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Post by Dot on Aug 29, 2007 11:17:35 GMT -5
8 or 10 years ago, I decided one day to quit smoking, after 40+ years, slapped on a patch, and never looked back for 2 ½ years. Now that I’m quitting again, it’s bothering me that it’s so much harder this time. The first time, I was really happy and proud of myself. Every day seemed like a victory. Not so this time, and I just can’t figure out why. I’ve been taking Chantix, which really helps with the craves. But unfortunately, it makes me very sick, so have had to quit. Should I buy patches again? Or just try to hang on with nothing. After two weeks, the nicotine is surely gone from my system, and I sort of hate to put any back in. I also think having no new quitters to support makes a difference. There were so very many to share problems, questions, and laughter with the last time. This time, all my contacts are long term ex-smokers. I’m sure most of you,( like me) don’t even remember some of the weird stuff that goes on in your mind and body. Anyway, I wish I could find some joy in quitting, and just can’t put my finger on it. Dot
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Post by slim on Aug 29, 2007 12:16:00 GMT -5
I don't know Dot...that is a good question. What happened after 2.5 years quit to lure you back into smoking? That would be a good Q too. I really think that it boils down to your attitude toward the quit and the process and the new life, etc..... Having newbie friends to quit with is a help, certainly in the beginning it is huge. I think you should do whatever it is you need to continue on with this quit. If that means going on the patch...then do it. If that means you need to search out more support...you should do it. But for sure begin to say out loud every day why you quit, why it's important to you and why you will never take another puff! Change your attitude toward this quit and begin to experience those things you speak of! It really is a victory every day that you stay quit.....i remember the beginning...i do. You helped me back in 2001. It was a battle for many months for me and i am so glad i hung in there. I pray you can stick it out and some day soon see that not smoking is a blessing in your life. KTQ Dot ((hugs))
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Post by Ann on Aug 29, 2007 12:44:01 GMT -5
What makes this time around so much harder? You know how good it is to be quit and still have that memory with you but you don't have the memory of fighting so hard to get quit and stay quit. You want instant and there is no instant in this case. As everything in life this too takes time. Don't know how to answer the second question about going on the patch or not. You are the one that knows your body best, how would it react, etc.
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Post by Flo on Aug 29, 2007 15:09:24 GMT -5
Hang in there Dot. Quitting can bring on depression and your post sounds a bit blue. Go on the patch? I agree with you. You've already gotten all the nicotine out of your body, why put it back in. You've come this far already. Keep going. You are just blue. Sometimes the loss of the adreneline from smoking brings on depression. Perhaps you need to rev yourself up. Start some exercise, get the endorphines going.
Perhaps you're looking for the same 'high' you had the first time you quit. Perhaps you're secretly scared that you'll fail in this quit too so you aren't allowing yourself to be happy about this quit.
But as Cher said in Moonlight (was that the right name of that movie?) - "Snap out of it!"
Hang in there kiddo. After all, what's the alternative?
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