Welcome Julie--
Welcome to the smoking board!
Congratulations on getting your other addiction under control, that's wonderful!
That is really scarey to me when I read stories like yours, when one quits for so many years, and then suffers a relapse!
But it does teach me that we are all so vulnerable to relapsing ourselves. Guess we should never get too cocky, or relaxed into thinking that we have this problem licked.
It's like the saying goes, "you're only one drag away from a pack a day". Just keep in mind that you were successful in quitting before, so you can and WILL do it again.
Yes, the patches work VERY well. I quit first with the gum, and then went to the patches. I really found the patches to work better, (for me anyway) than the gum. Probably because it keeps a more steady level of nicotene in your bloodstream, than the other aides. (gum, lozenges). Make sure that you remove your patch at night, as they are known to give people nightmares or very vivid dream that may disturb your sleep.
Keep yourself busy, and your mind occupied. Learn some relaxation techniques, whether deep breathing, yoga, meditating, etc. Draw up a list of all the reasons that you want to quit...sounds like you have some good ones already,,,your husband and kids.
Come to this board any time you feel you need to vent, ask questions, etc.
Best of luck to you!
Deda
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