Cognitive Quit Smoking

I once went through a SmokEnders program. (Actually, I went through their
program 3 times, but that’s another story) One of the bits of interesting
info they provided was that about 3/4 of the cigarettes I smoked weren’t
because my nicotine level was low and needed topping up. Apparently, I
smoked those cigarettes because of other reasons. With a bit of observation
it did appear that I lit up frequently because of hunger, anger,
loneliness/boredom, or fatigue (the HALT reasons) among others. The point
in this is that I was using cigarettes/nicotine for some purpose other than
management of a chemical dependence.
How many reasons are there for eating aside from actual nutritional need? I
might eat because I’m bored, or nervous, or even angry. I might eat because
I used to smoke and smoking was an oral activity involving repeated hand to
mouth motions, the taking in of ’something’, and a sense of filling (either
my stomach or some need).
Where I’m going with this is that there is no difference between smoking
(more…)

It sure was good to read your message, and hear that your hanging in
there! I know it can be realy tuff because you, and I have smoked for
such a long time, And all along thinking well I’ll quit when I have to
or it has’nt really gotten to me yet. So we put it off! It sounds like
your doing great! I can’t wait until my quit date. The people a rehab
had me set a date so I’m gonna stick to that. Have you been doing your
exercises? That does really help. And I’m going to go out and buy
somemore sugarfree gum and candy Baskin Robins has a really good
sugarfree candy out that is cheap besure and get the solid color ones.
(they taste better) and I also like to chew on twizzlers. And please
think of all of the positive things about quiting. You are a nonsmoker
now does’nt that sound Great!!!! Take Care! Stay Strong! Rhonda

Thanks for the article, I really did not have much info on the chantix
medication. I probably should have researched it but, I figure if I
use some sort of medication to get off the ciggs then I will have to
work to get off the medication and I sure don’t want to have another
addiction to break. I am using the suckers very sparingly for the same
reason. I sure don’t want to get addicted to a sucker. I am trying the
stretching exercises that Steve recommended figure they will be more
healthy and a good replacement for the ciggs. Again thanks for the
article info think it just help cement my idea of not getting on
something else to get off ciggs. However, if it helps even 30% of the
population, or even 1 person I would hope they would avail themselves
just to get off these ciggs almost anything would beat all the
carcinogens found in ciggarettes. Again Thanks for the response-Susan

Hi Susan,
How did your day go? Let us know how you’re doing?
Steve

You can do this I know you can! Its scary! I know but it is worth
doing! Sorry to hear about your sister, will she be ok? Besure and let
me know how she is doing. And as for you Lady tomorrow you will become
a nonsmoker! I hope you read this message in time! My computer has been
running slow and I also got on here kind of late, But you can do this
I’m getting ready for my quit day I know I will breath alot better, and
feel so much better. Stay Strong! I’ll be thinking of you! Rhonda

Hello,
I am back from East Texas and spending time with my younger sis who
was in the hospital getting a renal artery stinted. Unfortuanately
she had a large major supplying artery to the top part of her heart
that was 70% blocked and had to be repaired first to hold off an
attack the cardiac Doc said she would have been lucky not to have
lost at least one fourth of her heart if they hadnt found and opened
it up. They will have to fix the stent in the Renal in two weeks. He
said that her smoking 20* years had caused it. Now my older sis died
six weeks ago age 50 from what they believed to be a massive heart
attack now my younger one with significant heart disease already.
What do you think my chances are that I havn’t permannently damaged
this ol heart as well. Just another reason I have to lay these ciggs
down once and for all. My younger sis and I are quitting the same
day. Tomorrow, my B-day I think that will be a great present for the
(more…)

I have been working on how my body does react when it is time for that
little nictine fix! And yes I start getting tense all over, anxious,
heart beating fast, I have been holding off on smoking. Because if I
don’t I will just grab one up before I even think about it. And I’ve
realy been working on the breathing the same as I do for an anxienty
attact. I Just close my eyes and count back from 100 and,I exhale I try
and focus on my body just relaxing more and more. I went out and bought
my timer last week and I’m going to start that exercise soon! So I feel
as if getting a good start. And when my quit date gets here I will
refer to my self as a non smoker. I know I’ve still got alot of work to
do. But I also notice this morning I woke up telling my self you really
dont have to have that cigarette! And to me that felt great! Take Care
Rhonda

Hi all,
I’m coming up on a month smoke-free and I feel great! The interesting
thing about not smoking is how much I FEEL now, emotionally and
physically. I’m also much more interested in doing outdoors
activities and having fun. At first, drinking alcohol was a problem
because it is such a huge trigger, but now I’m able to have a glass or
two of wine without feeling as if I’m going to go crazy if I don’t
smoke.
It really is a sense of freedom to not smoke. And it seems to open a
new world for me.
-Donna

Didn’t really know what to expect in a group on a computer this is
all new to me. Thanks for the words of encouragement, somehow it
does feel good to know that others are at the edge or have been
there looking down in that pit of no more nic, fix. I am losing my
best friend, my confidant and dence. The warm snuggley feel of
contentment after an especially good meal, that after cigg was the
best. I can go on lamenting the delight of nicotine fixes. However
now my best friend has turned its back on me and became my enemy, I
am a little confused and heartsick to think that it would do these
things to me. So I think I am in mourning over this loss. I am
having to face a little of Glassers Reality therapy right now,
choice theory. I chose at some point to use ciggarettes as my
everything and it filled that need, now I need better health and it
sure isn’t measuring up. A lady at the cessation class I am
attending sold us some suckers that have 4mg of nicotine in them
(more…)

Hi! My name is Rhonda and I’m quitting again! I have COPD and was told
yesterday that I have to quit! Its no longer an option, I’m really
scared but I know I can do this. My quit date is Oct 3rd and I could
sure use all the support I can get. I’m not realy for sure how this
program works when you post does it go out to everyone in an e-mail?
just wondering. I’ll be reading the message boards Thanks! Rhonda