Quote:
Originally Posted by Amyjay
I quit smoking a few years ago, it was really hard and it took quite a few tries over several years before I gave it up for good. I had given up for days or weeks or months at a time before and always struggled hugely with cravings and no self-control etc and "suddenly" finding cigarettes in my possession again.
It got to the point where I was really gentle with myself about it, knowing that I ultimately did want to give up for good and knowing that giving up is a process and most people who quit "give up" at least several times before they give up for real. So instead of quitting outright I just stopped having them all the time. every time I went for a cigarette I made myself wait for a bit. If I was triggered I didn't though, I went for it.
one day when I wasn't even planning on giving up and hadn't been thinking about it for a while other than my general cutting down, I got out of bed and thought "I'm not going to smoke anymore". I threw all my smokes and lighters away and haven't had a puff of smoke since. I personally have never ever even been tempted, not even a little bit.
Its a bit harder for some parts though i can tell. Sometimes there are parts around who WANT to smoke and its really hard for them. Sometimes I am aware of their craving.
Be really gentle and kind and forgiving with yourself. It isn't just the act of smoking that needs to stop, but a whole mindset about it. it takes time. Forgive yourself and your team for your screw ups! Know most people quit and relapse several times over months or years before quitting for good and DID adds an extra challenge.
You got this!
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Thank you for this. I smoke pipe tobacco and cigars. 15 years ago I smoked only occasionally and just stopped out of the blue. An alter was the smoker, and I stopped when he went dormant for a while. He came back a year ago and started right up. He and I integrated, and now I smoke daily. Another alter is also a smoker, and the rest tolerate it because it feels good. Don’t want to see myself still smoking years from now, and your comments are the most helpful I’ve heard on the subject.
As an aside, my cousin quit smoking by vaping. She started vaping fruity flavors to get herself away from the cigarette taste and smell, which she eventually started to dislike as time went on. Then she dialed down the nicotine level gradually until she was using no nic at all, then she put away the vape for good.