Quit drinking and drugs a little over 16 months ago. Now I'm attacking smoking (been a 3-pack/day Kool smoker for 28 years). Next the tiny bit of weed I still indulge -- I don't consider weed a drug but I still want off it. After that a regular exercise regimen and maybe meditation and yoga. The power of therapy, of facing one's demons in pursuit of a more authentic self, the love of my girlfriend and, in my case, needed medication is just really incredible.
I'm proud of you, man. My grandfather quit after 40 years in seven days. Said he took a shower every time he craved one. Maybe that can help you, too.
Wow! That's a huge change (for the better!)! I think it's fantastic that you're doing this! wait.... if you don't consider weed "drugs"..... what DO you consider "drugs" ?
Hang in there, bro. I smoked a pack and a half of cloves a day for a few years and quitting was a b****. Once you get past the first few weeks, the cravings do subside although you'll want one every now and then in certain situations for the rest of your life.
I know you have shot this down in the past, but try the gum. Just go buy two packs of different flavors. Way better than patch for cravings because a patch will not be able to give you a fast spike that your body expects.
agreed. Working out really helps a ton. The hardest part I had was driving to and from work (long trips as well). Gum & sunflower seeds really helped
I am going to start the exercise now. Thanks for the suggestion. I know that will be helpful and I have an elliptical machine in my home. I consider all other recreational drugs (other than weed) to be "drugs." I've done them all at one point or another, some habitually, and weed is just different in kind. Also, it's only like one puff a night -- I don't actually like being stoned -- and I know that will be the easiest thing to cut out. Also, re: the gum, I've tried it and I just can't stand it. It tastes like pepper to me and it makes me feel like I've got something caught in my throat. The patch is working for me now and anyway it's just a crutch. I think I could do it without any aid, just through will and breathing. And yes, chewing regular gum and eating celery sticks and such, but it really hasn't been as hard for me as it was in the past -- not even close. I'm just at a more peaceful place now and I can't rely on that lasting forever which is why I'm trying to get this out of the way now. I've had some success with quitting things before. I quit meat in '87 and dairy in '93 and I quit drinking without a single hitch or urge. I know this will be tough but I feel confident I can do it.
nicotine gum never really helped me. Cold turkey with working out and eliminating my triggers (e.g. coffee, drinking, etc)
Been off the cigs for 3 months now. I would suggest exercising because your lungs will begin to clear up and you're going to have a voracious appetite.
That is already true. I still have about 20 pounds to lose from the year I was laid up by my accident (I lost 25 of it already). But last night I was eating like crazy. Luckily it was mostly healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but still. I might be as big as a house by the time I have reliably put this behind me but if so it will have been worth it. And I know I need to get back on that elliptical asap.
Cinnamon toothpicks, no lie. It helps with the physical hand to mouth therapy and helps greatly with the oral fixation. Every time I felt the urge, I would walk out like a regular smoke break and just break out a toothpick. After 6 months I still sometimes have a slight craving, but I've also become one of those who can't stand cig smoke any longer. Hell, I hated it when I smoked. Just disgusting. Good luck man!
Yeah don't have a negative view of using the patch. Nicotine is not the devil drug everyone says it is. Tobacco manufactures put TONS of crap in cigs that makes it thousands of times more addictive ON TOP OF the fact smoking gives you a massive peak in blood levels. Don't go cold turkey on the patch too soon.
