I've stopped smoking - should I start again?!

BasilRathbon · 03-08-2006, 15:07

Yes, it's a flippant title but a serious point.

After several attempts (some documented on this forum) I have finally managed to stop smoking. I did this by attending one of the Allen Carr "Easyway" sessions in Leeds last Saturday, as the book just didn't seem to work for me.

It's now been five days and I'm lethargic, irritable, nervous and constantly thinking about smoking. I was warned that I might feel some of these symptoms but that they would fade after 3-4 days.

Yet irrational as it sounds, I can't help feeling that all the things I used to enjoy are now (and will forever be) that little bit less enjoyable because I can't smoke. Work is dragging on and on because there are no fag breaks to break it up, there's no point going in the pub because as soon as I have a pint in one hand I'll want a fag in the other. I don't even feel like eating meals because as soon as I've finished I'll want to go outside for a smoke.

So - unless it gets better from hereon in - I have a stark choice;
An enjoyable, unhealthy and shortened life with cigarettes.
A miserable, healthy and long life without 'em.

Anyone else been in this position?

Sultana · 03-08-2006, 15:09

It will get better - I'm sure it will. Don't start again when you are doing so well.

seriessix · 03-08-2006, 15:11

You need to give it more time. You'll be able to go to the pub and drink and not smoke but not yet.

It’s a physical addition as well as a psychological one – you need to break both of these and this takes time. But in many ways you are over a massive hump already – so give yourself a pat on the back for that.

SimonS · 03-08-2006, 15:12

I am now! I gave up using patches. Managed two weeks. Then started having a sneaky one when I had a pint.

Then I went onto a few on an evening.

Today I have slapped a patch on again as I am not giving up. That's what the dirty f***ers (cigarettes) want you to do.

You can become a non-smoker but it might take you longer than you imagine.

Mood swings are the worst part. But give it a few days - you will feel better.

If you cave in now you will have to start all over again.

Who needs it?

Jabberwocky · 03-08-2006, 15:13

I jacked it in a few months ago. After a while i felt great, better than ive felt in years!
Trouble is i gave in to temptation and started again, so everything i put myself through was a waste of time.
Its not worth it just for a horrible smoky tube of crappy weed in a tube.
Keep fighting.
Im going to jack it in again next week and this time im going to beat it.

just keep fighting it, dont let the tobacco companies win and turn you into their slave.

YakQueudrue · 03-08-2006, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by BasilRathbon

Yet irrational as it sounds, I can't help feeling that all the things I used to enjoy are now (and will forever be) that little bit less enjoyable because I can't smoke.

That is EXACTLY what I feel like when I try and stop. It's not the initial craving you have which to be honest is there all the time, it's the thought of not being able to have one in the pub, after a meal, at the football, with a cup of tea, when depressed, when stressed, sat in the sun, walking to work, the list goes on.

But no, don't start again if you've managed 5 days.

Right, I'm off for a fag.

Plain Talker · 03-08-2006, 15:16

just hang in there! It does get easier, It's just that nasty, the baddie, mr Nick O' Teen and his death-throes desperately trying to get you back hooked on the cigs.

give him a good old kick. remember, every cig not smoked, adds five minutes to your life (Or so I have been told!)

I gave up (the latest time) just over a year ago, and so far I'm not doing badly.

don't give in!

PT

SimonS · 03-08-2006, 15:18

Have you tried gum or a patch - Just to get you through the next few weeks?

Smoking takes charge of your lifestyle. From watching a film, after a meal, waiting for a bus, drinking a pint, a lull in conversation, everything you do seems to revolve around smoking. That's the hardest part to fight. It's all in your brain. Brains are stupid. Don't listen to them!

It's so easy to give in - but just don't do it.

psyn · 03-08-2006, 15:19

I stopped smoking 3 years ago and I still can't have a drink without wanting to smoke. Occasionally after a meal, I think it would be rounded off nicely with a cigarette.
Apparently a craving only lasts 15 mins so if you can ride it out for that period of time do so. The only problem comes when the 15 mins of craving come one after the other in quick succession.
Overall though, the obvious health benefits outweigh the cravings. When I want a cigarette, I just go and play with my son.

medusa · 03-08-2006, 15:19

Don't give up on giving up- there will never be a 'right time' to do it, or an 'easier time'. The best time is now, when you've already got through the first few days.

Use all of your mental crutches to get yourself to the stage where you suddenly realise that you can taste lots of things that you thought were bland- that's a true revelation.

Getting to the stage where you take a deep breath and becoming light headed because your chest has so much more capacity than you thought it did is amazing- finding out that you can exercise for twice as long is wonderful.

Getting yourself to the stage where that niggle of 'I know what I'm doing is going to kill me one day' goes away is great too.

Give it all you've got to get through this tough bit- it does get easier.

EDIT- every now and then I still fancy a cigarette (it's been 18 years since I gave up) but I know now that it's my romanticised fictional idea of a cigarette that I want, not the real, smelly, lung crushing reality- so I go and do something nice instead.

Titian · 03-08-2006, 15:30

I know you shouldn't substitute smoking with anything else (foodwise) but a better substitute would be jogging. I always felt that I missed that "hit" feeling from a cigarette so took to olives for the nasty/nice thing. I think Alan Carr took up running didn't he?

Don't go back you will kick yourself if you do and make it harder to quit next time!!!

keep on keeping on.

and remember there is no nicotine in your body after just two days. You are a non smoker right now.

pk014b7161 · 03-08-2006, 15:30

i packed up 25 years ago ,hang in you can do it ..if you want to

Till Man · 03-08-2006, 15:30

I have tried giving up several times and have now reached the conclusion that:-
1. I like smoking
2. It is altogether more pleasant for those close to me that I smoke, as without them I become unbearable.
3. I enjoy the taste of tobacco.
4. I enjoy the social aspect of the smoking areas at work, as it enables an easy and informal communication accross the business.
5. I contribute far more in tax than I will ever cost the NHS by smoking, and therefore do not feel guilty about it.
6. Smoking is one of the few hobbies I can still find time for.
7. I LIKE smoking.
8. I really hate self rightious ex smokers who complain about me smoking, I smoke outside or in my car, and would never light up in a restaurant, so after that it is my business whether I do or not. I don't force anyone else to inhale my smoke, so SHUT UP!!
9. I LIKE SMOKING!!!

So, my advice to you is; if you want to start, then start, and sod the folks on the moral high ground looking down their noses at you. It is your money and your body, the decision should be yours without any influence from social pressures.

brummieade · 03-08-2006, 15:32

work is ***** without smoking....i havent smoked a fag in nearly two years and it does get a little easier...all my work mates go out for a social fag break every two hrs and i cant go be sociable with them....sometimes if the day is really bad, i crave a ciggy but ive not caved so far...

Titian · 03-08-2006, 15:33

I read once that someone who quit smoking did it by promising to have one on their birthday every year. Each year they didn't have it but would make the same promise for the next year.

minnime · 03-08-2006, 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by brummieade

work is shi*t*e without smoking....i havent smoked a fag in nearly two years and it does get a little easier...all my work mates go out for a social fag break every two hrs and i cant go be sociable with them....sometimes if the day is really bad, i crave a ciggy but ive not caved so far...

you have done well i stopped for 3 years then started again im a bad person aint i

brummieade · 03-08-2006, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by minnime

you have done well i stopped for 3 years then started again im a bad person aint i

OMG u cant say that........i miss that sweeeeeeeeeeet taste.....every time i pass some one in the street i passive smoke their fag......

minnime · 03-08-2006, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by brummieade

OMG u cant say that........i miss that sweeeeeeeeeeet taste.....every time i pass some one in the street i passive smoke their fag......

awww you poor thing im just having one now hun

Mick3330 · 03-08-2006, 15:41

I stopped 5 weeks ago after smoking 30 a day for 14 years. Best decision I ever made. The 1st 4 days are the hardest, and by 3 weeks, you're home and dry. Keep it up !!!! DO NOT GIVE IN TO A 3 INCH STICK OF ****E

brummieade · 03-08-2006, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by minnime

awww you poor thing im just having one now hun

puff some in my direction!!!!!!
Basil mate - do it only if u wanna do it...im doing it because my family all has high blood pressure and the male side all seem to die of heart attacks by the time they reach 65.....that is literally the ONLY reason why i stopped.

minnime i hope those

arent windups??!!!