I need a quitting partner
Hi Bob. I did give up once using patches, and stayed off the cigarettes for a few months. I think I used the patches for a few weeks, and they did help to take the edge off cravings. I got to a point where I stopped thinking about smoking, and then foolishly started to smoke socially, thinking that I would be able to. Before long, I was back to smoking!! I would say the patches helped though, and that they did their job, and I was fine with not using them at night.
I have not used patches this time, but have had nicotine gum and an inhaler as a back up, if needed. I've used these when I've had desperate cravings, which have been occasional.
It's tough giving up, and one does feel like climbing the walls in the early stages. Night time for me was the worst as well. I barely slept in my first week, and my brain was completely addled - I could barely focus on what people were saying in the first few days. Some of the cravings were really intense too - a real mix of anxiety and physical craving, which left me shaking on occasion. I kept empathising with the characters in the movie, Trainspotting!
It did ease off a lot after the first couple of weeks though. I fought to keep my focus on the negative aspects of smoking; the proud feeling I get from not smoking, and kept going over the benefits of not smoking. Also, I've avoided listening to that inner, rational voice which sometimes says, "just one will be ok". I've made it my "bottom line" to never give in and have just one, whatever happens. This was my undoing last time, even after getting through the worst stages of quitting.
It does get easier, and it will ease off soon. Keep remembering what a great thing you are doing. It is a major life achievement!
Best wishes
Kaitie
