Stopping smoking support. - Page 27

SlackDad · 07-09-2010, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

Dudes, you all rock!!

Stick with it...together we can beat this.

Indeed - I bet you're looking forward to your anniversary.

My stop date is getting ever closer - Friday - and with it the realisation and trepidation that I am going to be quitting smoking (and to be honest a massive dollop of fear of failing).

Over the last few days since starting Champix I have really tried to analyse when I smoke and why. I am now convinced it is the psychological addiction that will be the hardest to break. Many of life's small pleasures that make each day bearable I have linked or associated with smoking. Things such as coffee in the morning, the fag break at work, etc. I have made the ciggie the reward not the break or the coffee, if that makes any kind of sense and it is this rewiring of the brain that will be tricky.

So a question for those that have been through quitting is what strategies have you adopted to cope with these moments that seem to induce that punishing craving? Have you, for instance, completely changed your routine where practicable or are there smaller, simpler tactics to adopt? Any advice appreciated.

And boy am I envious of non-smokers, wondering how on earth they do it...

Mick Fisher · 08-09-2010, 14:31

Perhaps everyone has their smoking trigger? For me it was and still is stress. So avoiding and/or resisting the stress urge was and still is a paramount necessity in my anti-smoking strategy.

However the more you want to quit the easier it is to quit. If you are half hearted about it the chances are you will fail.

I think you are quite right that it is a psychological addiction and that is why your mind set is so important.

I'm sure you will find it to be easier than you currently imagine.

Good Luck.

superbiatch · 08-09-2010, 14:43

Good advice Mick Fisher

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackDad

So a question for those that have been through quitting is what strategies have you adopted to cope with these moments that seem to induce that punishing craving? Have you, for instance, completely changed your routine where practicable or are there smaller, simpler tactics to adopt? Any advice appreciated.

And boy am I envious of non-smokers, wondering how on earth they do it...

For me, changing my routine worked. I used to get up and go straight outside for a smoke (sometimes even in my dressing gown

) so i started by getting up and heaidng straight for the shower. I also had relationships with a cuppa and a fag, so had to knock the tea and coffee on the head for a bit. Driving was where I thought I would really miss them as i'd get in, start the engine and hit the road. That never bothered me one bit

I still do have pangs when I'm out drinking with smoker friends, but its just a case of remembering what you went through when you quit and your reasons why you quit - works for me

It might seem daunting now, but in my experience the more you build it up to be psychologically - the bigger it will be. Treat it like any other day and reward yourself with a little gift every now and again

joglynne · 08-09-2010, 15:09

Twenty odd years ago when I stopped smoking it was the routine that I found the hardest to break.

As a 40/60 a day smoker I was lucky I never had any physical dependency to get over but my right hand seemed to have a life of it's own and would reach out to pat desks, sneak into my hand bag when I wasn't looking or even accept a cigarette offered by someone who should have known better but was testing my resolve. I swear my right hand had a mind of it's own and would have carried on smoking on it's own if I hadn't kept an eye on it.

One of the things I did do from day one was to put away the cost of the two packets of cigarettes I would have smoked that day, I never missed doing it as I knew I would always have found the money to buy the things if I was still smoking. Doing it last thing each night gave me a visual reminder of what I was achieving. Even by the end of the first week the money was enough to convince me that I was doing the right thing. I continued to do that for a year and, though I didn't buy a boat like Mr A, I seem to remember that it paid for a lovely holiday.

heero_yuy · 09-09-2010, 14:21

I struggled with the habit part. I substitued some other pleasure for the ciggy. Usually a pack of crisps, unfortunatly I put on a lot of weight that has taken a good while to get rid of.

At least I wasn't in close proximity to a smoker who won't give up even though it's killing him (as in my brother-in-law). Some how my sister has been weed free for over a year now. She did it by sheer will power as I did over fifteen years ago. Best thing I ever did.

Congratulations to everybody who's stayed with the program and to those who've failed or haven't tried yet: It's always worth it, you'll get to be the old cormudgeon sat at the end of the bar saying "the young of today have it too easy"

Arthurgray50@blu · 09-09-2010, 15:22

I congratulate anyone who can give up smoking, it is a nasty habit, I personnally feel that to me the only way to stop people smoking is in two parts, one put the price up to £10.00 a packet.

Or go down to the nearest hospital and see the patients who are dying via smoking problems.

When l was a kid l used to smoke when it was part of the 'boys act' but when my father passed away through cancer, caused by smoking, we saw him in hospital and he weighed 3 stone, and you could lift with with one hand, that put me off smkoing for life.

Sorry to be so grim, but if there is a financial strain bigger on the NHS, smoking is one of the causes.

superbiatch · 09-09-2010, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu

I congratulate anyone who can give up smoking, it is a nasty habit, I personnally feel that to me the only way to stop people smoking is in two parts, one put the price up to £10.00 a packet.

I have to disagree Arthur, it would only drive people to buy underground creating more of a supply and demand for illegal tobacco. We've seen this happen when the cost of cigarettes have increased and in the area I work in half the smokers buy from an illegal source

Mick Fisher · 09-09-2010, 15:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu

Or go down to the nearest hospital and see the patients who are dying via smoking problems.

Too true Arthur. My Dad died of lung cancer too.

I recently had a spell in Hospital and met a fellow patient who was diabetic, permanently on oxygen and who claimed to still smoke 40 a day. Crazy World ain't it.

Fingy · 10-09-2010, 07:49

Well done to everyone who has quit.

Mr A... whens the boat trip?!?

superbiatch · 10-09-2010, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackDad

My stop date is getting ever closer - Friday.......

All the very best of luck SlackDad

You know you have your support network here anytime you are feeling vulnerable, reach for this thread befroe you go and buy cigarettes

SlackDad · 10-09-2010, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

All the very best of luck SlackDad

You know you have your support network here anytime you are feeling vulnerable, reach for this thread befroe you go and buy cigarettes

Many thanks - it's appreciated.

Very early days but going OK so far - I had my last ciggie at around 8.00pm last night. I did get a pang after eating breakfast when I was drinking my coffee this morning and again when I would have normally had one at work. Still all seems a bit unreal at the moment.

I am having a few side effects from Champix as well which are sleepiness, a slight feeling of nausea and a heavy, headachy feeling behind my eyes. All of which I think are nothing too concerneing and are probably expected. The upside is that I certainly don't fancy a cigarette when the side effects hit so can't be a bad thing

superbiatch · 10-09-2010, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlackDad

Many thanks - it's appreciated.

Very early days but going OK so far - I had my last ciggie at around 8.00pm last night. I did get a pang after eating breakfast when I was drinking my coffee this morning and again when I would have normally had one at work. Still all seems a bit unreal at the moment.

I am having a few side effects from Champix as well which are sleepiness, a slight feeling of nausea and a heavy, headachy feeling behind my eyes. All of which I think are nothing too concerneing and are probably expected. The upside is that I certainly don't fancy a cigarette when the side effects hit so can't be a bad thing

I've just had a quick word with one of my colleagues and she suggests taking your evening tablet between 5-6pm which should help with the sleep problems.

Also, with regard to the nausea, ensure you do take your tablets with food always

joglynne · 10-09-2010, 11:23

You are on your way now SlackDad.

The biggest step is behind you. Don't feel that you are on your own, from now on you only have to come on here to get all the support we can give you to help you, there is always someone around who can talk you through any tough times.

Mr Angry · 12-09-2010, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by joglynne

You are on your way now SlackDad.

The biggest step is behind you. Don't feel that you are on your own, from now on you only have to come on here to get all the support we can give you to help you, there is always someone around who can talk you through any tough times.

Well done SlackDad, you're on your way. As everyone here has said we're here to support & help in times of need / possible weakness.

Sirius · 12-09-2010, 10:47

To all giving up, Well done and keep at it, you will feel so much better for it and will be able to hold you head high and be able to say " I beat my smoking addiction" .

I have been smoke free for 4 years and know how you all feel at the moment, But trust me it's worth it