Hi guys

I am dreadfully sorry to save that I have failed.

I have been quit for approx 4 months but over the last week I have had about 4 cigarettes a day.

I have no idea why I have done it. I have been feeling a bit low lately and work has been tough. I know that it is no excuse and I don't know what to do.

I have not told anyone - not even my boyfriend as he would be devastated if he found out.

Please help me - I am really scared that I can't stop again!

Hey Cheery--

I've been wondering how you are, and I'm sorry to hear that you have relapsed. :( But the truth is it happens to a lot of us. I relapsed a few weeks ago, and Invincible did a couple weeks ago for 1 week and now she's back on track, and both her and I are doing well and not smoking. You can just get right back on track, yes you can. You did it before and you can do it again. Throw out any cigs you have, or plan to finish up the pack that you have and say "that's it", no more. If you used the patch or gum, then you might want to do that again.

We're all here for you, don't forget.

DEDA

You should feel great that you came back here, admitted to being human, and want to stay quit! I have, in the past, just said what the *(&^ and started smoking all over again. You can do it. Four cigs a day shouldn't give you major withdrawal. I started smoking once, two years after I quit. My friend was having 12 hour surgery and I felt like if I didn't have a cigarette I would burst. Unfortunately that led to four more years of smoking. It happens. Just be glad you can jump back on the wagon so quickly. I'm proud of you!!!!

Ditto to Deda and Guilty's response. HOWEVER - just because I'm Laurie - here's a good smack upside your head Cheery - feel better now? LOL Ok - now that that's over with - ok - remember all of the reasons you felt so strongly about quitting? Where are they? Do you still have your list? Make one up if you don't have one and keep it with you.

I give you a BIG HUG for coming bk here - we know it's hard but hey - that's why there's a word called relapse - because it happens. LOL Just keep praying that he take away your desire, cravings, etc... I'm sure you realize by now that smoking isn't helping anything along and not making your work situation any better - you just are stinkier (my new word) now. LOL

So Cheery - subtract the days that you've smoked from your original days smoke free and get back on track. This way it's not like your starting over - you've just delayed it a bit. So smoke what you have (cuz I really don't believe you'll pitch them) and hopefully we're talking a patch not a carton and get back on track. If you were doing it cold turkey before, then prepare yourself. If you were doing patches or gum, then get ready to slap them on or chew em. :)

Be proud of yourself and do not let this relapse bother you - your stronger than that Cheery so take back your life. You're in control now. You're in my prayers :)

Laurie :bouncing:

Laurie...you are awesome girl!!!!

Cheery...I'm praying for you tonite my friend. You will be okay, I promise. Now just do it again...I know you can.

Here's a cyberhug for you ((((((((((((Cheery)))))))))))))) :angel:

And Laurie's right about the prayer, do that too.

DEDA

Hug for Deda - you're a sweetie :) And I meant PACK dam**t - PACK not patch. Have another drink Laurie. hiccup LOL

You are crazy...sober up laurie!!! :p

Hi guys

Thanks for your messages of support - you have been great.

After leaving work yesterday I had two cigarettes and then threw the remaining 5 away along with the matches.

Your advice was really brilliant and I am gonna get right back to quitting. I will keep you all informed of my progress.

I love you guys so much and send big hugs to you all :)

Cheery - I know you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like Deda and I (who had our lil' relapses a while ago) ... we came back to the board and we got right back on track!

I totally agree with Laurie - the most important thing is that you have come back here, and that means you are committed.

Enormous group hugs to all of us!!!!!

I smoked for over 20 years and had a heart attack two years ago this month. I stopped smoking for a year and half and have started back again. A lot had to due with increase stress at my job. The only problem I have with the job is I own the place. Business has been REAL BAD bills have backed up and you name it has GONE WRONG I feel like a total jerk for this I can go home at night and not want one so bad but when I’m at work it takes me over You would think that after I DIED and was brought back and giving a SECOND chance there would be no way that I would start that again I have beeb reading the post here for a while but to chicken to write I NEED HELP

Hey Me7700--

It's okay! Most of us do need to go through a few relapses before we finally quit. Girl, I've been there. (I have quit at least 10 times in those 30 yrs I smoked). I even had a 1 pack relapse last month...big deal. I'm now doing well, and you can too. Invincible relapsed for a whole week, and Cheery did too. But they are back on track and YOU will be too. You don't want to smoke or you wouldn't have even bothered to come here and post about it. I know owning a business is stressful. My hubby owns his own business, (altho he seems to thrive on all that stress), and he quit 11 months ago, after 38 years smoking. (he hasn't relapsed tho, he's tougher than I am) Maybe talk to your doc about the stress, and he/she can offer something, if YOU want to go that route. How about a stress management course? There's all kinds of solutions/help for you and what you are going through. You had the willpower to do it before and you WILL have the WP to do it again. And don't be shy about posting here, anytime you want. We are all here because we either want to quit, have quit, and want to help others quit or stay quit!! And we're more than happy to help you reach that goal again Me7700!!!! Come here often if you have to. And it's okay if you're still smoking, you are still welcome to post here as we all share a common goal.

Take care and God bless you too...
DEDA

Hi guys

Thanks for your messages of support - you have been great.

After leaving work yesterday I had two cigarettes and then threw the remaining 5 away along with the matches.

Your advice was really brilliant and I am gonna get right back to quitting. I will keep you all informed of my progress.

I love you guys so much and send big hugs to you all :)


Hey Cheery...we're here for you girl! Go for it! You can do it Cheery. It was just a little setback, you'll be back to your non-smoking self in no time!!! Good girl throwin out the ciggies!!! :cool:

Keep us updated..we're on your side!!!!!

DEDA

Maaaaaarvelous darling Cheery. LOL I'm very proud of you and impressed - the matches too. LOL :bouncing: I knew you had it in ya - you did it just to get our attention didn't you - tell the truth. HAHHAHAHHAHAHHA

Glad you're back on track and you're not missin anything Cheery - your saving your life and always remember that. Besides - once you get all of your oxygen back - you'll feel so much younger and healthier. :)

Stay with it - and just think about all of us if you ever get tempted - remember all the postings, your list, your reasons, etc. that will keep you straight forever. :)

MEMEMEMEMEMEME7700 (I had to sing that in choir long ago LOL minus the 7700 of course lol haha) - so sorry to hear about your heart attack two years ago, but someone was lookin out for you wouldn't you say? Your blessed to be here - you must be special :)

I don't think we have a board for your whole business thing, but always remember "is anyone going to die if this doesn't happen?" The business - save it or if you get sound advice that it's not salvageable, etc... then close the doors - claim bankruptcy if you have to - but life does go on. Smoking will only make your problems bigger - you were strong enough to quit for a year and 1/2 before and you can easily do it again. End this smoking and make it the one thing you do have control over.

Sometimes it's easier to put all your problems on paper and then think of it as a "friend's" problem. LOL I love doing that - I get to give it away for awhile and then think a bit more objectively on how I would do it if I were them. It's amazing how much easier your creativity will flow if you're not stressing over them. Go get a massage or buy some relaxation tapes like Invinc got from this Paul McKenna (< i think) guy - seems to really be working.

Everything will fall into place - have faith and we'll be praying for you. :)

Post often Me :)

Laurie

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. I guess that I’m just going to DO IT again. You know you feel better when you don’t you don’t mind being around people who don’t smoke because you don’t smell like a stinky ashtray. I will start a new trend on my progress and start posting each night I have the support and accountability of my wife and kids and of this board.

Me7700...Ah, nothing like having that support from your wife and kids. Don't forget they care about you more than anybody else. And don't forget that we're here as well, anytime you need some support. Now come on and just do it! You did it for 1 1/2 years so I KNOW that you can. A lot of us have never even gone that far, (I did once for 14 months...how stupid of me to start again! :mad: ). Just remember, it only is bad for just a few days, and then you'll be right back to where you were before, only stronger! :bouncing:

See you soon...
DEDA

Hey Everybody,
I too need to step up to the plate and say that I have also relapsed, I made it past my 2 month mark and started back.. grrrr, but it has not lead me back to a pack a day, I only smoke a few a day, 6 cigs a day if that... my relapse was due to STRESS & DEPRESSION.. my stress & depression comes from being here in korea and haveing to be left all alone.. hubby is gone more than he is home.. think that I would have done alot better back in the states.. aleast I would have alot more things to keep me busy.. unlike this boreing place.. I'm sorry to let you all done, but I know it happens.. I'm not giving up on it, just need to get myself together and try again.. I can't say that I am ready to do it at this moment, but it will be soon.. Sooo, LL29 Puh-lease don't smack me up side the head to hard... lol I have already beaten myself up over this..

NcGirl

Hey Everybody,
I too need to step up to the plate and say that I have also relapsed, I made it past my 2 month mark and started back.. grrrr, but it has not lead me back to a pack a day, I only smoke a few a day, 6 cigs a day if that... my relapse was due to STRESS & DEPRESSION.. my stress & depression comes from being here in korea and haveing to be left all alone.. hubby is gone more than he is home.. think that I would have done alot better back in the states.. aleast I would have alot more things to keep me busy.. unlike this boreing place.. I'm sorry to let you all done, but I know it happens.. I'm not giving up on it, just need to get myself together and try again.. I can't say that I am ready to do it at this moment, but it will be soon.. Sooo, LL29 Puh-lease don't smack me up side the head to hard... lol I have already beaten myself up over this..

NcGirl


Ohhh, I'm so sorry about your relapse Ncgirl...seems like it's been happening around here lately. Me, Invince and Cheery. (and i'm sure we're not the only ones). I know it's hard when you are far away w/o your family, and then to top it off DH is gone all the time. (My DH was in AF for 24 years and gone all the time). Getting too lonely is probably another trigger for some of us. We all know that boredom is. But do what you gotta do, as you stated, get your self together and try again. You know if you don't do it soon enough, those 6 cigs a day will most likely progress till you're back to where you used to be when you quit. Please, you know that you don't want that to happen, now that you know how great it was to be nonsmoking...right? So just do what Invince, Cheery and I did, and toss em out and just get back with your program.
I'll try to shield you if Laurie throws blows...hehe. Lucky for you she's in Boston for the weekend. But ya better be ready when she gets back! ;)

(((((((NcGirl)))))))) a hug and I will pray for you! :angel: Do it Ncgirl!!

Love,
DEDA

Hi guys

Thanks for your messages of support - you have been great.

After leaving work yesterday I had two cigarettes and then threw the remaining 5 away along with the matches.

Your advice was really brilliant and I am gonna get right back to quitting. I will keep you all informed of my progress.

I love you guys so much and send big hugs to you all :)


Hey Cheery....

Just wondering how you are doing? If you need to vent or anything go right ahead. So, were you able to quit yet, or are you still in the thinking bout it phase? (Whatever the case, keep in touch and know that we all here will support you).

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!!!!!!! :)

Love,
DEDA

Hey Ncgirl--

I was just thinking that you really should address that depression, ya know? Maybe you should see your Dr., and maybe taking Wellbutrin might be something to consider. About the boredom, well, that should be addressed as well. Have you made some friends over there to pal around with while your hubby is away? I know that (most) military installations have a lot of clubs and such. (NCO wives club) etc, and classes and so on. Got to keep busy girl when he's away, cause that boredom is not only bad when we quit smoking, but it's just bad for us all around. Does your base have a gym...they usually do and they are free of charge, which is great!! I'd still be taking advantage of that myself, if I didn't live 30 min. away from our base here. Look into those things. I used to volunteer at the base thrift shop, just to have something to do while he was gone all the time. Even child care in your home? (can't get too bored w/ little one's runnin' around!).

Take care...
DEDA :)

Laurie smacks Ncgirl upside da head and she finally came to her senses and said, "What in the world am I doing? I had forgotten why I felt so strongly about quitting and surely don't want the wrinkles that come with it." Isn't that right ncgirl? LOL

Man oh man - you guys are almost scaring me. Now granted I've missed it at times but I REFUSE to give into it. I quit smoking to save my life, smell better, look better, have a healthy life, be able to breathe again, have a social life without feeling like I'm some misfit out freezing somewhere smoking like a fien, and the list goes on.................................

Ncgirl - YOU HAVE COME TOO FAR...........PERIOD! I agree with Deda on the wellbutrin thing - that will help you stop smoking as well. You just have to sit down and regroup again. Same as the others - deduct the days you've smoked and get back on track.

See - that stinkin nicotine will try to convince you that you really want one, etc... but really - for what? To be an addict? To maybe lose some toes and fingers one day? It's just NOT WORTH IT! I don't want to ever look back one day and say "Oh I wish I would've done this or that." Do not gamble with your life and REMEMBER why it is that you quit to begin with. And REMEMBER why you felt so strongly - do not let the nicotine control you.

My prayers are with you and be strong. You can do it chic :)

Laurie

I had a relapse last night and I am so angry at myself. I quit 5 weeks ago, and was doing so great, but last night I went to a friends and had a few drinks and gave into it. I am only a social smoker so when I know I'm going to drink I put a patch on, which helps me. last night I didn't know I was going to have a few drinks and I didn't have a patch or candy and damn it I gave in. My husband had asked if I smoked and I lied and said No, I hate lying, it kills me. I am so happy there is a site where you can come to for help. You are all so wonderful, and have such great advice and remain so positive..Thanks it really helps. :angel:

Oops, be careful. I don't know if it's just me, but I would use running out of patches as an excuse to smoke. Either way, it's probably really just an excuse! It's that panicy feeling, like oh no! Now I have to smoke! Put some in your purse from now on. I try to carry one with me in the event that I forgot to put in on in the morning. Ah well, poop happens!

Wanda - next time don't lie (there shouldn't be a next time by the way)- don't let smoking mess up a good trust in a marriage as well. I'm sure he already knew (hell you can smell it a mile away) or he wouldn't have asked. See the stinkin power we give smoking - it's not worth it - it's bad for everything.

Just hop back on track Wanda and remember your triggers. If you have to use the patch forever - it's still better than smoking. Maybe you just needed a bit more time to stay away from the whole party scene?

Pray as well :)

Laurie