I am so foggy I can't even figure how to get this started.

I understand what you are experiencing. I felt as if I had ADD - couldn't focus on anything for any length of time, and even when I thought I was, I was still a million miles away..... That is your body trying to get better. I am finding fewer and fewer times where I have that "can't concentrate" feeling. It will pass. Just give it another week......... GOOD LUCK and Keep Not Smoking! ;) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 25 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 386 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $168.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 7 [B]Mins:[/B] 42 [B]Seconds:[/B] 33

HELP! Nearing one month and struggling!

I don't know if I psyched myself up for a 30 day hit, or I'm one of the many who close in on a month smoke free and go ballistic, but I hear ya! The last two days have been nuts (speaking of, cashews are wonderful!) I have had headaches for the first time in two weeks, I'm feeling light-headed again, snippy, can't focus.......maybe this is like the Bill Murray movie "Groundhog Day" and instead I'm reliving Hell Week all over again? :8o: Sometimes, I will think about having a cigarette........just one......but then I think about what is obviously going to happen 20 minutes after that. I will want another one. Will I give in? Most likely, after all, I've had one already, blown my quit, might as well go for it all (can you tell I have dieted a bit in the past? ;) So.......me picturing what will happen AFTER that first smoke I am craving makes me realize I'm just not gonna do it. And then the craving subsides (note I did not say "goes away") Like I said, these past few days have been pretty brutal....... Sounds like we're both on this particular roller coaster ride together. I'll do it if you will! :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 24 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 371 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $162 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 35 [B]Seconds:[/B] 54

Stopping Smoking - The Simple Way

I couldn't have made that first step without knowing I could rely on the patch. Plain and simple. Call me a chicken, weakling, nicotene addict, but the bottom line is I am NOT SMOKING. I know I will have to deal with the nicotene withdrawls when I come off the patch in a few weeks. But if I apply it according to how it is suppose to be used, I step down in strength, so the "cravings" should be practically non existent. My biggest fear when making that decision to quit was that I would not be strong enough to see it thru. And I told myself I could NOT SMOKE while wearing a patch. I haven't, and won't. So, whatever I need to see me thru not sticking a cigarette in my mouth and lighting up, I'll do it (providing it's legal, that is :o) I won't be "tempted to smoke" when I run out of patches, because I am already well on my way to facing my triggers which started a craving in the first place. Why would I be tempted to light up a smoke in 6 months when I'm a non smoker now? It's all mental, whether you use an NRT or not. To me, going "cold turkey" seems to be more of an invitation to start, if you are inclined that way..... I congratulate you all on going cold turkey. But don't judge those who rely on "aids" (whether it be gum, licorice, candies, walks, cold water, or NRTs). And as far as those who abuse NRTs - that's their new problem to deal with. If they want to spend another fortune on a different way to keep nicotene in their system, that's their choice. But the manufacturer's recommend you stay on the "program" for a set number of weeks, how long depends on what strength patch you begin with. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 24 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 366 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $162 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 55 [B]Seconds:[/B] 41

Smoke vs. nicotine withdrawl

Welcome.........and congrats!! I am also using "the patch", and if you have time to read thru some of the posts, there are interesting debates on going "cold turkey" versus using an NRT. There's no doubt about it, we are extending our dependance on nicotene by using the patch. But not everyone has the willpower to face quitting smoking without some help, and for me personally, I KNOW I won't light up while wearing one - the dangers of stroke and heart attack are too high. It's my own insurance policy against lighting up while I wrestle with the emotional and psychological triggers during the first few months. I hope some others who used the patch will post here, and share their experiences of life "after NRT"! If you are really concerned, call your doctor. After all, you smoked for HOW LONG??? And if you follow the directions, you will be extending your nicotene use (in a much different delivery system, don't forget) by approx 3 months........ What's worse? Using the patch properly and QUITTING SMOKING forever, or not quitting smoking if you are not able to go cold turkey? I choose using the patch and beating this addiction..... Keep posting, reading and JUST SAY NO when you get a craving. It's funny......even with the patch you crave. Obviously not for nicotene, just for the remembered comfort of smoking. So this isn't foolproof either. But if you do use it, DO NOT SMOKE. It is extremely dangerous to use both..... GOOD LUCK! :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 29 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 441 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $195.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 39 [B]Seconds:[/B] 23

Eye Effect

Bypass........ Steady..........stay focused (no pun intended) on what you really want. One smoke will not do it. Ever. Think past the actual craving and concentrate on what WILL happen after you put out the cigarette..... In about 1/2 hour, you will want another one. Can you see yourself lighting up smoke #2? What will be going thru your mind? Will you be totally disgusted with yourself for getting yourself back into it again? This is what I do when the cravings attack me. I try to picture life after that smoke - and it works..... To answer your question about your eyesight - I have read other posts here on how quitting can affect your vision. You are in Day 4 right now......if it doesn't seem to clear up or completely go away, call your doctor to ask. But I think it will. It's your body getting rid of the garbage accumulated from years of smoking. And yes, it DID impact your eyes! Good luck, don't give in......... [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 29 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 441 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $195.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 39 [B]Seconds:[/B] 55

Drop back and punt

I found this info......I think it will help you with your guilt of reaching for a nic lozenge vs a smoke: [i]The list of 599 additives approved by the US Government for use in the manufacture of cigarettes is something every smoker should see While these ingredients are approved as additives for foods, they were not tested by burning them, and it is the burning of many of these substances which changes their properties, often for the worse. Over 4000 chemical compounds are created by burning a cigarette, many of which are toxic and/or carcinogenic. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia are all present in cigarette smoke. Forty-three known carcinogens are in mainstream smoke, sidestream smoke, or both. One lozenge won't cause you to go thru Hell Week all over again....if you had sucked down the entire box, well.....that's a different story! You should be very proud of yourself with what you WERE able to accomplish. You did not smoke. Take care, you've beaten this once. You know what the drill is!!! ;) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 27 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 411 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $182.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 24 [B]Seconds:[/B] 1

Anti-Smoking Ordinances...What's your opinion?

If I were still a smoker, I would be very upset and angry at being told what to do. And basically that is what is going on here. Being told you cannot do something. Something which is [b]NOT[/b] illegal nor immoral, people do it in public, at home, in their cars and still in some restaurants and coffee shops to this day. There is still somewhat of a social "acceptance" in regards to smoking. Before I hear all of the boos and hisses out there, it is dwindling, but it is there. As an example, you wouldn't [b]DARE[/b] drink on the job, but no one really says anything when you go out for a puff. Until that day comes where society as a whole frowns upon excessive smoking, like they do excessive drinking (think M.A.D.D. and the New Year's Eve blitzes against drinking and driving, etc) then we cannot force people to give it up, no matter how many "programs" are offered......we here ALL know that it is up to the individual to want to quit. My two cents, for what it is worth........ :p [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 27 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 412 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $182.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 29 [B]Seconds:[/B] 38

Very disapointed in myself

Steph, I echo what Bubba posted - don't tempt yourself. You are not superhuman, you are a recovering addict. I speak from "extra" experience, as I am also a recovering alcoholic (9 years dry) and I did not associate with any of my drinking friend, colleagues, family while in the early stages of recovery, nor did I STEP FOOT in a bar - even restaurants were difficult the first few months. But, 9 years later, I can go out and socialize wherever I want, with whomever I please and it does not bother me one bit......I am now the designated driver for most of my friends (lucky SOB's) The bottom line is........until you are stronger in your quit, just don't do it. Do not offer yourself the temptation, you have not gained the "habit" of saying NO to yourself and meaning it!! Good luck with everything, and give yourself a pat on the back for your accomplishments, the first of which is the desire to quit! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 27 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 412 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $182.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 30 [B]Seconds:[/B] 27

Dear John letter to a cigarette

Found this and thought it was good reading... [i]My Darling, How can I express what you've meant to me these many years? The bond we've shared has been stronger than any other in my life. You were always there for me when I was alone. When I was scared you gave me strength. When I was happy, you shared my joys. When I was angry you fueled my fire with your own. When I was hungry you nourished me and kept me slim. When I turned my back on you, you waited patiently, knowing I would return. You never judged me or held a grudge. You welcomed me back with open arms. You were practically my lover--we knew eachother so intimately. You invaded every pore of me. Just the smell of you can set my heart pounding. The feel of you in my hand, so smooth and firm makes my blood boil even now. God, I want you so badly. You and I have been together through so very much. How can I tell you I have to go? I'll just do it...This is "Goodbye." I love you and I always will, but this is killing me. It's not healthy and I'm beginning to see that now. I have changed, grown, but you have stayed the same. We've been going in different directions for awhile, and I just haven't been able to admit it to myself. Now I can. You're giving me wrinkles on my face. You take my money. You make my breath smell bad and my teeth yellow. None of my friends like you and look what you've done to my mother-in-law and grandfather! I won't be your victim anymore. I've actually hidden from my friends when I was sneaking around with you. I can't take you anywhere in public without you embarassing me. I can't count the number of times I have told my children to wait so I could go see you. You are not more important than my children. I am so angry at myself for putting your first. You had such a hold on me. Even when I was sick, you called me, and I came without question. I feel like I"m losing myself to you. We've always been together. Is there a "me" without you? Surely there is. I bet she's someone you wouldn't recognize. You always thought I was weak and I'd be back, but I'm not weak anymore. I'm discovering how strong I really am. I can go and not look back, except on those lonely, rainy nights when the kids are in bed, and I drag out those old pictures of us toghether. I'm sure you know I'll mis

going into day 5!!!!!!!!!

I've been following your posts, Gazza and haven't seen any yet on rewards.........are you giving yourself a "pat on the back" for a job well done? It may sound trivial, but in reading what others have said, it IS very important! When you smoked, you "rewarded" your brain with a rush of chemicals and nicotene. This mixture went right to the "pleasure centre", and was an instant high. There are very few drugs which can do this - cocaine, nicotene are two. So in essence, we trained our brain for an instant reward of a high. And now it's very difficult for our brain to see a true reward for what it is. You have to retrain yourself. I have purchased a few trinkets as rewards for myself (new watch, earrings etc) which in the past perhaps I wouldn't have - trying to be Ms. Thrifty! Now, every week, on the anniversary of the day of my quit, I try to do something special for myself, and tell myself it's because I have reached my one, two three and soon to be four week milestone. Think of something that will be meaningful and treat yourself. Good luck, congratulations and keep posting. :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 27 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 411 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $182.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 14