So my girlfriend and I just quit smoking cold turkey? -
What should we expect?
Any tips for getting over the urge to smoke?
We don-t want to use any of the medication stuff since the one my aunt was prescribes got recalled, and the gum is really expensive.
Good on you both! And that you don-t want to use any -aids- is also great.
If you know what you-re dealing with it-s actually pretty easy.
The real physical withdrawal symptoms from nicotine are nothing to worry about, the problem is in your head. Theoretically the symptoms will leave within 72 hrs. If you still have withdrawals after that, it-s due to mental fabrication - because you thought you would have them. Nicotine is very addictive, that-s true, and that means you will remain addicted for life, but the (real) symptoms disappear as the nicotine leaves your body (in 72 hrs, most of it actually in just 24).
Consider also: Besides the fact that the physical withdrawal symptoms from nicotine addiction don’t
last very long, they are ridiculously insignificant! They really are.
It’s not like you have to deal with cold shivers or vomiting or the sweats. It’s really just a little anxiousness or restlessness… It’s nothing! It is only your mind that makes any pangs significant, if you focus on them. Get it! They are there, yes, but don’t blow them out of proportion. You can quite easily override them completely.
The reason most people have problems with this is because they believe they will miss smoking - they are getting something out of it and hence they are giving something up.
What that means for you is this: Mindset is everything. Be glad you don-t have to do that anymore - that you have gotten rid of this filthy addiction. Never think you miss it - that-s what makes it hard. But instead be happy, content and proud that you-ve done it. Focus exclusively on the positives - and there are plenty of them.
Admittedly it-s easier to sort out your mindset before you quit, but there-s no reason why you can-t still do it now - especially since you have each other for support. You-ve done a great thing!
Hi john..
congrats on the quitting, for both of you that-s a real big deal.. quitting is seldom easy, but very doable.. good luck to both you!! actually i do have a couple of tips, don-t do it alone!!, people in support groups have a much better chance of success.. cool that your deep breathing.. getting in good air, see below..
John,here-s a list of some tools members of support groups use, often just a little help comes in handy when dealing with cravings early on!!
Distract ( do something else) for instance its hard to smoke doing dishes
Delay (don-t need one right now).. continued delays = a quit!!
Discuss you did that by asking the question, people in support groups do it in meetings or e-mails
Drink Water, it helps reduce cravings, and flushes toxins
Deep breathe, most smokers only breathe deeply when inhaling!!
the good news is that i now have been quit for over 5 years.. i quit trying to quit alone, and joined a support group.. i attend nicotine anonymous meetings both locally and on line.. on line voice meetings are he as close as your computer, and you can attend while still smoking, before actually attempting a quit.. however you decide to quit good luck, there is simply no wrong way to quit!!
Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12 Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The Fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 Steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine.
John- My husband and I quit cold turkey over 20 years ago, and we both had been smoking 1-2 packs a day for over 20 years! It-s all willpower! We didn-t -try- to quit, we just quit! (like you two!) I think the first 3 days were a little tough, but not bad at all! So congratulations to both of you! Chew gum if you have to, or suck on hard candy for the first few days. After that it-s a cinch! You both should feel really cool when you say, -I don-t smoke!-
Think of all the money we-ve saved, not to mention that we have pink lungs (you will too in 6 months), and we don-t stink!
Stress and anxiety can definitely be causing the deep breaths. Cold turkey is the only way to go! I wish I could give you TWO stars, but I can-t! ;)