Trying to stop again!!

I have been a heavy smoker for years and years. It has been a huge part of my life and I admit that I enjoy it - especially with a few drinks or coffee and after a meal I know smoking is bad for your health and my chest is not as good as it should be. I always know that I shouldn't smoke but the addiction wins out every time. It's like the good versus the evil battle going on in my brain. Half of me says no don't do it, you don't need it, etc and the other half says go on and have one, etc,etc. I have tried quitting before and I think the longest I have lasted is 2-3 months but that was with patches. Even with patches I find it difficult and particularly when I see other people smoking I really, really feel like one. All my smoking friends with the exception of 2 have given up over the years and I now feel like the black sheep in alot of social settings. Also I have let smoking govern my life in many ways as it always seems to take priority with choices I make etc. I really, really hope that I can maintain it this time. It has been a huge 24 hours without a ciggy but I am wearing a patch as it definitely helps me cope with the cravings. I envy people who have that strength of character to just say "that's it" and give up. I struggle so much with it quitting Why is it so hard for some people to quit I am sitting here, patch on, typing this and every 30 seconds my brain thinks about a cigarette and thoughts about going to the shop to buy some or some other related thoughts run through my brain. 30 seconds later the brain is saying No don't do it, be strong!!

Smoking is a disgusting habit, and you CAN quit people do it everday. I quit about 4 months ago. I chewed the gum for a few weeks then quit that bc nicotine is addictive in any form. I feel so much better and I smell better. Take up exercise & drink tons of water. Just hit the road & walk or jog if you don't go to a gym. Best of Luck to you Cheers! TnT

Update: Today is day 3 and the cravings are tolerable. Every time I get that thought and desire I push it away. I just have to remain strong but I can sense that a little pressure or stress has an automatic response to light up a cigarette. Just today we learnt that one of my daughter's classmates from primary school has died suddenly at the age of 18. That gave us all a jolt and straight away I felt like having a smoke - it was hard not to but I survived. Hoping to build strength with each passing day.

Sorry to hear about that death. I can speak from experience, it does get easier over time. Then the challenge is not slipping up when you get the occasional strong urge. I've been quitting for the past 10 years or so (picking the habit back up for brief periods of time then abstaining for longer periods). I'm still trying to master the not slipping part. I know I'll get there eventually, just hopefully before it's too late. Good luck!

I'm on my 5th week of no smoking. I have been using nicotine patches. I have smoked heavily (more than a pack a day) for 16 years. I have quit a dozen times at least. Practice makes perfect. I did not know how to drive a car when I first sat in the driver's seat. It took a long time before I was confident to enter the freeway. I think of quitting smoking the same way. Each time you quit, you learn a little about what to do and what not to do. Last time, I had forgotton about all of the reasons why I wanted to be a non-smoker. This time, I keep reminders handy. Then when I look at them, I remember the deep desire that I have to be a non-smoker. It has really helped in those cravings. I hope you are successful and free my friend. Never stop trying, that's for sure. I'm not gonna =) Sincerely, Glinda Gail