[iheartferrets]

This past summer, I quit smoking, mostly because I had back surgery, and because I couldn't smoke before it because the surgery might not have worked as well. After the surgery, I didn't start up again because I don't like to smoke around my girlfriend, who I spend most of my time with. I rarely get the urge to smoke when I'm around her, and she's one of the main reasons why I want to stay quit. However, I'm really nervous to go back to college. I'm taking all science classes, so I have a lot of classes everyday, and I'm on campus a lot. Last year, I got into the really bad habit of smoking on my way to class, between classes, and just when I was bored to pass the time. I work on campus also, and a lot of my friends who worked with me would smoke too. Plus, you can't walk to class without seeing at least 5 to 10 people smoking a cig on the way. Smokers are so nice too. If you ask someone to bum a cig, nine times out of ten, they will give you one. Needless to say, I'm really worried about not being strong enough to stay smoke-free once school starts. I'm not going to ignore my friends who smoke, because they are my friends who I care about, but I really don't want to start up again. I've read all the posts on the steps of quitting, and different relaxation techniques. I even made one of those T-charts with a 'reasons to quit' side, and a 'reasons not to quit' side. I'm over the nicotine addiction. I just don't know if I'm over the habit-part of the smoking addiction. Do you guys have any advice?

[the1forgotten]

Good luck! You can do it, you rock!

[stress_ball7]

I know exactly how you feel. You just feel the need to smoke because you need the fixation or perhaps it's the social thing. You feel you want to start up again because you are bored, hungry, stressed, or need to socialize. My advice to you is to take up an activity or work out in the gym. Every time you feel the need to smoke; call someone, distract yourself with engaging in your activity. Chew gum or try to avoid walking around smokers.

I don't know if I've answered your worries but I hope I helped. I'm a smoker still since I was 19 (started in University) and trying to find hobbies to do!