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2 years ago  ::  May 19, 2011 - 8:41PM #1
Antiochian
Antiochian
Posts: 72
I relapsed four years ago after having been smoke-free about a year and a half.  I quit for the first time with the help of natural products from the health food store.  I felt like a basket case for a couple of months after.

Since I relapsed, I've tried 2 or 3 times again with nicotine lozenges or gum, only to give in two weeks later.

I know it's time to quit, for good, and be done with it,  but I don't look forward to the awful withdrawal symptoms, and the anxiety.  I got a prescription for Wellbutrin (Zyban) two weeks ago.  My quit date is in June, so I'm hoping the cravings will lessen as the drug permeates my system.  The doctor wouldn't prescribe Chantex due to my depression.

I have some more of those all-natural tablets that are supposed to help with withdrawal and cravings, too.  I'm also considering acupuncture, hypnotism, or reiki.  

I'm gearing up for a battle.  I'm going to have to retrain myself to live without cigarrettes, and it's probably going to be hard.  But I have a lot I want to do yet with my life, and if I continue smoking, I know it will likely be cut short.

Any suggestions, resources, anyone who can relate and has been through this, I would appreciate any input. 
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2 years ago  ::  May 20, 2011 - 12:46AM #2
bearlover
bearlover
Posts: 2

There is a website for quitting - quitnet.com - it's free for basic membership, and some states fund the advanced membership - just a few "bells & whistles that are not needed.


Click on Forums, and then Quitstop - it's the most active, and offers a large diversity of topics - click on one that appeals to you, and follow the thread - your Back button will take you to the previous page - There are other forums for subjects like Depression and Spirituality.


Explore a bit before you jump in - it's an easy site to navigate as a guest


Spend some time preparing:


Make a list of strong motives for quitting


Make a list of your "triggers" - then strategies for coping - changing routines, distractions, etc.


Put together a "quit kit" of aids - water, gum, toothpicks, straws cut to 4" for sucking, hard candies, mints, etc.


Send me a message, if you would like


bearlover
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2 years ago  ::  May 20, 2011 - 12:14PM #3
Antiochian
Antiochian
Posts: 72

Hey, thanks for the link, and other tips.  Having some cigarette-sized straws to suck/chew on and hold onto seems like a good idea, even if it looks silly, because a huge part of smoking I think is about a fixation of having something in the hands and the mouth.  I'll be sure to get a good supply of gum, too.


Another good website I found last night was whyquit.com.  After reading some of the horror stories on there about people my age (thirty-something) who've died of lung cancer, I said the hell with it, and decided that instead of waiting ten days, I was throwing all my cigarettes away this morning.  What if I changed my mind and didn't stick to the quit date?  We addicts are good at making excuses.  And I don't want to damage my body any more than I already have...


I'm doing ok, just a little antsy.  I've also found a number of helpful videos on youtube, particularly Allen Carr's stop smoking tips.  I'd add the link, but my computer is being dumb and won't let me.  Do a search on youtube for "Allen Carr stop smoking."


Of course, early this morning as I held the smokes in my hand, that little voice asked "Why not have one more?"  Oh, hell no, I know where that leads to.  Like a mom to a little child who begs relentlessly for a toy in the store that she can't afford, you just have to tell yourself NO.  I'll keep you updated, and hope these links we listed will be helpful to others.
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2 years ago  ::  May 20, 2011 - 6:18PM #4
bearlover
bearlover
Posts: 2

You're Welcome -


Quitnet is a great support group - the motto is "Don't quit alone"


They often have links to Whyquit.com, as well as links to Youtube videos of sad stories - one I recall is "Rich's Plea", another is the story of Barb Tarbox, an athelete.


One of the "rules" is, when you are having a rough time, post a message with Help" in the title, then wait for at least 3 replies before doing anything rash - the replies come fairly quickly, depending on time of day/night, but there are members around the world, so it's a 24 hour group.


You will also find links to Alan Carr's e-book, "Easy Way to Quit Smoking" - I don't agree with his premise that nicotine replacements aren't ever needed, but he has some great mental attitudes that are useful to the addictive mindset.


There are also daily motivational/inspirational posts, and regular reposts of tips and attitudes about smoking and quitting - if you decide to join, be sure to check out Gummer's profile, and recent posts - there is a search feature at the top of the page.


Do check it out - they have a buddy system, with an icon that lets you know when buddies are online, and an internal email system.


I have several other links on my home computer, if you want more


Hang Tuff - Don't Puff   -   NOPE: Not One Puff Ever


Best Wishes - bearlover


 
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