BTBM's Non-Smoking Journal- Day 13

[Beware the Beast Man]

2/21/05

Dear Journal-
I'm out of Nicorette.
I borrowed a patch from my wife, and my arm is burning.
My jaw is sore from chewing Dubble Bubble.
That last cup of coffee increased my jones.
Cursed, evil weed.
:argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh: :argh:

[Mizmoon]

1. I quit 14 weeks ago

I started out on the patch for two weeks, then I quit them too. It was like quitting twice. Nicotine replacement is iffy in my opinion.

[Beware the Beast Man]

2. I agree. I think I'm just as addicted to the gum right now.

Instead of a cigarette, I'm really craving a chew right now.

[Mizmoon]

3. well at least you've "transferred the addiction"

that's something.

It's worth it - keep up the good work. I do miss it, but I don't think of it much anymore. And I have a spouse who smokes. He's nice enough to do it outside, but he keeps leaving cigarettes laying around all over the place. Everytime I see them they make me cringe.

Hey, somehow I managed to make this all about me :P Sorry about that!

[tjwmason]

4. It's difficult but worth it

Keep your determination up, and get all the moral support you can. :grouphug:

[seabeyond]

5. jumping up and down for you all, i want to quit i want to quit i want

to QUIT

breathe out.

i am proud of you all. pat on the back for you

[LynneSin]

6. Keep up the great work and here's a hug for you and Mrs. Beastman

:grouphug:

[davsand]

7. I will not smoke today.

Don't think about tomorrow--just get thru today. Keep saying it--I will not smoke today...

The actual nicotine addiction never goes away, but the worst of the "jonesing" passes within about the first 2 to 3 days of removing the nicotine dose from your system.

You have made a huge step already to get to the point where it is the nicotine you crave--NOT smoking. You realize now that your addiction is not to smoking, but rather, the substance it provides. You have already learned some coping skills and some things to substitute for it. Those are HUGE milestones.

I have a couple of things to suggest for you right now. First, drink as MUCH water as you can deal with. I know it gets old after a while, but the MORE you drink, the faster you flush the nicotine out of your system, and the sooner your intense cravings come to an end.

Second, I found those Altoids (the Cinnamon ones especially) helped me when it got to the point I was really ready to just say screw it all. The strong flavor helps, somehow.

Best of luck--you CAN beat this, and you are well on the way to doing it! I had my last smoke on election night. I know of what I speak!



Laura

[Madrone]

8. 1 month tobacco free under my belt.

By FAR the longest I've gone without smoking since I was 14 - and I'm 32 now.

No stress, no cravings, no DTs, no anxiety or irritability.

Zyban, thy effectiveness is legendary.

[redqueen]

9. Congrats on nearly 2 weeks!

:hug:

Best of luck getting through this... you can do it!

:hi:

[Beware the Beast Man]

10. Thanks all.

:grouphug:

[tigereye]

13. you''ll make it

my husband quit when I got pregnant and used the patch and he hasn't smoked now for more than 9 years. If you want some feedback from him, let me know. Hang in there!

[ewagner]

11. 10 Weeks yesterday.....

Of course, I had it easy at first.....I was unconscious or drugged up after heart surgery for the worst part of the withdrawals.....

Now???

Well, it's a little easier because I know that if I start back smoking my pipe it will more than likely kill me rather quickly.....

good incentive....

[Beware the Beast Man]

12. Yes, and that's the exact incentive I'm trying to avoid!

Thanks for your encouragement.

[RetroLounge]

14. Keep up the good work!

I have 17 days smoke-free today...

The mini Tootsie pops help, and an occasional pretzel rod...

Hang in there BTBM!

RL