Never an easier time to give up. IMHO. The trouble with nicotine, like heroin, is that is very moreish (as Harry Hill would say). The Alan Carr book basically just points out that it's all about the nicotine. I'm easily led by it, and also loved it. But hated the side effects of smoking. It made breathing difficult. I hated myself for getting so focused and obsessed with it. Even on a short train journey, I'd be thinking about the next opportunity. I tried to give up repeatedly and incessantly, throwing away everything, and then come 2 in the morning would go out and buy something. Terrible. I'd even cycle 10 miles, or to a friends just to purloin one. Awful. Anyway the good news is, that I found nicotine gum, and it let me keep the habit/addiction, but throw the horrible part away. To the point that you get utterly repulsed at the thought of breathing it in. And at a later time you can cut out the nicotine. As long as I had my fix of nicotine, I was fine. I did not need to smoke. I was probably quite rare in that I hated the smell of smoke as a smoker - specifically inside smoke. Which is a cocktail of pure nasties. I hope all goes well. A distraction was needed for me. A game, or a puzzle. Or another activity that fills time. Gardening would be good. My obsessions have shifted elsewhere, to slightly healthier climes. I can't remember much about my last attempt, but for dumping my fags in a public bin, and about three days later pulling them out, and I still smoked them despite them stinking of dog dung. Absolutely disgusting, yep. Addicts!
Hi @Flinster how is it going? How are you feeling - any better? I fell by the wayside but am trying again - my breathing is rubbish so need to stop for good this time. Congratulations if you are still sticking it out.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Hi Hogweed! Glad you are still trying.. you will crack it! It always harder when it feels like the decision is being thrust upon us, but sometimes we need to have a word with ourselves! I’m doing well thanks, lost count of how many weeks so that a good sign! Had a close shave last weekend after too much wine and hanging out with some smoking friends, but managed to stop myself! Cravings come and go, sometimes surprisingly strong, but I get out the lozenges and get busy. I’ve been a very heathy eating eating drive too so have managed to lose a couple of pounds, although that is somewhat slower going!
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I’m doing well thanks, lost count of how many weeks so that a good sign! Had a close shave last weekend after too much wine and hanging out with some smoking friends, but managed to stop myself! Cravings come and go, sometimes surprisingly strong, but I get out the lozenges and get busy. I’ve been a very heathy eating eating drive too so have managed to lose a couple of pounds, although that is somewhat slower going!