Cognitive Quit Smoking

Hi All,
I smoked my last cigarette on Friday at 5:30 p.m. So I’ll have
gotten through the first 72 hours at 5:30 tonight. (Not sure why 72
hours is so important of a goal to me.) My husband had to work
Saturday so I was pretty much on my own. Tried to keep myself busy
but found myself wandering around the house like I was lost. Sunday
was a little better but I had my moments. So many feelings to
contend with. But I kept telling Warren that we’d get through this
and not to give up. Quitting is not easy, but it is possible.
Everything I learned in this site has given me the strength and
knowledge that I CAN AND WILL BE A NON-SMOKER.
As I posted last week, my husband quit too. That’s an experience.
It’ll either make us or break us (just kidding). He did smoke a
couple cigarettes yesterday, but not me. NOT A PUFF! (Donna, you
wouldn’t believe how many times I said that!)
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I am going to challenge him myself for the next few days. Going out
of town and don’t know if I will have access or not to computer so
if not.. I will be thinking of all of you and wishing you best in
your quits. take care, not a puff! :<) donna

Hi Ion,

oops a senior’s moment. I have those all the time :))

Pam use to send a link that took us to steve’s chatroom, I think..
and the chatroom where you said seems different. At any rate, I
will check in later… take care, donna

Hi Cath,
Congrats on your 54 days quit. Sounds like for the most part you’ve
got it in hand.
As for the after meal sensations, I think those were/are a combination
of a couple of factors… 1- a dose of nicotine causes the stomach to
produce acid which, in effect, initiates digestion, 2- any awareness of
abdominal sensations were associatied with a smoking response, 3- there was
a mechanical association i.e. put down the fork/use a napkin/push back from
the table/reach for a cigarette.

My suggestion is to be prepared to move away from the table immediately
when you finish eating. If walking isn’t a viable option, is there some
other way to get some gentle exercise? Clear the table, maybe wash the
dishes. I’d be hesitant to replace the old ‘cigarette desert’ with any
kind of oral alternative, with the exception of brushing and rinsing.
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Maybe I’m not too bright but I had a hard time at first with the
lists and seeing the relevance.I still haven’t posted my lists. I
guess I’m shy. LOL. I just wanted to say that I’m finally catching
on, yippee. I’m already implementing other responses to situations
and I wanted to mention something I’ve been doing and see if anyone
has any feedback on it. Every time I do smoke now, I try to make it
as unenjoyable, or painful, as possible. for example: standing in the
cold rain, or in cold water. Picturing my lungs all black and
disgusting. Even snapping myself hard with a rubber band every time I
take a drag. Now I’m not masochistic folks, but I want to associate
this horrible addiction to pain only, not pleasure and so far it
seems to be helping.I haven’t had more than 3 drags off any one cig
in a couple days and I’m down from 20-25 a day to maybe 5 or 6. I
hope I don’t scare anyone with my tactics here. I just thought I’d
share and see what kind of feedback I get. Thanks and I hope everyone
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Hi Ya’ll,
Someone on another site sent me here. I have been quit about a week
and had a small slip -so I need some help with the mental part I
guess–getting rid of the automatic feeling that you reach for one.
Maggie

… should consider getting a complete physical including a trip to the
dentist. Smoking, especially long term smoking, can mask a number of
physical issues that need to be dealt with. Over/under active thyroid is
one that’s common in women and can present itself as fluctuations in weight
and the symptoms of depression. Depression and gum disease are 2 others
that can affect anyone. Setting up appointments and getting yourself
checked out is simply intelligent quit management.
I’m usually not one for ‘just do it’, but in this
area, please… just do it.
Steve

Hi Sandy,
Leaving work early today but just wanted to wish you good luck -
not that you will need it, cause your ready Will be thinking about
you…..you can do this Sandy - if I can, anyone can….just stay
busy and focused - your like an athlete that has been training for
the big race - your ready and prepared and have trained hard - YOU
WILL SUCCEED!!!! Anyway, I will be with you in spirit!!!! GO GET EM!!!
Take Care,
Lauren

Who’s going to be around this weekend, and when? It’d be nice to set up
some chat times. I’m available off and on both Saturday and Sunday and both
evenings.
Steve