Attempt #N ... will I fail ? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

jc001 · 02-18-2004, 12:39 PM

Guess only time will tell. I just can't understand why on earth do I always end up smoking again. I _KNOW_ about the hazards of smoking, I've seen people die, I get back (bottom left/right) aches, I have trouble breathing (but no emphysema yet), I can't run for over 5 mins, but still there's something in my mind telling me "just one won't hurt".

What's even worst is sleeping !!! ... I went to bed really motivated last night about quitting and all I dram about was waking up and smoking !!! ...

My question to all of us smokers is why do we preferre to smoke than to live happy lives ? ... Why do we say "Smoking is one of the few pleasures I have in life", and what's even worst is why can't we understand this is not a nintendo game where all you do is hit the reset button and our "life" is all the way up again ?

All I can say is I'll try really hard this time; I'm already a quitting expert as I've attempted it more than 8 times and unlike others who call themselves a failure, I see my quitting background as something that just makes me stronger and gives me greater odds on succeeding this time.

Now, all that rests is I hope I can maintain this attitude for the rest of my life

smartgal · 02-18-2004, 01:27 PM

Every time you quit you get closer to success. Learn from your setbacks (I say setbacks, because you have not failed. Failure is when you stop trying.). Figure out what made you start again after you quit. It's very easy to slip in to familiar patterns, it's a comfort thing. You can do this! Sometimes it helps to write down what you are thinking or feeling and review it in moments of weakness.

willow42 · 02-18-2004, 07:21 PM

I found a brand of cigarettes called "Quest" remarkably helpful. I'm not a paid spokesperson for them, but I should be!!! They come in 3 steps: 1) low nicotine 2) extra low nicotine 3)nicotine free (trace amounts of nicotine). You actually decrease your dependency at your own rate. The nicotine free ones taste really bad by the time you get to that step, so that really helps to kick the habit!! Good luck!

LL29 · 02-18-2004, 08:48 PM

Hi jc and welcome to the group

This time you'll succeed because you have all of us and it's time!

From now on after you quit - any difficulties you have you're just going to debate yourself out of it. Think about where you were, who you were with, etc... as to how you started again. If you were having a drink and got weak - then guess what - no alcohol until you feel strong ............learn from your trigger moments. Think of the advice you would give others and take it.

How long have you been smoking and how much? All that you've said is very true and that is what helps me to maintain my quit. It's been 3 months today - cold turkey quit (first time ever on the cold turkey) and yes I put on 15lbs. but I'm working on getting that off. You said it right - it's NOT a game so the weight I know I can take off ........cancer I can't so I'm taking this very seriously. Please take your own advice and literally take it to heart.

We'll be here for ya. Just CHOOSE to control your own life, stay strong, and whatever you do .....DO NOT SMOKE! Please read thru all of the old threads here - I'm sure you'll find some good info to help ya out.

Laurie

jc001 · 02-24-2004, 09:43 AM

Day #7 and still going !

I had a small relapse on day #5 and I smoked twice (wasn't wearing the patch) but that's still Ok ... I used to smoke a pack a day so 2 cigs won't hurt that much.

Its amazing how easy it is to quit and how easy one can get hooked up in smoking again.