Cognitive Quit Smoking

Good Morning all! Well ok it’s almost noon but I refuse to consider
myself lazy just because I haven’t seen the sunrise in 20 years Thank you for all the hello’s! Some great advice in those messages. I
got to thinking at about 3 this morning while I was sitting up
wondering who was sucking all the oxygen out of the air about all the
times I’ve heard about how smoking will kill you, but no one ever
said it would be a slow and torturous death. ugh, what a negative
thought.
Anyway, I find myself noticing these “habits” much more often. And it
is very surprising just how much I do connect my daily life to
smoking. That in itself almost seems overwhelming just considering
all of the routines I have that will need to be changed so that
smoking isn’t a part of them.
Cindy did some research on zyban yesterday. Found out that it
actually was prescribed as an anti-depressant called welbutran before
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While evaluating my weak spots and urges one biggie occured that
frightens me. My husband and I are doing great together. What
happens when he leaves for the day, or goes back to work. In the
past, when alone is when I have failed. I’m in such denial I even
forgot that stupid thought process which has destroyed my attempts.
Something to do with my teenage years “I can do what deviant behavior
I want” and noone knows. Or, when I was single and carefree I would
smoke pot everyday after work in my house… secret noone knew. Oh
grow up how stupid. I really need to envision this scenario and no
fall into that pattern. Since thinking of it I remember the feeling
so vividly… just one little trip to the store, who would know — I
will not do it. I need to go meditate on that one. Anyone have
similar wierd habits? Did you even understand my rambling? Thanks
for letting me. Gail
14 hours, 56 minutes and 18 seconds. 12 cigarettes not smoked, saving
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Hi everyone
Day 2’s gone well - I’m still feeling spacey, but in a way it’s not
too bad - everything seems to ‘roll off’ me. That’s me focussing on
the positives of the situation! I went to bed early last night,
tired out, woke up a few hours later and had a quick natter to Indi
on ICQ, went back to sleep, and work early. Have to admit, my first
thought was having that first cig of the day, but did yesterdays
exercise i.e. warming up the computer while I made a drink, then sat
reading the posts while I drank that cuppa (hmmm, i enjoy tea on its
own as well). Loads to read too, and I loved the post from Gail.
Colin laughed his head off - he empathised with Steve alright.
Again, that ciggy-urge moved past me, so I reckon this routine is
going to be a good one for me.
Anyway, I got myself moving after that - usual pattern of lounging
about has been replaced with a new routine of getting the dishes
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Steve:
Hope I go this ABC stuff.
A. Getting Up Groggy
B. I need a fix of nicotine quickly to wake before dealing with life.
c. Wake 20 minutes earlier than kids and smoke two cigs.
B1. I used to smoke to jump start me, now I choose a healthier way
to wake up.
C1. Wake 5 minutes earlier than kids and splash warm water on my
face.
A. The stress of the early morning bantering at the breakfast table.
B. I need to get away and smoke a cigarette to relieve the stress.
C. Go hide in garage and puff in peace.
B1. I used to smoke to relieve the realities of my emotions with the
kids arguing, now I choose to deal with them in a healthier way.
C1. Go hide in bathroom and rub wonderfully scented lotion into my
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Did you all get my last two posts before this kids and I headed off to Salt Lake
City?
Did not see any replies…maybe you are waiting with baited breath to hear if I
really did it? Well I am pleased to announce that today is day 6, haven’t had
one at all! I have learned that that is the only way I will succeed…
So, I am having hard moments, but feel more positive this time around.
Kelley

I will quit smoking in 1 hours, 47 minutes and 30 seconds.
And guess what I just got…. my period with cramps. My husband
better hide from me tomorrow. Gail

Hi there everyone!
I just wanted to introduce myself as so many have before me :o)
I am the other half of Ginia. My name is Cindy and I too am very
impressed with all the effort and work Steve has put forth. I
realized quitting smoking is a major step in one’s life and not to be
taken lightly. I have found that even though it may seem a
lighthearted easy step, it is definately not and research and
approaching it from a more scientific approach is very important.
Meaning simply, that I can’t do it alone, and do need some sort of
aid, specifically Zyban and the patches and a TON of support from my
loved ones, friends and family.
So having said that, I am also making an appointment tomorrow to get
on the Zyban, and as committed as ever to stopping knowing that I
will have some proven help. I feel better already, or is just the
fact that I don’t have to quit today??? LOL
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Steve suggested it’d be worthwhile me making a list about when and
where I smoked, and the reasons I was smoking. It really got me
thinking a lot about it, so am posting it here hoping it might help
some others to focus. Next step is sort it all out into ABC’s
Times/places/reasons why/when I smoked
a typical work day would go like this :-
First one - shortly after getting up with that first cup of tea, in
th kitchen. Smoked it because I physically craved that first cig of
the day
Next one - probably only about 20 mins later. That first one was
good, but didn’t completely ‘hit the spot’ somehow. Usually smoked
it in the bathroom, putting on make up, with another cuppa.
In the car driving to work I’d have a couple more in the half hour
drive. Aware I couldn’t smoke at work very easily, so felt I needed
to ‘pack a few in’. Usually feel a bit stressed going to work at
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Hi Ginia,
Welcome to the group.
It’s very common for us to quit, thinking we’ve got it together and are
ready, only to hit a brick wall and come apart. Do a bit more research and
get all the info you can on whdat hoppens to our bodies and minds when we
step off nicotine. I’m not talking about that “after 20 minutes our blood
preasure returns to normal” etc thing. I’m refering to the onset of
concetration loss, the cognitive impairment, the motor impairment, the
irritability and aggitation and anxiety and on and on. Expect it all and
make some contingency plans for dealing with the first 3-4 days. Treat them
as you would a really bad flu bug i.e. know that it must run it’s course.
In this case, you’re choosing to let it run it’s course. Some prep with
‘foundation statements’ and some ABCs will help also. As will Zyban and gum.
One other thing you might try, my ICQ # is 360581. Add me to your list
and contact me before you head out the door to the cig store.
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In a message dated 01/01/02 15:34:33 GMT Standard Time, todora@…
writes:
Hi Gail
Guess your kids go back to school tomorrow - have you got a plan, have you
made your lists - in order to achieve success you need to do something
different (if this isn’t your first quit) so its no good keep on putting off
the date until it is convenient - cos I can tell you as a long time heavy
smoker there is never a convenient time.
So planning to quit is just as important as quitting
Good luck
Indi