The next person who types "pony" is getting it with both barrels.

I mean it. It's late and I haven't had a cigarette in 5 weeks.

Running, quickly ------------------------------------- >

Stay positive. Things do get better. I haven't had a cigarette or anything to smoke since 1992. I feel really good about it and not enslaved by the habit. It does really feel good when you get the monkey off your back.

Sigh.

This is like the 15th time I've tried, but have never gotten this far. I feel good about it. But having to find other activities to fill the habit. Like what to do when walking the dog, besides having a smoke.

you also once enjoyed a cigarette with like having a beer, or something that triggers a memory. Funny enough people smoking in front of me used to do it but now it doesn't, it just gags me and I don't like the smell on other people like on their breath and clothes.

I had a little trick where when I wanted a cigarette I promised myself I could smoke in seven days. When that day came, I fought with the devil all that day because I had promised myself I couldn't smoke until another seven days. Sometimes I failed, but it was only one day in seven that I was allowed to fail. It only took three failed days in six months that finally got me off of it.

My history and credentials: 33 years of smoking - 2 packs on a good day - and thinking myself unable to ever succeed at quitting.
I tried cold turkey, hypnosis, aversion therapy (3 times), the patch, and finally quit 11 years ago with Wellbutrin and will power.

The reasons you need to go through the valleys and dark times are first that you say you have never made it this far, so maybe maybe this is the time.
If you break down, you will further damage your body, have to recuperate from having lost the quitting battle again, which in my case took years sometimes, and simply arrive at one or two crossroads;
Trying to quit again or
preparing to die a death that is coming too soon.

I have lost 2 brothers to cigarettes this way.
My Xhusband is dying of lung and throat cancer now.
One of my best friends is stuck in a house which she cannot leave because of COPD and an oxygen tank.
I could go on - but you get my drift.

Get some drinking straws that have a nice diameter.
Cut them to cigarette length, keep them in your pocket. When it get tough, lock yourself in a bathroom and "smoke" the damn thing til you get dizzy.
Then sit down and breathe deeply, and get over it.
You can, and you will do this.
I count on you, I want you to live.

Unshelled. Eat them while you're walking. Between holding the leash, extracting a peanut from its shell and depositing the shell in your pocket or a bag (I know you'd never litter), it will keep your hands and your mind busy.

The habits are harder to break than the addictions, but you know you can do it.

singing is a good distration...either outloud or on your head.

I will be smoke free 2 years in August

It's also good for you!

I think I'll go get a glass . . .

Ice water (or tea, or lemon water, or what-have-you) with a straw...just the ticket.

It's worth a shot.

And a lot cheaper than these damn patches, fer sure.

Then I got a bag of weed which made a world of difference.

Congratulations.

The next person who types "pony" is getting it with both barrels.

LOL! Yuck . . .

I owned the book on how all of the special effects were done for that movie when I was a kid.

They made a fake head and filled it with corn syrup, food coloring, apples, and I believe Cheetoes. Then they shot it with a shotgun.

I'm feeling your post. My first three months not smoking last year I was like a a bag of grenades wrapped in razor wire. I also found posting on DU to be uh, therapeutic...:evilgrin: I like altoids or cough drops as a replacement. Also having toothpicks around to hold and chew on helps too.

I also signed up for an internet quit meter, which helped me feel like I was achieving something. :hug: Good for you on 5 weeks. That's a landmark.

Better a pony than a Camel.

And congratulations!

From someone that smoked way, way too many years.........


It's hard as hell to quit....


... and I'm sure you feel like you could strangle the next "do gooder" like myself that keep spouting clichés like:


You can do it, the struggle is almost over, ect........


I know you ache right now.... and I send you a hug even though I'm sure you feel like clubbing anyone offering such warm, and fuzzy platitudes....

I haven't had a cigarette since the end of March. Trust me, every week is a bit better. Now when I think of them or have an urge it is very short duration and even those are fewer every day.

Well, then... here's a....*....?...*gulp*...small horse for you! :evilgrin:



Congrats on quitting smoking!

I already got deleted for calling someone a fucking idiot today.

I need more water.

But they really deserved it.

Quite irritated your post was deleted and many others in there weren't. They DID deserve it!

I just posted to the bathroom bigot a minute ago. What an asshole. This may be my downfall.

I can't believe that dude is still here with his filth.

My BIL was an officer the military for a long time, knew lots of gays, and really didn't acre about showering with them. He said teh only sexual absue he ever saw was female soldiers being harrassed and assualted by STRAIGHT male soldiers. He used to bust guys for taht all the time.

Hang in there! The first two-three months are by far the worse!

Biggest temptation so far. But I MADE IT! And it was OK.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.