Woohoo, one month without ciggies! A good start, I think. I've avoided the constant snacking, and though I have put on a little weight, it's less than I feared. In fact, next to the mound of blubber I started with it's nothing. I've been a little snappier, and went through a short phase of replacing my nicotine intake with caffeine. No sleep for a couple of weeks was fun. I seem to be back to normal now though. I just hope I can keep it up this time!
One Month Smoke-Free, by Dave Child, was posted on 11 November 2004 and has not been tagged yet.
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Thoughts from a Brighton geek about web development, marketing, freelancing, entrepreneurship and fatherhood. Probably not in that order.
69 Comments
My fiancee is just going through the same thing. I think she's at 1 month with no smokes now too...I was unprepared for just how hard it would be for her. I truly felt bad for her, but had to keep a "tough love" front up and not let her smoke when she BEGGED me to. so far so good...best of luck to you!
#1, Josh, United States, 17 November 2004. Reply to this.
Damn. Just damn.
#2, Dave Child, United Kingdom, 25 September 2006. Reply to this.
I am one month smoke free too, as of December 2, 2006.
It's my 6th time trying to quit, and I am determined this time. the patch seems to work best for me.
Just wanted to congratulate you and give you support. keep it up; and thanks for this blog. I had my first real temptation to go out and buy a pack, but instead, I typed one month smoke free to find out what symptoms and benefits i should be feeling, and to get support by reading about quitting, and I and found your blog.
Thank you.
#3, Larisa, United States, 3 December 2006. Reply to this.
i am coming up for my one month smoke free ad i have to say im so proud of myself and of everyone else who has done it. this is my second time of giving up i gave up in 2003 and started again early 2005. i couldnt believe i was addicted again just through having a few puffs whilst out with my mates in pubs!!!! never again im staying smoke free for good this time ad am saving all my pennies i would of payed out on fags. good luck every one dont give up!!!!!
#4, julie havant hampshire uk, United Kingdom, 31 January 2007. Reply to this.
Wow, this is going back a way! I didn't succeed on this attempt. After 4 months I started smoking again. However I am happy to report I am no longer a smoker as of last year. Got there in the end!
I highly recommend reading Easyway, by Allan Carr. It isn't perfect, but well worth reading. Stopping smoking is a mental adjustment only, and once you can see smoking as an addiction - your addiction - and realise that you're getting nothing from it you'll find it far easier to quit.
Lastly - there is No Such Thing as one puff or one cigarrette. Ever. It does not exist.
#5, Dave Child, United Kingdom, 1 February 2007. Reply to this.
one month smoke free is a month of happy and healthy life i never experianced such health energy and enthusiasum in my whole smoking life. I smoked for almost 12 years and started in my teens.
i wish all smokers can experiance these days once in there life as these days may change there whole life
all the best
#6, saleem, Pakistan, 29 May 2007. Reply to this.
Today is my one month.....and I feel depress, miserable. Thigs are not getting easier and I don't expect them to. I smoked a carton a week for 33 years. So it's going to take some time for my body and mind to adjust to this new way of life.
Replies: #27, #35, #35 and #51.
#7, Nisan, Unknown, 30 July 2007. Reply to this.
I am starting tomorrow. I hope I can handle it
#8, saozinha, United States, 7 January 2008. Reply to this.
I quit one month ago, because I had surgery on my foot, and know smokers take twice as long as non smokers to heal. I'm very active and didn't to be off my feet any longer than necessary. Also, didn't want to risk any complications. So.....easy, it's all in your mind. I had no problem, cold turkey, the only way to do it. Nicotine is out of system in 48 hrs, the rest is behavioural.
#9, joni, Unknown, 28 March 2008. Reply to this.
Wow, I too am a few days past one month smoke free....after 35 yrs of sucking down that crap! I found this because I typed in 'one month smoke free' to also see how my body is adjusting after a month. Everyone that blogged here is or has been through the same thing. Good for us, let's keep up the good work. As David Child wrote Jan 2007, there is no such thing as one puff or one cig. I found another website that helped me... they use the acronym NTAP. Never Take Another Puff. Let that become your mantra.. and if you say that to yourself when the urges strike and remember that you really don't want to start smoking again, you will stay a non smoker! Please stick with it... no matter what...it will get easier. Nisan, hope you stayed strong! I smoked longer than you and I quit! Have faith it will get easier. I sometimes forget I had a cig at some of my old trigger points. I can actually get in the car and go without thinking of lighting up! Yeah!
#10, Shirley, United States, 6 May 2008. Reply to this.
I just smoked my last cigarette!!! My main concern is that I know my triggers so well and my smoke breaks were so consistent that I need to find something to replace them besides eating!! Good luck to all of us!!! We can and WILL kick this habit.
#11, A quitter, Unknown, 20 June 2008. Reply to this.
1 month smoke free. Ive tried everything from patches to gum, have finally gone cold turkey, which always filled me with fear, and have found it the best thing Ive ever done. Also, started going to Gym, I found the exercise has made a HUGE difference to my craving, i.e majorly reduced. Plus, has given me something eles to focus on and cancels out the whole weight issue.
#12, Ger, Unknown, 19 July 2008. Reply to this.
today is one month smoke free with chantix. had sleepless ness and some upset stomach but as of know feel better then i have in years i smoked a pack a day for thirty years and cant immagin the amount of posins i have pumped in my body.
keep up the fight
#13, geoff george, United States, 18 September 2008. Reply to this.
ive been smoke free for a month and its been hard but i wont let a cig control me ive had alot of with draws but they get easy they never go away but do get easer i was a 2 pack smoker for 22 year u can do it
#14, rose, Unknown, 2 January 2009. Reply to this.
Keep it up all...1 month for me too, best decision I've ever made, feel on top of the world!
#15, Bman, United States, 10 March 2009. Reply to this.
it is a challenge but never let it win you over ....one month for me after smoking 25 yrs....drink water like fish ...it helps....and remember one day at a time ...and one month at atime ...at the end you will be proud of your self for been the ex-smoker
#16, solomon, United States, 9 April 2009. Reply to this.
I smoked for over 30 years until I got sick and tired of scheduling my life around smoking, no more, NEVER again for me. Cold turkey is the name of the game at least it worked for me. Today is my 30th day and cravings are decreasing, maybe two or three a day. Just my two cents.
#17, Douglas, Unknown, 9 April 2009. Reply to this.
One month smoke free for me today. Started with Chantix for the week before quitting and the first week of quitting - then had to stop taking it. Stomach was terrible and very depressed. So cold turkey from there. Seems to me that this last week has been harder than the previous ones.
#18, Julie, United States, 12 April 2009. Reply to this.
We are all screwed. I'm going to walk a mile to buy a pack of smokes after a month and a half. We can't quit. Nobody can ever quit. I will buy a pack next month. Maybe?
#19, SmallsX, Unknown, 5 May 2009. Reply to this.
to all you brave people im 7 months smoke free after 25 years at about 30 to 40 fags a day ive been addicted to every hard drug known to man and smoking has been the hardest yeah u put on weight and feel bloody awful but at 7 months all that goes away trust me i dont no longer crave and i work with smokers i feel fantastic stronger more energy wealthier haha but seriously IT CAN BE DONE and it is a struggle but a worthwhile one ok
#20, paul, United Kingdom, 27 September 2009. Reply to this.
I was surfing the web (looking for the benefits of dropping the ciggies) when I found your blog!
Two surreal things:
- a brazilian posting something here;
- and this question: are you an ex-smoker?
p.s.: I've just beaten the one month barrier.
Greetings!
#21, Virgílio, Brazil, 2 October 2009. Reply to this.
I have reached the 4 week mark today, it's been a struggle to resist over the weeks but if you are determined and up for the fight you can get through it. I always type in where I am at like 1 month smoke free as I go and find blogs or help like here. I am having severe allergies sneezing, itchy eyes so now taking anti histamines which helps. I am also cutting down my food eating healthier and have lost pounds in 4 weeks.
I smoked for 20 years + this is a complete mind reprogramme for me to adjust to this new way of life weird shit.
Try not to give in to your feelings when you lose heart or feel down just battle on I am sure it will get easier in time and be proud of yourself for taking the steps to a healthier, wealthier life.
#22, Chris, United kingdom, 5 October 2009. Reply to this.
1 month smoke free,im so proud of myself never never thought i could do it and cant believe the difference in myself,more energy,money,clearer breathing,less anxious,and all cold turkey.....and yes with the right frame of mind,IT CAN BE DONE,U WONT BE SORRY,first week was the hardest but find myself thinking of them less and less now.do keep busy DIY etc
#23, mary, Ireland, 23 November 2009. Reply to this.
Good on you, all of you. You are all doing the right thing. Think of the money you'll be saving. In case you need some incentive to stick to your plans, the following: Mr Contursi smoked, developed cancer of the larynx (never seen a case in a non-smoker), had a laryngectomy and radiotherapy. He either had a local recurrence or a metastatic gland in his neck did it. His neck was now woody hard from the radiotherapy and there was not much to be done. One Saturday in the early eighties the tumour eroded a big blood vessel in his neck - most likely the jugular vein, maybe the carotid artery - and he bled to death quickly. He was fully conscious when the bleeding started and he knew, this was it.
Of course, he was only one of many people killed by smoking. Don't let it be one of you.
#24, ChrisM, Australia, 24 November 2009. Reply to this.
One month smoke free in 9 minutes time :) I think the main issue to overcome is realising it's nowhere near as difficult to achieve as we're lead to believe it is. I still think about them a little but this gets less and less everyday.
#25, Rich, UK, 11 January 2010. Reply to this.
One month smoke free today! I'm tired - when does the energy come?
Happy I did it and will take it one day at a time. I have quit many times before. Ones for a year. I have a little one and need to do it for her. I have been smoking for 26 years a pack or more a day.
#26, Kristen Duggan, USA, 26 January 2010. Reply to this.
#7 I saw your post and have been feeling similar. It has been seventeen days for me and I am angry alot and very emotional and depressed. I am hoping this goes away soon. I am sorry you are going through something similar.
#27, Rachel, Canada, 26 January 2010. Reply to this.
It gets easier! Just hang in there :)
#28, DaveChild, United Kingdom, 27 January 2010. Reply to this.
I have been a smoker since aged 14!!! I am now 51 and have been stopped smoking for 1 month today with the aid of nicotine inhaler and will power only. I feel good but do worry that I will 'cave' in during a moment of weakness
Replies: #52.
#29, Bezza, UK, 1 February 2010. Reply to this.
Well done to everybody. . . . . . let's shout it from the rooftops! We deserve it! Quitting smoking, especially after a number of years of poisoning our bodies and minds, is really tough but achievable. I have tried quitting several times before but only lasted a few days before giving in. I am now on 4 weeks and 4 days.
My mother and brothers (all smokers themselves) do not believe I can do it, which is kind of helpful in a way because it makes me more determined to succeed.
My husband, however, has quit with me which is brilliant and I am sure that has helped me not to have one . . . . yet! I know that probably sounds like I am not serious about stopping, but believe me I am . . . . I just get moments of weakness where I do worry that I might give in but have managed to overcome the urges up to now and really do hope to be able to continue in this mindset. Anyway, about the energy - no I haven't found this 'energy' that everyone talks about yet - lethargy, yes - I do get that! My first two weeks of no smoking really upset my sleeping pattern - I just could not sleep for longer than a couple of hours, followed by a couple of hours of wakefulness. This was difficult to cope with because I work full time - but didn't take any sickies. Since that initial period I have slept much better and find that I am really tired. I go to bed much earlier than when I smoked . . . maybe because it stops me thinking about smoking? - no it doesn't - I dream about smoking cigarettes! ha! ha! I am just glad that I am able to sleep again so feel that the energy will come - it's just one of the stages of recovery that people reach at different times. Keep on going Kristen - well done!
#30, Bezza, UK, 4 February 2010. Reply to this.
1 month also and i feel fine.My doctor presribed nicorette but ive gone cold turkey and i feel great.Ive put on a little weight but it suits me because im 6,2 in height.Best of luck everyone ,keep up the good work.Tiocfaidh ar la...
#31, padraic, ireland, 25 March 2010. Reply to this.
i cannot believe i am here again, i knew if my friends have done this ..so can i
and today is my first month smokefree and i am proud of myself... i love myself,my teeth , my health and what god gave me , i won't destroy my body again and good luck for all of u
#32, kris, lebanon, 3 April 2010. Reply to this.
29 years of smoking 1 pack/ day and I finally gave it up. Cold Turkey I am smoke free for 1 month and finally starting to find it getting easier. This is my second attempt. I quit a few years back for 7 months and thought boy I have this licked and could have just one cig. Boy what a mistake. I was back to smoking 1 pack a day the following morning. So what ever you do - DO NOT TAKE THAT ONE PUFF! I will never go back. Good Luck to everyone that quits. The first 3 weeks are tough but you can do it. Trust me it gets easier!!!
#33, Bill Zub, USA, 6 April 2010. Reply to this.
Wow, a six year thread!! I myself am 26 days smoke free. I am using nicorette gum, and have an e-fag for emergencies (ie when i'm drinking!). I plan to give them all up in about three more weeks. I have tried at least 10 previous times to give up. This time it's different because i have made a mental change. I don't want to kill myself anymore. It's incredibly tough, but my point is that we are like any other drug addicts, it doesn't matter whether you go cold turkey, or use 100 different aids, if you want to, you can and it's about having that switch in your head clicked telling you you don't want to be a smoker any more. My grandfather used to smoke 60 a day. When he was 75 he just decided to quit, and did, in a day. I know i will never be a smoker again, that is the difference between this and previous attempts. I didn't believe it before. If you fail, do not give up hope, just keep trying until it sticks. if you suceed, well done and keep it up!! i would love to see how many of the old posters are still smoke free!!!
#34, Cora, Wales, 6 May 2010. Reply to this.
#7 i to have smoked for about30 yearsi am so depressed, crying, it is aweful. i am going for a checkup because i just feel sick all the time
#35, Anonymous, annapolis, 25 May 2010. Reply to this.
i quit april 17 2010 boy is it hard.
having withdrawls and sad alot depressed , i had hpylori virus in feb2010 and since then i just dont feel good. i only eat when i drink wine which is after work. belching all the time had chronic active gastritics boy i tell u. i am still not going to smoke. i smoke for about 34 years and today i am 51 and smoke free. to GOD be the glory!!!!!
#36, Anonymous, annapolis, 25 May 2010. Reply to this.
if any of you on here want to really WOW yourself...then stop counting down the days,months etc. that it has been since your last cig. In stead count the amount of cigs you have not smoked since the day you quit. As of today I have NOT smoked 600 cigs. since the day I quit! I find that so impressive:) good luck to everyone!
#37, Cathy Runkle, USA, 12 June 2010. Reply to this.
1 month 5 days smoke free. 14 year smoker 20 per day. How did that happen. Very athletic and in the military. Just got back from Afghanistan and quit. Not pre planned, just did.
It's always there.....resist, fight and overcome. Every situation is a challenge. Take it as such. Smoke w/you're coffee, challenge, driving and light a smoke, challenge, work throw you a curve ball, challenge, even as simple as routines of going out for smokes with the guys.
My advice, with the money you save, buy a punching bag, seriously. Find a place to yell. Seriously, it will speed the process. Let that anger out. For alpha males this is necessary.
Vancouver out...
#38, Blane, Canada, 19 June 2010. Reply to this.
I am 1 month smoke free after 20yrs of smoking a pack or more a day. Still been very hard, I am hoping it will get better soon.
#39, Acy, USA, 6 July 2010. Reply to this.
1month and 3 weeks smoke free. I was feeling just fine, this morning woke up feeling very weak. And the smell of my husband smoking right outside isn't helping. So I figure take some deep breaths, and DON'T GIVE IN!!!!
#40, chris, USA, 27 July 2010. Reply to this.
2 months smoke free here. I went cold turkey. So far so good. I have always exercised, so there has been no weight gain.
Hard to believe I actually did it!
Congrats to everyone here as well
#41, MJ, Canada, 6 October 2010. Reply to this.
Yeah,
1 month in the smoke free zone. Finally. Lifting and running like crazy. Never had that kind of fun ever since the day I started. Nice blog. Hope someday cigarettes will be banned for GOOD. Lost a person to this mother fuckers.
Peace
#42, AS, Bulgaria, 24 October 2010. Reply to this.
7 weeks smoke free after over a pack a day for more years than I can remember. have stoped before for 9 months and guess what I was just going to have 1! this time i'm chewing gum like there's no tomorrow (not so good for the dentures).i feel pooud of myself each time i think of how many days i've been smoke free. i admire each and every one who can even atempt to stop smoking.
hang on in there it'll be worth it in the end and remember we are only 1 PUFF away from being adicted again.
#43, Margaret Rodger, United Kingdom, 4 November 2010. Reply to this.
hang in there i am in we are in the same boat.still wana live longer for my daughter.
#44, Anonymous, 28 November 2010. Reply to this.
Been smoke free for 30 days now. I started when I was 13 and I'm 27 now. No more heart burn. No more weezy'ness. No more short for breath. I love it. I bought the nicroette inhaler. It helps a whole lot. When my buddies step out for a smoke. I take my inhaler. Especially helps when ur drinking. I crave the most when I'm drinking and this helps. Be strong
#45, Gaza the kid, Toronto Canada, 26 January 2011. Reply to this.
Smoke Free 1 month on Sunday! Did it cold turkey and feel great I've saved pounds in my pocket but not on the scales : ) o well that'll have to be my challenge next. I smoked for 12 years over a pack a day and i and others never thought i could do it! First 2-3 weeks was AWFUL!! But now very rarely have cravings and feel so much better in myself Teeth better Skin better Congrats to you all and thanks for comments Keep me going! : ) Good Luck to you all Hope we can kick it for good x
#46, Kirsty x, UK, 28 January 2011. Reply to this.
13 days and holding strong
#47, Ontario, Canada, 30 January 2011. Reply to this.
Tomorrow will be 30 days for me! Yay! I've gained weight but oh well. I finally kicked the habit after 8 years of smoking. I'm so proud of myself & I'm proud of everyone here as well!
#48, Smoke-less in New York, USA, 1 February 2011. Reply to this.
Well done everyone, im on 3 weeks and 2 days, i was smoking about 15 average a day for about 14 years,...Im using a prescribed drug called Champix,it works but the side effects are not pleasant, feelings of nausea and depression are some, vivid dreams too....my trigger points are easy to recognise now so im ready when the cravings hit...drinking is my biggest fear, when i get drunk i think about smoking. when i see friends lighting up,temptation under the influence is hard to control.. reading this blog helps confirm that its possible to "NEVER HAVE ANOTHER PUFF"ive noticed a big improvment on my recovery time after physical exertion
#49, Julian, Australia, 26 February 2011. Reply to this.
Keep up the good work Everyone!! Two months for me as well. Smoked at least a pack a day for twenty four years. Smoked more if I was drinking which I was doing quite often:( I gave champix a try......I have been lucky my worst side affect was hives. I never thought in a million years I would ever be able to quit. People would tell me I should quit and I would think to myself..."are you frickin kidding me"! But over the years smoking has become very tabo. None of my co-workers smoke and hardly any of my friends. I felt I was outside alone, in the cold and often hid my cig if someone approached. It was no longer cool or accepted. I started when a pack was $2.50 now its $8.00!!!!
So I have for the first time in my life joined a gym and have never felt so alive in all my life!!!!
So believe me when I say if I could do it....anyone can do it.
#50, sheri 38, chilliwack, canada, 9 March 2011. Reply to this.
hi all its been 1month and 3days first time ever i gon this far and do feel the difference , although some days i've felt odd is the only way i can call it . good luck to those who quitting
#51, rob, uk, 13 April 2012. Reply to this.
I finished my last cig at 7:10 pm on 4-1-12, 26 days smoke free and sure there are those times I want just one drag and then it passes. One of the triggers was drinking, but wow beer it tastes a million time better now! Good luck everyone stay strong!
Replies: #55 and #63.
#52, Michael, United States, 28 April 2012. Reply to this.
Its 29 days since i last smoked, i smoked for 40 years, i have never had a serious attempt to give up, i honestly believe i will NEVER smoke again, of course i have the odd craving, but thats what it is, a craving, i simply am refusing to allow cigarettes to control me anymore, ive changed my whole lifestlyle with it, eating, exercising, im not a small person, was terrified of the extra weight gain, through sheer pig headedness ive also manages to lose 3 kgs in that time as well, i havent felt this well or alive in years, i wish i had done it sooner, for those of you frightened of weight gain, i am just doing 30 minutes walking a day, worked up from 15 over a couple of weeks, i also have a medical condition that makes it incredibly difficult for me to lose weight, so 3 kgs in this time frame for me is absolutely amazing! it can be done people, stay strong :)
#53, Lyn, Australia, 11 May 2012. Reply to this.
I've given up for 3 weeks now, and it doesn't really seem to bother me unless I have a beer, and shoot some pool then it really feels like something is missing.
#54, Cliff, China, 9 June 2012. Reply to this.
#52 here again, it's been 70 days now ,and I have been around smokers and I will never go back. Once you hit 70 it is easy. In the first 30 days I gained about 12 pounds however today I have lost 15 and and breathe! If everyone quits cigs will no longer be around!
#55, Michael, USA, 11 June 2012. Reply to this.
Been smoke free for 28 days now, dr's orders, been on champix. smoked for thirty years with a lot of quit attemps in the past. This quit is not bad, but there is this feeling in the pit of my stomach and its driving me nuts as well as the thought of did i really do it this time? Thinking of stopping champix, makes me feel very sick, depressed and cant have a full night sleep. I don't want to smoke i really dont. the only thing is new routine i need to work on that, seems boring?????? as well as did i really do it so tired of counting the days!!!!! wish i could just get on with my life without thinking of it. good luck to everyone here, keep up the great work.
#56, chantal, canada, 24 June 2012. Reply to this.
I have smoked since I was 16, iam now 48 and have beginning of COPD. I have quit finally cold turkey, have not smoked for 5 days. I have to say I have quit many times in the past but this time is the hardest. Maybe because I am more determined or something but I have been sick with dizzyness, anxiety, and panic attacks in my sleep that awakens me. Today Is the fifth day and I am starting to feel better, and I still feel pretty stubborn on letting nicotine get the best of me. I want to live and see my grandchildren grow up and all that kind of stuff. So far this is the biggest battles of my life, but also the best since I am feeling strong about winning and taking my life back. Good luck to all of you. We can do it.
#57, ross, usa, 27 July 2012. Reply to this.
1 Month smoke free now, patting myself on the back, i quit after reading Allen Carr's book. I was a smoker for 13 years, i am 32 now, NEVER AGAIN! I do get the cravings especially when i have a drink or two but i take a deep breath hold it in and then they pass... I'm just looking forward to a day when i don't even think about cigarettes where i feel totally natural without one, one thing for sure, the smell of cigarettes is really disgusting... Looking forward to posting back here in 1 year to tell everyone it's been a year smoke free! NTAP!!!!!
#58, Younes, Canadian living in Hong Kong, 3 August 2012. Reply to this.
Well i am proud to say that i am still around. Tomorrow will be seventy days that i have not poisoned myself. I had to quit taking champix and feel so much better. So all together i was on champix for thirty days and kind of wish i never took it cause i made me so sick but much better now i must say. I am not sure if i still crave a smoke i dont think so. But the thoughts are still there but i dont want one if that makes sense lol. I did gain about twenty pounds but am planning on loosing it in the near future like the next month hahahaha, i am ready now and by exercising well it will only make my quit that much stronger:))) good luck everyone, ill come check in soon.
#59, chantal, canada, 4 August 2012. Reply to this.
I was 26 days smoke free when I went and bought a pack of 10 (new job stress I think), I also bought a pack on day 27 but managed to give them away to a smoker after 6, day 28 is smoke free again, anyone have any stress busting tips for when I'm in work? And driving?
#60, Claire, Uk, 16 August 2012. Reply to this.
One month today!! Keep on truckin my lovelys!!
#61, josh, 12 September 2012. Reply to this.
113 days for me today hehehehehe who's counting hahahahaha. Still going strong.... Keep on quitting claire you can do this you are doing a great job
josh woot woot, awsome heheh.
anyway being smoke free for almost four months never killed me after all..... im still here not wanting to poison myself anymore, now thoughts are still there but not cravings as i used to get,
good luck everyone
#62, chantal, canada, 17 September 2012. Reply to this.
#52 again, its has been 204 days, and I will never go back to sucking down smoke, you will find everything will be easier no cravings, less shortness of breath, exersize is fun even! stay strong smokes kill!
#63, Michael, United States, 23 October 2012. Reply to this.
Almost six months smoke free now and i feel great!!!! I do julian micheals workouts at home, walk my dogs everyday for one hour and i do zumba three times a week :) I really do feel great keep up with the great work guys!!!
#64, chantal, 7 November 2012. Reply to this.
Just over 5 weeks for me. Still feel crap! But its gonnaq feel great to celebrate the New Year and not have to say, "another year, and I'm STILL smoking." !! I am wishing everyone a Happy Christmas season, and great success with their quits.
#65, megan, USA, 7 December 2012. Reply to this.
30 days smoke free today. Still thinking about cigarettes often. I have been using the mini lozenges with great success and havent had a puff since I quit. I have quit for 2 years before and it didnt last because I took one drag after meeting a friend I hadnt seen in years. Quitting smoking is a battle with your behaviour more than anything. You will always crave a cigarette if you keep doing the things you did while you smoked, no matter how long you are quit for. It is how our brains are wired. We continually seek pleasure. After tobacco addiction you will always be a smoker or an ex-smoker. It is a demon that you will always need to keep in check.
#66, Ralph, Canada, 3 January 2013. Reply to this.
30 days today without a smoke..cold turkey..glad I gave up for the New Year, its easier to work out how many days quit !!
Many years smoking 20 a day, approaching 50yrs old and have beautiful new son, so have great motivation for those awkward moments when the cravingd kick in. I find a 5 minute walk makes a huge difference too, not just to forget, but to remember what fresh air, or simple exercise feels like too! Interesting thread, will see if there is one for 2 months etc..also.. Good luck to all trying to quit, we know its worth it, give it all you have!!!!
#67, Richard, Spain, 30 January 2013. Reply to this.
This is day 30 for me. I feel so much better now (at 52) but I still have cravings every day. My mind wants that dopamine kick that it had for 15 yrs. That to me is the hardest part of quitting. That being said I haven't been close to a relapse. Once I realized I am a addict and if I don't stop there's a much better chance I won't be around too much longer to care for my family it gives me the proper motivation.
#68, Jeff, US, 24 February 2013. Reply to this.
I am 2 weeks and 1 day without a cigarette. I have been having nightmares and strange dreams, losing sleep, tired, cranky, wanting to cry, and terrible cravings. It has gotten a little easier with time but reading this blog helped me understand that what I'm going through is normal. I am going to reward myself and be good to myself. Smoked over 25 years, quit several times. One time for 3 years. The Addiction ...It is insidious.. Thank you to everyone for sharing their experience, strenght and hope. Peace and love.
#69, MissMary, United States, 14 March 2013. Reply to this.