[archipelago]

I was doing okay using the patch with an occasional puff when under stress. But then things went wrong and I started buying packs again after nearly a year. I hate it and want to quit, but I'm feeling so distressed that it is something that I fall back on.

I'm about to run out and think it would be a good time to try again. I have plenty of patches and also some soothing meds in case. Maybe after taking the weekend to rest and recover from the initial withdrawal, I might be able to do this.

[Travelinglady]

That sounds like a good idea. Try to limit your stress, though, since that's likely when you'll be tempted to give in again. You can quit permanently!

Is there any way you can get out with friends or go somewhere to keep yourself busy? I think that might help, too.

[Rypdx27]

Kudos to you for battling this addiction. I finished the patch two weeks ago, and that stress-trigger is a tough one, but I remind myself of this: stress is like any other feeling; it moderates and passes. Reacting to it by taking or using something doesn't actually "fix" the stress, it just makes your mind think it does. What I find keeps me off the nicotine is to acknowledge stress or any emotion I feel, accept it, and sure enough I feel better about it almost immediately.

One thing I've also learned is that smoking itself caused me a lot of stress....everything in my routine revolved around it, I spent money I really couldn't afford to waste on butts, which made me worry about finances more. I also was worried about how 12+ years of smoking was affecting my body. At age 30 I have seen some of those outward signs (wrinkles starting, parts of my teeth starting to discolor/gray). By dropping all of that baggage, my overall stress level is better, even when I feel overwhelmed temporarily by something at work or whatever.

[hannabee]

I've been quit 8 months as of April 1st. You can do it. Go to Quitnet.com. Really helpful and free. I smoked 25 years!!!

[catsrhelm]

I once heard somewhere that a smoker quits anywhere from three to four times before he or she quits for good. So, just make sure you are absolutly ready to try again.

[spondiferous]

Originally Posted by catsrhelm

I once heard somewhere that a smoker quits anywhere from three to four times before he or she quits for good. So, just make sure you are absolutly ready to try again.

Agreed. That was my experience. And now I have been smoke-free for 5 1/2 years. For me, though, I have to remember how cunning and baffling it is, and that it's an addiction like any other, because from time to time I still have intense cravings and urges to start up again. I have come to accept it as a normal part of recovery and it makes me less likely to actually act out on it.

Good luck! You have my support!

[Cherry73]

This month makes two years sincei quit and believe after smoking for almost twenty years I understand how very difficult it is. No one is perfect just remember if you stumble it's ok and just try to get back on tack. Just don't feel so guilty or be so hard on yourself that you give up. You are doing a very good thing but also a very difficult one. Good luck and best wishes to you.