My new addiction

[Bigmallly]

I also still go out for "fresh air breaks" with the smokers at work - that's where you learn everything that's happening where I work, and also why should it just be smokers that get work breaks!?

I think I would find that really hard at the moment but then again it's early days.

[Eco-Chic]

I've been told that it is much harder to stop bragging about quitting smoking than it is to quit smoking

I know several people who coped with not smoking as long as they had an 'emergency' pack in the house.

That didn't work for me. I had to tell friends that I'd bin any cigs they left at my house as I just wouldn't trust myself not to have 'just the one'.

Just take it a day at a time. You're doing really well

[Mac]

Please don't misunderstand what I meant by "smug" - not in a "I'm great, you're not" way, more in a "me and my old self" type of way (if that makes any sense). I also still go out for "fresh air breaks" with the smokers at work - that's where you learn everything that's happening where I work, and also why should it just be smokers that get work breaks!?

[Bigmallly]

Cheers Mac, I understand what you mean about feeling smug, I prefer to feel proud of myself. Please don't let me be a "Typical" ex smoker.

[Mac]

Well done Bigmally, I'm 18months on from stopping and feel much better than I did for the 17 years I was a smoker. I went cold turkey during our Easter break last year, and was cranky as hell - no change my OH said!! Benefits include feeling fitter, not stinking, feeling smug as I watch folk standing outside restaurants or rushing to light up as soon as they get out of the supermarket. Definately one of the best things I've ever done. If I ever have a craving I just think how horrible the first few days were and that I'm never going to go through that again. So well done you, give yourself a great big pat on your silver-back!

[Bigmallly]

I still have my lighter and 14 cigs in a packet

Why?.......get rid of them. There is no sign of me ever smoking in our house. Every trace has gone.......except for the odd bit of decor..

[Bigmallly]

Cheers Ginger, The reason I have stopped is because I have pushed my luck for the last 30 odd years without any illness & I don't want to push it anymore. Thanks for your support.

[ginger ninger]

Its right what other grapes say the first few days are the worst, but you CAN do it.
I had a 40+ a day habit, chest infections were something I had all the time, I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis I had to do something, so I made up my mind to stop....I still have my lighter and 14 cigs in a packet, I still have cravings, I don't think that part will ever go away but I know I never want another cig....yuk!
So if I can do it mate, you can.

[Bigmallly]

I can't concentrate.....it hurts my brain......

[Jeanied]

Yeah, but how long do you concentrate on the Vine for, BM?

[Bigmallly]

I always used to reckon that the urge for a fag lasted about the same length of time as the first few drags used to: so if you can wait that out you're home and dry.

Funny you should say that. I went to see my support nurse at work & she told me that a human being cannot concentrate on one thing for more than 3 minutes so even if I had a craving, it would go away after 3 minutes.

[Jeanied]

Every time you fancy a fag get up and do something to distract yourself and the fancy will be forgotten.

I always used to reckon that the urge for a fag lasted about the same length of time as the first few drags used to: so if you can wait that out you're home and dry.

[Bigmallly]

Cheers Eco, much appreciated.

[Eco-Chic]

Well done. The first 4 days are the hardest and the easiest.

The nicotine is out of your system but the toxins will still be working their way out. Watch out for phlegmy cough as you detox, but it will clear up quickly.

The hardest bit will come when you think you've kicked the habit and try to convince yourself that just one won't hurt. It will. Don't do it.

Every time you fancy a fag get up and do something to distract yourself and the fancy will be forgotten.

Very best of luck for a nicotine free rest of your life

[Bigmallly]

iv got 4 packets of ciggies left and then im going to try to stop again

Do you have any plans on how you are going to stop?.........cold turkey, nicotine replacement or Champix?