Quitting multiple times??? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

princess72 · 07-09-2005, 05:30 PM

Out of curiosity....is it harder to quit the 2nd, 3rd time, than the 1st time quitting? Stupid question i know----but, i quit first time in Feb, i havent smoked since. I only take 1 day at a time. What keeps me from starting again, is to just think about how HARD that 1st week was!!!!! I dont want to start over! Everyone tells me that it usually takes people 3-4 times (or more) before they quit for good! Negative response from people....but im sure there are people out there that have quit once and for all----and never went back.

Johnsternow · 07-09-2005, 08:40 PM

Princess72,

That sounds so silly. How committed are you??? If this really does happen to some it’s because they had to phyc themselves back into it. Whatever it takes I guess. I can’t speak for everyone but myself I quit 3 times over the years. Each time I was off for a long time. One time over 3 years. Each time I went back it was because I was stupid from drinking and used bad judgment wile others kept pushing them on me. Very young, arrogant, and intoxicated I had the one and after over 3 years it was as if I never quit. It took me years to stop after starting again. Hang in there. The cravings keep getting less powerful and for only seconds until all gone. You can really do it if you set your mind up not to fail. FORGET WHAT OTHERS SAY!!! We will help support you.
GO, GO, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep us posted

JohnD

princess72 · 07-10-2005, 08:25 AM

Hey John..........Ok, this is why i ask. Every day i teeter with the thought of going back and smoking! I quit for surgery, and a very small part of me wanted too. I am also in early recovery for alcohol, and this is just "killing me". So that is my honest answer! I am staying away......cuz like i said, i do not want to go through that 1st week ever again. I really dont know what was worse quitting smoking or quitting drinking! I miss them both, and is a daily struggle. I do feel very healthy....and have never had soooo much energy in all my life. Since i exersise 6-7 days a week, I CANT SMOKE....

Johnsternow · 07-10-2005, 09:55 AM

Princess,

I understand more than you think. Teetering is to be expected. If you’ve been off any amount of time I understand how hard it can be now. I have also experienced some severe rare health conditions that smoking and drinking were contributing to. To make things even more difficult I have and continue to have the most difficult and stressful year full of losses that people don’t even believe me. I UNDERSTAND! Every possible reason and excuse was in front of me not to have quit. Princess I tell you, you have so much to be proud of!!! It is hard to give up one or the other but you have done both!!! When you feel yourself teeter pull yourself back in. Pull it into perspective. I know it’s a tough struggle and even more difficult wile recovering from alcohol. I am here and so are others who care through these difficult times. Thank you for sharing your story and keep it up!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

God Bless

Sincerely

JohnD

trekgirl · 07-10-2005, 11:36 AM

Princess72
What happens to most of those who get back to smoking is something traumatic happens, stressful situation, anything will make them to grab a cig and be back to the vicious circle. I have an aunt who still smokes and has tried several times to quit and not made it permanate yet, but she keeps on trying. I have been somber for 4 years going strong and have no desire to go back. I had been a smoker foir 28 years and had to make a choice when I was going to have bypass on a genetic defect, aortic valve murmur. I quit six month before surgery and have not had a cig since. Proud of everyone here trying and doing the quit. I an a newbie here, but not to boards. I love to help encourage others in their quest to be healthy. You are doing great and keep up the good work. It takes the complete mind set to really want to quit for it to work. I have seen it many times when someone has problems and want to go back. It is harder for others and we have to be there for everyone, no matter what. I am proud to be here and hope everyone is doing fine. You are doing great and hanging in there. You can do it. Hugs for eveyone today.

trekgirl