I.... Want.... A..... Smoke.... Please

[Misunderestimator]

:smoke:
:smoke::smoke::smoke:
:smoke::smoke::smoke::smoke::smoke:
:smoke::smoke::smoke::smoke::smoke::smoke::smoke::smoke:

[jswordy]

1. How long has it been now?

[Misunderestimator]

2. 75 Looooooong hours

[BurtWorm]

7. Oy! Doesn't sound like you're enjoying your freedom yet.

:scared:

Have you tried puffing on a straw? It really helped me. Also trying to be totally still when those urges come on.

[Misunderestimator]

I'm liking the fact that I stopped coughing so much...

that's nice... I have some nicorette gum, but it hurts my stomach, so I found some patches I had last time I stopped, seems to be helping. I'll try the keeping still thing... I'm a bit grouchy. :)h

[BurtWorm]

16. I don't blame you!

Try the straw thing, seriously. Or just fake drawing through an imaginary cigarette. Draw the shit out of it. Anytime you get that urge.

[jswordy]

27. 75 hours is a relatively short time, but you are doing really really well

Just remember not to worry too much about the long term, and when you have a craving, put it off for awhile. Say, "Maybe later, but not now." They will go away after being put off, once your mind moves to something else. The longer you stay a nonsmoker, the easier it is to mentally deflect cravings. And the shorter the urge hangs around.

I think it's important to learn to put off cravings because even years later, you will see someone smoking in the car next to you in traffice, and want one. But you will be so conditioned to putting it off, it will be little more than fleeting thought.

It also helps to say "maybe later" to yourself when around smokers, who tend to want to make you re-addict yourself so they will feel better about themselves.

Besides not coughing, think how much better you smell to everyone else! People walk by me now, and they smell like putrid ashtrays, and I think, "Man that was me at 2 packs a day!"

You are slowly gaining control over your own life and health! Congratulations!

[seabeyond]

31. oh thank you for this advice

not my post but i sooooooooo want to quit too

[jswordy]

40. I quit and backslid, quit and backslid til....

...I figured out that breaking it down to just the immediate craving is the only way to make it a small enough "goal" for me to get it to stick. I don't want to "Quit smoking FOREVER!" All I want to do is get past the immediate craving by saying, "Maybe I'll smoke...but later. Not now."

Also, I found that by getting into this frame of mind, if I was at some point to slide back and smoke a bummed cigarette (and lots of people do, it is often not a perfect process), I did not feel like, "THAT does it! Time to buy a carton!"

Rather, I felt like, "I did not deal with the urge real well that one time. But now I want a smoke. And maybe I will smoke again, I don't know. But not right now." I would go right back into the deferral process.

It gets easier and easier as time passes. And it is such a liberating thing, the self-control that comes from it and the knowledge that you are regaining your life. You no longer HAVE TO get up in the cold snow or rain to go get a pack. Your every little habit is not controlled by whether you have the smokes and paraphernalia to smoke them with you or not. You no longer smoke a cig first thing in the morning as you hack and cough from yesterday's pack at the same time.

It is LIBERATING! If you can stick with the first phase.

[seabeyond]

46. I don't want to "Quit smoking FOREVER!"

i think this is important. i love your post, you know why. it is kind. it is not mean and hateful, demeaning or judging. it is just nice. thank you for all you say in this post, huge help.

i am a believer in the weak of who we are, we dont beat up that self, will never heal, must embrace love nurture be nice to that weak, adn only then will it heal

i have been looking at this spring for a while. waiting for warm, so when the urge, i can go outside, suck in air, walk all the stuff. and it is a good time of year, new beginnings, yada yada. lol lol putting so much to quit but it is damn hard. did drugs, meth wasnt this hard. just walked away two decades ago

[jswordy]

54. Tobacco is the most addictive drug on Earth.

No contest. Heroin addicts will kick that, but keep smoking uncontrollably.

One act at a time (tossing the pack or smoking the last one). Then one craving at a time. Then one day at a time. Then one week. One month. A year.

Heck I'm reading all this about cigs, and I WANT ONE NOW! And it has been years. But not right now. Maybe later, but not now...

[Misunderestimator]

56. LOL... I like the way you think...

I think that if I had that concept when I had stopped smoking for 8 years, I probably wouldn't have started again... it was ONE cigarette at ONE party on ONE weekend that did it to me ten years ago.

[seabeyond]

61. oooosh.....wow and 10 year later n/t

[seabeyond]

58. thank you

i bow and embrace

[Misunderestimator]

34. What a great way to think about it...

I like the idea of conditioning myself to a "maybe later" attitude. Thanks.

[datasuspect]

3. got a nice fat pouch of drum here

shall i roll one in your honor?

[Misunderestimator]

6. Yes, please...

:smoke:

(Vicarious smilie smoking... doesn't quite cut it)

[Spider Jerusalem]

4. Here...

[Misunderestimator]

5. Mmmmmm......

:smoke:

[Lady Freedom]

8. This is a healthy lung

Keep it in mind as you keep going!

[Blue-Jay]

11. That's too disgusting to be a reason to quit.

[Lady Freedom]

17. well reply 13 is what is waiting if one doesn't quit!!!

:puke:

[Spider Jerusalem]

12. Does one broil that? And does it need to be marinated?

[Lady Freedom]

13. You don't want this!!!

Do you???

[Misunderestimator]

20. Oh God! Yup...

definitely don't want that. :(

[Blue-Jay]

30. Awww. Come back to the dark side.

If you were here, I'd give you one of my smokes. Recent quitters aren't always pleasant to be around.

[Misunderestimator]

36. I quit for eight years long ago... and I was never one of those...

don't worry... You can smoke on my lanai anytime :) (I never smoke in my own house as it is.) :hi:

[Lady Freedom]

44. Don't listen to Blue-Jay!!!!!!

Keep going!!!! You are doing a great job!!!!

[arwalden]

9. So here's the thing...

each "attack" lasts about 2 minutes. To make it through each craving, I used to purse my lips (as though I had an invisible cigarette in them) and slowly inhale through the little hole formed by my lips. I'd inhale until my lungs were about to pop. Full to capacity.

Then I'd exhale slowly... (trying not to get too light headed). It helped to relax and by doing it a couple of times... the urge would pass.

ALSO... if you used to smoke menthol cigarettes (as I did) you could place one of those Listerine quick-dissolve strips on your tongue for an added cooling effect.

What's your $$$ total now? Three days x 4.50 = $13.50. Go reward yourself TODAY with a new CD or DVD! (Oh sure... reckless spending and buying rewards for yourself kind of defeats the purpose of saving... but it also helps to reinforce how much money was being WASTED in the past. And you only need to reward yourself every week or so until you're able to declare a victory over cigarettes.)

Hang in there!

[Misunderestimator]

14. Thanks, Allen... good ideas...

and I will try them... I'm not doing it for the savings, just my health... so I think I will reward myself with something :) Thanks!

[jswordy]

33. I used that inhale thing, too, and it does work.

I also rewarded myself by getting my teeth cleaned so my mouth would be all spiffy.

[seabeyond]

37. youa re awesome, excellent thanks for this too

see misunderestimated, you are inspiring me as i read down. can do without the lung thing

[ewagner]

10. Have you tried

Jolly Rancher hard candy?

It works pretty good....I only use it when I have the urge to reach for my trusty old pipe (I used for 35 years in one form or another)

Cheer up....it gets better...it gets easier....you're almost there don't give up....

[Misunderestimator]

18. That's a good idea.... I'm a bit afraid to go to the store to buy candy...

though at the moment... is that pitiful or what? I wonder if I would have the willpower to not buy a pack of smokes if I went out right now. Not going to chance it.

I LOVE Jolly Ranchers though... I'll be getting some tomorrow. Thanks.

[ewagner]

42. So what if you

get weak and buy a pack of cigs???

Just start over again....keep trying.....

you can do it!

[hfojvt]

21. forgot the disclaimer

some of his 401k is invested in the company that makes Jolly Rancher.
I just have a feeling.
Maybe I am just hooked on a feeling.

[Vanje]

28. I enjoyed Atomic Fireballs

Candy soooo hot, it feels like you're abusing yourself when you eat them.

That was satisfying, somehow.


Quitting smoking was the single best thing I've ever done.
Highly recommended.

[maxsolomon]

15. not unitl easter

lent is a bitch.

[Misunderestimator]

19. LOL

lent? :)

[Vanje]

22. Theres only one thing that'll ruin your quit...

You CAN and ought to:

Cry.
Run outdoors.
Go to a gym.
Dance wildly to loud music.
moan and wail.
Indulge in extraordinary self pity.
drink ginger ale.
have some Oolong tea.
tie together some old tennies and throw them over a power line.
Get cranky as you want!
Be a crybaby.
Hit stuff.
Take the week off.
Walk a dog.



The single ONLY thing that will ruin your quit is if you smoke.

At 75 hours, it probably wont get worse than now.

If I could do it (I did!) anyone can.
Good luck. Wait. Hell no. Luck has nothing to do with it.
Bad luck wont even ruin your quit
Just dont smoke.

[Misunderestimator]

23. Good list! There is a certain amount of feeling guiltless about anything

BUT smoking... as long as I don't do that. Yeah... today is worse than yesterday... I find my foot tapping constantly and this unbelievable urge to jump in the car and go to the store. Must... not... smoke... :) I will do my best.

[Lady Freedom]

24. 3 Cheers! for Misunderestimator!!!!

[Misunderestimator]

LOL... You make a great cheerleader!!

:)

[MissMillie]

25. Oh hon, I know how difficult it is

Truly, I do.

I also know that each craving goes away, even if you don't smoke. So just ride them out. You'll have that demon beat in no time.

remember to drink plenty of water to flush out your system.

And remember we're all pulling for you.

[Misunderestimator]

29. Thank you...

it does help to know I can get support from great people here... maybe that will be my trick to quitting for good this time. And those pictures of black lungs help a lot too...

[McKenzie]

26. "Keep Smiling No One's Going to Die"

read this and see how the tobacco industry operates. It'll let you see what a bunch of cynical bastards they are...think to yourself "I'm not giving my money and my health to these creeps" every time the urge strikes.

Best of luck...being free of cigs is a great feeling...just bloody great.

http://www.tobaccopapers.com/keepsmiling/index.htm

[Misunderestimator]

39. Thanks.... another important thing to think about...

And I'm looking forward to enjoying the bloody greatness of being free. :)

[sundog]

32. my pattern:

I usually smoke for 6 months then quit for 6-8 months.

During my quitting phase, I jog. It's a nice way to work off frustration.

Occasionally throwing plastic objects with rounded edges also helps :P

[Misunderestimator]

41. I'm not as regular as you...

I quit for 8 years, then on and off for years, never more than a few months, always on more than off... quit two years ago for 3 months, then a year ago for two weeks... and it gets worse each time... I'm too old for this shit. I've got to quit this time.

(off to find some round plastic objects...)

[seabeyond]

35. rootin for you.....

just remember you dont ever ever ever want to do this 75 hours again. i so want to quit. i am starting to cough too. i sooooooo want to quit. i will watch you and get inspired. my children and loved ones will thank you, lol lol lol

[Misunderestimator]

38. Yeah, for me... it's the coughing...

for months now I have been waking up in the middle of the night coughing... and not the kind of cough that you cough a few times and it goes away... an irresistable urge to cough even though it wasn't producing any relief, and I could only get back to sleep by forcing myself not to cough and propping myself up on pillows. Nah... I've had it... Last night, I actually slept through the entire night, and woke up without coughing. It's worth it, and you're right... I really don't want to repeat these last three days again.

[seabeyond]

48. mine just started adn on and off.

i have to get a lozenger adn smoke a cig, lol. but in morning, i have these little cough, like i dont know weird. anyway, you inspire. thank you for sharing. and others on this board

i am visualizing in life anyway, as smoke free

[LynneSin]

43. Mis, this man really wants you to start smoking again:

http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.asp?Ind=A02

In 2004 Bush was the top receiver of Tobacco industry money. In fact Tobacco money overwhelmingly went to repukes in 2004. Imagine a pack of cigerettes (please, no drooling on my post). The profit on 15 of those cigerettes went to republicans while only 5 went to democrats. I'm sure some of the money you spent on smokes in 2004 helped the boy king get back into the White House again.

We love and adore you - stick with it!!!

[Misunderestimator]

49. That is almost as bad as having gotten a Christmas Card from the WH

:scared:

[LynneSin]

50. EW, at least the only repuke that sent me one was Rep Mike Castle

who is pretty much a RINO

[Donkeyboy75]

45. I quit on New Year's Day.

It does get easier...

[jswordy]

47. CONGRATULATIONS! Good for you!

[Lady Freedom]

52. Good for you too Donkeyboy75!!!!!

[Misunderestimator]

53. Yay! Good for you!!

:toast:

[Donkeyboy75]

64. Hang in there, chief.

:hug:

[Spider Jerusalem]

51. If you DO feel the urge to break down...

I suggest you get something like unfiltered Luckies or Camels. Gauloises Caporal, if you can find 'em. Something so much stronger than what you're used to smoking that you'll crush it out after one puff. All the better to make you wonder "what the fuck am I doing?"

[Misunderestimator]

55. Oh, I've tried that before... ended up smoking unfiltered lucky strikes

for a year :D I'm a pretty hard case.

[jswordy]

59. But you won't smoke one right now...maybe later...

[Spider Jerusalem]

62. Well, worth suggesting, anyway...

used to smoke unfiltered Luckies myself, but I switched to Camel Lights. Which is probably worse, anyway...with stronger cigarettes you don't smoke as much, because you're getting more nicotine. Gauloises or Picayunes are the only two cigarettes I can think of that I WOULDN'T smoke...

[Placebo]

57. mmm cig...

:smoke:

[Misunderestimator]

60. LOL

:smoke: :spank: :smoke:

[Placebo]

65. I was good today, no smoking!

But I plan on being bad tomorrow. :smoke:

[Bonhomme Richard]

63. Every one of us choose our own poison n/t

[Misunderestimator]

66. Yes, that is true... and I don't judge anyone who smokes...

it's their choice... I just don't want to cough anymore. :)

[Bonhomme Richard]

67. Maybe one day I will be strong enough. n/t

[Misunderestimator]

68. Roooooaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr

[Bluebear]

69. Goin on 2 years for me

Hardest thing I have ever done and keep doing. I don't envy you, it is total hell. I am not going to post pictures of lovely butterflies caressing the spring flowers to calm you cause it won't. I'M PROUD OF YOU AND I'M HERE FOR YOU!

[Misunderestimator]

70. Aw, thanks.

:hug: