Trying to Quit - Smoking Cessation Message Board

MaMaMia · 07-29-2002, 11:47 AM

I am new on this board but as I read the messages from all of you, I don't feel so alone in trying to break this horrid habit.

I have been smoking for 40 years and over those years have cut down considerably (about 7 cigarettes a day consistently). I feel encouraged by what some of you are saying out there and most importantly don't feel so alone in fighting this battle.

I tried to quit many years ago but had dreams of smoking. Of course, I woke up thinking I should have a cigarette. Little did I know back then that it was my subconscious trying to reinforce a bad habit. I wish I knew that dreaming about smoking is common and not to give into it.

I pray that I can do this. I would like to live a while past retirement to enjoy what years I have left without this bad habit. I will establish a quit day (two weeks from now) and fight, fight, fight to stay away. Thank you all again for your encouragement. It makes me so mad that I had started (back when it was considered the thing to do--even doctors recommended it for weight loss!!!! Can you believe this!).

This is going to be the hardest battle I will ever fight!

AshleeD · 08-01-2002, 02:03 PM

Hi MaMaMia (cute username hehe)

I KNOW you can do this! I'll be praying for you also. Just keep in mind all the people who HAVE quit and use them as your support group.

Don't forget, turn to the boards when you start to have a craving. I'll be here for you and so will several others! You can fight this awful habit, I know you can. Have a friend with you a lot so if you start to reach for one, or go to the store to buy some, they can be there pushing you away, helping you fight this evil addiction.

I wish you the best of luck, and I believe in you.

YOU CAN DO THIS

Take care, hun

Much

and support~Ashlee

LaurenRae · 08-01-2002, 11:43 PM

Hi MaMaMia,

I smoked my last cigarette at 11 pm on May 29/02. I had smoked for 25 years, give or take. I was having surgery and knew I'd be in the hospital for at least 4 days so thought it was the perfect time to quit. Well, the past two months have been interesting. I have yet to light up and am really amazed. I never thought I'd do this! But it's not been easy. I too dream about smoking (how pathetic is that - lol). In fact last night I had this wonderful dream about sitting in a restaurant having a hot cup of coffee and a cigarette! When I woke up, it was "arghhhhhhh"!!! I've had a few of those dreams the past 2 months. As far as the cravings go, I found the third week was really bad and the past few days have been challenging as well. I think it's so important in kicking this habit to realize that you will have these cravings - they will pass - you won't die from not having a cigarette - life will go on! When I find the cravings really bad I try to get outside and go for a walk. Something else that really is motivating me is the money. I desperately need a new car and there is no way I can afford more monthly payments if I were to start smoking again - I was spending around $250+ a month on smokes. So....when things get tough I think about that.

It's not easy, MaMa, but you can do it. Take one day at a time. Also know that if you quit and then someday down the road you have a cigarette, it's not the end of the world. Just get back on track. Knowing that keeps me sane when I'm ready to scream!

Take care and good luck to you! Keep us posted!

MaMaMia · 08-21-2002, 01:50 PM

Thank you both so much for replying. I have changed my quit date, as I am doing a number of things (I am so determined). On September 10th I will be joining a smoking cessation program in my neighborhood. I will also use whatever aids I need to get through this hell. I am particularly concerned about depression, as (let's face it) that is one of the major reasons we started smoking. I will "practice" prior to going to the program. I do notice when I think about NEVER smoking again, I get depressed; however, I noticed the board mentioned taking one day at a time, and I think that is what they mean. Don't think ahead. Get through that day and then another. I do like walks (I have no other choice, as I don't have a car) and I too would like to save money to buy a car (hate payments). I know that I can save about $2000 extra a year by not smoking.

But I can talk and talk. There is nothing like the real hell. One of the things I am doing is thinking what I would do if ..... and try to prepare myself in advance. I may be hopeless, but even thinking about some of the situations (e.g., not having a cig before bedtime) makes me sad. Gad! I'm a true addict. But, at the same time, I feel angry that I have spent most of my life hanging on to that crutch. I have a hard time thinking about what I was like without a cigarette. Even if it's too late for me (healthwise) I still want to spend what years I have left without a cigarette.

Thank you all again. I'll come back and let you know what is happening. I'm scared, but excited at the same time. What a challenge!!!!

Nic2 · 08-21-2002, 03:54 PM

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