Quote:
Originally Posted by archipelago
Thanks so much for all the support and interest, reesecups. You're great! It hasn't been easy, even with the patch on. I wake up in the middle of the night, even on sleep meds, wanting a smoke. That never happened when I was actually smoking. I had cut down to 2-3 a day before I stopped so I thought I was doing pretty well.
I know about the weight gain and have been careful to have healthy food in the house, though I have had pretzels too. I have a workout plan all set that I want to start next week. I feel ready. I've done parts of it before and like it. That will actually help with all kinds of things. This is turning into more than quitting smoking. It is like I am reclaiming my life and health. I see potential but I'm not getting ahead of myself. I've done the reading. Nicotine receptors take months to diminish so I have no illusions about a quick fix. I wish that I had never started. What a horrible thing to market. Pure addiction that kills. And so normalized that people don't really get how powerful it really is.
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Can I suggest some things I learned when I quit? Take the info or leave it as you will. Make a list of all the reasons you want to quit. When I did it, I was told not to include your health because if you only quit for your health, it is easier to say 'to he k with it, I don't care' and start smoking again. My main reason was to set an example because I worked at that time with a lot of teens who thought I was cool because I was over 18 and they admired me. But thry say to give yourself 5 reasons and carry them with you to remind you when the going gets tough.
Also, you need to use the patches on your schedule. If you need to use the higher amount a little while longer, then I would do it. 'Whatever it takes, right?'
Good luck and I'll be following this group as much as I can. I think it's wonderful to see people who are struggling and beating this awful addiction. It took some time for me to realize how goad I was that I was able to do it. You should be proud of yourself..
If you want to PM me, feel free. I'm not always on, but will try to respond as soon as I can. Good luck!