what's up.

"I came in here like I always did seven years ago. Poured a cup of coffee. Gathered the paperwork I needed to work on. Doublechecked the thermostat and the radio. Sat down to begin work.
"And *damn* if I didn't reach for my cigarettes, just like seven years ago, even though I haven't smoked them in five!"

 

[lewdandlicentious]

Thanks, sweetie. It is going to be so hard to avoid the triggers. Sitting at my computer typing is the biggest one, chuck in a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with that and it's gonna be really tough. Thanks for the advice. Oh and with regard to eating to replace smoking, hopefully that won't be a problem. Adam and me have both said, as soon as the craving gets too much, we are to do at least 20 reps with the weights, or abs bar. That should help counteract any extra chocolate that passes through my lips.

Lou

When we gave up, 14 years ago, I found you could group the triggers into two main groups.

Taste was the biggest one, and habits. IE, we tend to smoke when we're doing certain things, and after having eaten or had a drink.

The taste one I found is easy to beat. Every time, and I mean EVERY time you've had something to eat or drink, drink a glass of water. Rinse your mouth out totally and remove the taste of what you've just had. You will find the urge to smoke lessens. Much of smoking I came to realise, is taste related.

The habit one of course is not so easy. For me, I found that I had to find something to do with my hands. I kept myself busier at work, a habit I still have, and I found myself drinking more beer in the evening, from the bottle, purely for something to do with my hands. To this day, I still peel the labels off beer bottles.

Going for the exercise thing is a good idea, especially at first. You're lucky you have something like that to hand, to immediately throw yourself at. Use it to it's fullest.

What Perdita said is perfectly true in my opinion, after 3 weeks, you've pretty much cracked it, but always remember, it only takes one.

Final points:

Only YOU can do it, bollocks to all the plans, courses, patches, they're all bollocks. It's down to YOU, and your willpower, and how much you want to stop. YOU have to be strong enough!

All the reasons for not stopping, or for starting again are bollocks too. They're all excuses for being too weak to stop. You have to be strong to give up smoking, I know, I did it.

I was addicted, smoking 20 a day from ages 13 to 27. Shortly after we gave up, within 3 weeks, my wife was rushed into hospital for some serious surgery. Instead of using it as an excuse to start again, I used it as a catalyst to give up, thinking: "If I can get through this without smoking, I can get through anything!"

I did, and I have.

Good luck to you and yours Lou, I wish you well, and KNOW you can do it.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Hi, Lou.
This is Sunday afternoon and, hopefully, you have gone all today without smoking. Hang in there because we are all on your side and all want you to make it. Conversely, we will all be disappointed if you don't stop.

The exercise you mentioned is a good idea. It will keep your hands busy besides helping you lose any weight from eating chocolate or other fattening stuff.

 

[Guest]

 

[SnoopDog]

Hi there,
So I'm a non-smoker but I have a few friends who tried, more or less successful. But I found that one good advice for them was to save the money they used to spend on cigarettes a day, and then at the end of each month (or even half a year) take the money and spend it on something fun. I know it's not too much of a good advice, and it doesn't help against physical addiction but at least I guess it's a good motivation.
Anyways, the best of luck to you,
Snoopy

 

[Guest]

When we gave up, 14 years ago, I found you could group the triggers into two main groups.

Taste was the biggest one, and habits. IE, we tend to smoke when we're doing certain things, and after having eaten or had a drink.

The taste one I found is easy to beat. Every time, and I mean EVERY time you've had something to eat or drink, drink a glass of water. Rinse your mouth out totally and remove the taste of what you've just had. You will find the urge to smoke lessens. Much of smoking I came to realise, is taste related.

The habit one of course is not so easy. For me, I found that I had to find something to do with my hands. I kept myself busier at work, a habit I still have, and I found myself drinking more beer in the evening, from the bottle, purely for something to do with my hands. To this day, I still peel the labels off beer bottles.

Going for the exercise thing is a good idea, especially at first. You're lucky you have something like that to hand, to immediately throw yourself at. Use it to it's fullest.

What Perdita said is perfectly true in my opinion, after 3 weeks, you've pretty much cracked it, but always remember, it only takes one.

Final points:

Only YOU can do it, bollocks to all the plans, courses, patches, they're all bollocks. It's down to YOU, and your willpower, and how much you want to stop. YOU have to be strong enough!

All the reasons for not stopping, or for starting again are bollocks too. They're all excuses for being too weak to stop. You have to be strong to give up smoking, I know, I did it.

I was addicted, smoking 20 a day from ages 13 to 27. Shortly after we gave up, within 3 weeks, my wife was rushed into hospital for some serious surgery. Instead of using it as an excuse to start again, I used it as a catalyst to give up, thinking: "If I can get through this without smoking, I can get through anything!"

I did, and I have.

Good luck to you and yours Lou, I wish you well, and KNOW you can do it.

Thanks, Lew. I really appreciate the advice and tips. Hearing some of your own experiences help, too. If you can go through something as traumatic as that and continue not to smoke, I can do it, merely dealing with 'normal' every day stuff.

I haven't craved for a cigarette at all today, yet. Ok, I admit, I could've easily have enjoyed a smoke, especially when driving (that's another trigger of mine), but I didn't, and I'm not going to. I've been keeping myself busy and my hands occupied, I think that helps!

Thanks for the good luck wishes, and the note of belief in me; it means a lot.

Lou

 

[Guest]

Hi, Lou.
This is Sunday afternoon and, hopefully, you have gone all today without smoking. Hang in there because we are all on your side and all want you to make it. Conversely, we will all be disappointed if you don't stop.

The exercise you mentioned is a good idea. It will keep your hands busy besides helping you lose any weight from eating chocolate or other fattening stuff.

Thanks, Box. We went out for a long walk yesterday, with the kids and the dog. I tried not to sit at the computer too much, because I used to find I smoked most then.

I am finding being out of the house and changing my daily routine is helping a lot.

PierceStreet, that was hard-hitting, and down to the crux of the matter. I thank you for that; you are so right.

Thanks to you , too, SnoopDog. I do intend to that, it's a very good idea. Adam and I were talking about that yesterday, actually, and the amount of money we'll save - with both of us not smoking - will add up to a very substantial amount each month. We've decided to save up and have an extra family holiday this year.

Thank you for the words of encouragement and support. You guys are all awesome.

Lou

 

[Boxlicker101]

Thanks, Box. We went out for a long walk yesterday, with the kids and the dog. I tried not to sit at the computer too much, because I used to find I smoked most then.

I am finding being out of the house and changing my daily routine is helping a lot.

PierceStreet, that was hard-hitting, and down to the crux of the matter. I thank you for that; you are so right.

Thanks to you , too, SnoopDog. I do intend to that, it's a very good idea. Adam and I were talking about that yesterday, actually, and the amount of money we'll save - with both of us not smoking - will add up to a very substantial amount each month. We've decided to save up and have an extra family holiday this year.

Thank you for the words of encouragement and support. You guys are all awesome.

Lou

Hi, Lou. This is the second day now and if you got through the first day, you can get through this one. Everbody on Lit wishes you well. If you have a relapse, we will all be disappointed.

 

[Guest]

Hi, Lou. This is the second day now and if you got through the first day, you can get through this one. Everbody on Lit wishes you well. If you have a relapse, we will all be disappointed.

Thanks, honey.

Yep, I'm still going good. Adam is, too, but he seems to be suffering a lot more physical withdrawal symptoms than me. He can't sit still. He's buzzing around like a bee on speed. And his eyes have gone really 'buggy'.

Eep! I hope this phase doesn't last long.

Lou

 

[Black Tulip]

Lou,

Keep going girl.

The physical part takes 3 to 5 days. And you both did the hardest part already: deciding to quit.

Stay strong.

 

[Guest]

Lou,

Keep going girl.

The physical part takes 3 to 5 days. And you both did the hardest part already: deciding to quit.

Stay strong.

Thanks, sweetie.

Sub Joe is looking for beatings, though.

Lou, feeling tetchy.

 

[A7inchPhildo]

Tatelou,

I have quit many times myself. Not really a hardcore smoker but the little I do smoke is for enjoyment. Still it has its sideeffects idon't like.

Some helpful things as I read down through the thread. Placing some used buts in a small amount of water in a sealed jar. Don't be stupid and drink it. Just smell it! That is all a whiff a day will make you gag.

Another good idea is to write down a list of 15 - 20 reasons you feel you must quit and why. Then make a list of some reasons why you should smoke. If your list of reasons to smoke is longer or better you need to adjust your list of why not to smoke. This will give you a stable base to reason to your self why you are willing to endure the agony for the days ahead until you can feel free of most desires.

Not drinking liquor is a good advice, Coffee does trigger thoughts of a morning smoke but also be ware to not replace the cigarette with more coffee.

It is a proven fact if you take away something persistant in your life such as smoking you need to fill the void with something else. "Might I suggest excercise" It is a good alternative push-ups, crunches something to do that takes about the same amount of time as a smoke. Besides it is a good idea to work out due to the common problem of over eating to fill the lonely void.


Keep this in mind: you will never really be a 'non-smoker' just a 'smoker' who no longer smokes. Eventually the nic fits stop and you can relax (normal 3-6 days) if you pick up a cigarette and you might don't say it is over. It is just a setback, reset your plan and continue to not smoke.

I say you are a smoker who does not smoke because if in ten years from now you are sitting in a bar and heck have one cigarette. Guess what you might get light headed but you are a smoker and smokers smoke.

A non smoker is not going to light up and inhale a first drag with out hacking and being disgusted.


Good luck to you Tat I am really rooting for your dilligent efforts.


Myself well, I stopped being a quitter. At least for right now the few I have is not really a problem other than the mess, and smell. I live in Fl. so out side smoking is not a problem and cigaretts are still cheap.

My record is 1year 8months but at the moment I am not of a mind set to want to quit.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Phil!

A lot of what you said makes a lot of sense. I almost lapsed a little while ago, but I didn't.

I resisted.

Bloody hard, though. My lips keep tingling. Yes, the ones on my face.

I've started chewing my fingernails, too.

Lou

Just a little P.S. Please don't call me "Tat". If anyone ever does that, I do try to ignore it, but not when I'm feelingTETCHY!!!!! Ahem. Thank you.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Thanks, Phil!

A lot of what you said makes a lot of sense. I almost lapsed a little while ago, but I didn't.

I resisted.

Bloody hard, though. My lips keep tingling. Yes, the ones on my face.

I've started chewing my fingernails, too.

B]

Generally speaking, Lou, chewing gum works better than chewing fingernails. However, whatever works.....

 

[Guest]

Generally speaking, Lou, chewing gum works better than chewing fingernails. However, whatever works.....

Hmmm, I can think of an even better replacement. Not that I'd ever actually chew it!

Lou

 

[NoJo]

Hmmm, I can think of an even better replacement. Not that I'd ever actually chew it!

Lou

I was really tense and irritable. Orgasms helped. How many did you smoke? Could be a little hard on yr partner.

 

[CharleyH]

Lou, admire your determination! Way to go girl. I can't seem to break with any of my indulgences

Nonetheless, here is some advice from someone who 'once' quit for 3 months, and some cold hard facts mixed in from a gal who has . . . well . . . never mind.

Fact: it is harder for women to quit than it is for men, so if it takes a few times, don't worry. If you are determined, it will happen.
Fact: it can be done: cold turkey, or thru zyban (though that can fuck up other indulgences) or the nic. patch.

Nic patch gives very vivid dreams, some not great - but some more awesome than - well . . .

The Brit. Med Asscoiation will no doubt have all the info you need to choose your path, or your doc. If not, let me know, and I will direct you to a place.

Once quit?
NEVER go to bars for at least three months and NEVER, NEVER go to Weddings with relatives who keep buying you drinks.

YET, whenever the need for cig arises, have sex. A good and healthy replacement. You'll keep the weight off, get the phallic satisfaction, and have a good strong heart and healthy lungs, among other benefits.

The hardest part to break for me was the habit of having something to put in your mouth, or occupy your hands. Again - sex works for this.
Good luck - youll need it.

 

[Guest]

I was really tense and irritable. Orgasms helped. How many did you smoke? Could be a little hard on yr partner.

I smoked about 20-30 a day! EEK! And, yes, orgasms do help. I've found that out.

Lou, admire your determination! Way to go girl. I can't seem to break with any of my indulgences

Nonetheless, here is some advice from someone who 'once' quit for 3 months, and some cold hard facts mixed in from a gal who has . . . well . . . never mind.

Fact: it is harder for women to quit than it is for men, so if it takes a few times, don't worry. If you are determined, it will happen.
Fact: it can be done: cold turkey, or thru zyban (though that can fuck up other indulgences) or the nic. patch.

Nic patch gives very vivid dreams, some not great - but some more awesome than - well . . .

The Brit. Med Asscoiation will no doubt have all the info you need to choose your path, or your doc. If not, let me know, and I will direct you to a place.

Once quit?
NEVER go to bars for at least three months and NEVER, NEVER go to Weddings with relatives who keep buying you drinks.

YET, whenever the need for cig arises, have sex. A good and healthy replacement. You'll keep the weight off, get the phallic satisfaction, and have a good strong heart and healthy lungs, among other benefits.

The hardest part to break for me was the habit of having something to put in your mouth, or occupy your hands. Again - sex works for this.
Good luck - youll need it.

Thanks, Charley. Again, some great advice.

I'll have a search on google and see what there is out there. I'm just gonna try and do it through sheer willpower, if I can. If I do fail that way, and that's a big if, I'll pay my doc a visit.

And back to sex again. Yes, it does help.

This place never ceases to amaze me. The depth and breadth of knowledge on so many subjects is awesome, and the level of caring and support is extremely touching. I feel quite weepy now.

Lou

 

[NoJo]

I feel quite weepy now.

Lou

That's nicotine withdrawal. Have some sex.

 

[Guest]

That's nicotine withdrawal. Have some sex.

Hmmm, I would, but...

Oh never mind.

Lou

 

[Liar]

Hmmm, I would, but...

Oh never mind.

Lou

...and instead of lighting a roll-o-cancer afterwards, have some more sex.

 

[lewdandlicentious]

Now there's some damned good advice.

More sex, we all need more sex!

 

[Guest]

Now there's some damned good advice.

More sex, we all need more sex!

Quite!

You took the words right out of my mouth!

Good to see you, Lew. I'm so glad we're talking again.

Lou

 

[lewdandlicentious]

Me too sweetie, me too.

How's the resistance to nicotine getting on???