Cognitive Quit Smoking

Thanks for the link Steve. Happy New Year to all!
I’ve a feeling I am going to stumble about with this one, but I will
do my best to be succinct (yeah, I know, I’m failing thus far!).
It is common to hear of “slips” or “falling off the wagon” due to
stress…even 500 days down the road I can clearly recall the cues
that led to a smoking response. I no longer have a smoking response
to stress, and it turns out that yet another benefit of quitting is
that instead of prolonging the stress, I tend deal with it. No
more “hiding away” with a cigarette, or procrastinating, or
pretending that something really isn’t happening. I have found that
making that call, doing that chore, making up, or having a resolving
conversation (okay…that’s really an argument), or sharing your
situation with a friend is a far more immediate way of “de-
stressing”, than putting off the inevitable.
Of course there are some situations that we cannot control and may
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Something I posted about a year ago…..
I’m hoping our new quitters and lurkers are surviving the festive
cheer and the ‘ho ho ho’ and are directing your quits in a cognitive
way. I personally like Steve’s use of the word ‘horridays’ I think
this is the year when I feel old, judging by the number of woolly
scarves and gloves I was given as presents - I’d have much preferred a
nice little silky slinky something or other (use your imagination
there….)
I’m guessing there are more than a few lurkers who are thinking about
making January 1st their quit date and are wondering how to get
started on a cognitive quit. Why not post and tell us a bit about
yourselves.. make yourselves comfortable, and lets get to know each
other. Lets see some posting and sharing our quit experiences. Lets
hear from our cogquitters who enjoy life comfortably quit, and give
our new folk some encouragement.
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… to everyone for a safe and healthy holiday and coming year.

Hi All,
I don’t really post mainly because of my trying and failing and being ashamed of
not being able to carry through.
I was in the chat room a couple week ago and I had stopped smoking, it lasted
2-1/2 days. I lit up again, although each time I go back, it’s been less and
less. I know I want to stop the habit. I stopped again for another 2 days, again
started. Now, each time I have gone back, I’ve smoked about 2-4 cigarettes a
day. I have now hit again over the 24 hr mark and know tomorrow and the next
day will be hard for me.
I was doing really good today with cravings and I think that I really found a
big smoking “cue” for me. I thought originally it was because I have gone back
to school and am having trouble juggling the house, kids, husband, business,
etc. I was to the point of withdrawing from school it has gotten just so bad. I
have not withdrawn because I fear I won’t be able to return as easily.
I have 3 kids, ages 14, 9, and 4. The 14 yr old is already started break, my 9
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This is a repost from a year ago last November. I’ve edited it ever
so slightly.
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Hi there,
Those of you who have spent any time on any other quit smoking venues will
probably have heard all sorts of quit smoking mantras and positive
affirmations. For instance… ‘one day at a time’. While on the surface
‘one day at a time’ seems reasonable advice, what’s usually going on is really
*hanging on* one day at a time. I’ll agree that one day at a time is
easier than hanging on for the rest of your life… but the bottom line is
that it’s still hanging.
And then there’s “I AM A NON SMOKER!!”. I wish desire and shouted
affirmations were effective quit tools. But most of us have tried them and
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Hello all. My name is Robert and I’m in SC. I recently celebrated
one year clean of cigarettes. I am also recovering alcoholic, etc.
Looking for folks to chat with and give support to, etc. Those of us
that are un-hooked are truly miracles in the making! I am thankful
for every day without it. I swore I would never be able to do it.
Hope to hear from someone!

that I don’t smoke.
really do.
just thought anyone who is having a rough time of it right now should
know that it is worth doing the work.

Hi there to Steve and Pam
Just dropping in to say that on 5th December it was my 2 year quit.
I have good intentions and mean to drop in more frequently, but with
one thing and another time just seems to whizz by.
I can’t thank you both enough for the explanations and encouragement
you gave me to “do the work” and finally be rid of the stupid habit of
smoking.
I was at a wedding last month, and a relative of mine, was trying
to “push” a cigarette in my direction, I repeated a several times
that I didn’t want one, but he kept “pushing” until I said that if he
didn’t stop I was going to walk away, which I finally did.
Past attempts at stopping would have seen me it that same situation,
but crumbling and having a smoke, but I can honestly say that this
time, the last thing I wanted was a cigarette.
New quitters, good luck, and as I keep saying it is easier to quit
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This is a belated congratulations to Judy. 2 years yesterday.
Thanks Judy, for showing how nicely this program works and for being
a part of the group.
Steve

I can’t believe I made it this far without a nicotine replacement
therapy! However, I plan to make it this time!!! I’m very
appreciative that I have access to the internet and can read others’
posts about the struggles of quitting!