NICOTINE NICOTINE NICOTINE

jasmine_ashby
jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
in Motivation and Support
All I can think about is nicotine.
I probably shouldn't have started dieting and quitting smoking at the same time.. but if you're going to do something you may as well go the whole way...
I am medium to heavy smoker at 15 cigarettes a day.
I have not smoked in 4 days, 2 hours and 20 minutes.
If someone has tips on how to ignore nicotine cravings (a cost-less and natural way if you can) that would be great.
My fingernails are really paying the price! I also cannot sleep at night... at all.. I usually lie in bed until 3 or 4am... it's starting to run me down and I'm beginning to have headaches sporadically. If someone out there has any advice it would be much appreciated.
I don't wanna give up the fight just yet.
Jazz xx

Replies

  • 1Cor1510
    1Cor1510 Posts: 413 Member
    Hubby and I bought E-cigs, it helped curb the cravings without the stink. You can get them various strengths of nicotine, even some with no nicotine. Worked for us, smoke free since 01/01/2013
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    that's wonderful! I shouldn't have started at all.. especially when I was a teenager...
    I hate the fact I am so dependent.. that four days without a cigarette is leaving me in pieces...
    Are they expensive? and how long do they last?
  • Jennie183
    Jennie183 Posts: 10
    You're not a person to give up. You have done a fantastic job and I applaud you. You will only regret going back not going forward.
    I had read a book about quitting and the jist was sef-hypnosis. In a quiet room, dim lights comfortably lieing down, pillow under knees maybe , breath slowly and feel your chest rise and fall. Be conscience of you breathing trying to relax , let the tension flow from toes, feet-on up the body-picturing dark smoke leaving your system. When you are relaxed picture yourself riding on an escalator. Really picture it-put yourself in Sears or a place you ride the escalator-feel the slow movement going down....down...down. If you sleep thats fine. You should feel relaxed refreshed and like you are cleaner and lighter inside and you don't want to do anything to change that.

    Yoga's good too.

    You go girl. Your ARE doing it.
  • Mom4Liz
    Mom4Liz Posts: 55
    I'm doing the same thing as you. I'm on day five except on day 3 I cheated and smoked 3 cigarettes in the afternoon and evening. God they stunk and I couldn't get the taste out of my mouth. The next day my throat was sore. My sister has an e-cig and it helped her cut down. She just bought it at a convenience store. It was $35. I'm chewing nicotine gum at times when I really need it like when I get up and after meals. I've been drinking a lot of water too. If you've already made it to day four the nicotine is pretty much out of your system and you're dealing with a psychological dependency at this point. I almost think reintroducing nicotine at this point is a step down. If you can keep going you should. Some people find gum helpful or celery sticks. Chewing on ice or whatever it takes. Sometimes you just need something in your mouth to keep you distracted. It's one day at a time and it gets a little easier each day.
  • Jennie183
    Jennie183 Posts: 10
    Look up the e-cigs on the internet. I think Iheard they were a bog hoax. Just sayin'
  • wibblewobblekaz
    wibblewobblekaz Posts: 25 Member
    I use an ecig, started on 24mg, then down to 18mg and now down to 11mg, quit with it for 4 month last years the stared again when out partying over Christmas and now 4 weeks free, plan to completely wean off it and wouldn't of been able to quit without it, recommend then, don't start again, your doing well, first 2 weeks is the worse, good luck :0)
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    Thank you... it's something that controls you, same with food... and I want that no more... I have heard of relaxation methods, but never knew if they would actually work... but hearing someone who prescribes it and validates it is inspiring. I will have to try any method possible.. I feel cold turkey is the way to go... as I know once you stab that last cigarette your body is already benefiting... I suppose it will be hard work but hard work that will be worth it... only thing is now I want to replace all the "nicotine goodness" with "chocolate-y goodness"...
    There are cheap yoga classes for students near by so I shall sign up! thanks again for replying :)
  • mamosh81
    mamosh81 Posts: 409 Member
    i picked smoking back up and not stopping it till i am moderatly close to my goal weight but when i stopped smoking for a year drinking tea helped me i drank like 3-4 liter a day constantly sipping on it to keep my hands and mouth busy ohh and smoked the hookah at evenings when it was really bad
  • larsensue
    larsensue Posts: 461 Member
    get the e-cigs they helped me quit after 27 years!!! seriously, the best thing out there!!!
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    Mamosh81 - I hope you can continue with your methods... for me cold turkeys the only way because once I start I just keep going.
    I have no nails because of it :P but I feel like utter ****e.... but I know once I pass this I'll get through... I may just lock myself in my room until I no longer want a cigarette :)
  • shortie1am
    shortie1am Posts: 42
    I second the yoga suggestion.
  • tami101
    tami101 Posts: 617 Member
    I would not have quit, or at least continued to not smoke if it had not been for the e-cigs. There are many brands to choose from online and most convenient stores have them now. I would pick up a cheap one to try first, and then maybe get a better one with lower nicotine options and different flavors to choose from if you find that they help. Congrats on quitting! I have been smoke free for a year and a half now. I hate the smell of cigarette smoke and I know I will never smoke a cigarette again. =)
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    I'm trying to stay off caffeine ... I can't sleep so I don't think that would help me, but I can see why it helps others...
    I am always wary to try something like E-cigs, in case it makes me want cigarettes again.. and as I smoke rolling tobacco (I know it's not great but far less bad for you than "real" cigarettes) I am afraid of something like an e-cig which could be harmful.. but then again.. smoking could be much worse... I'm at a loss... but I think relaxation therapy would be my route.... I think I just need people like ye who have inspired and motivated me to continue :)
  • sgrubby
    sgrubby Posts: 103 Member
    I quit cold turkey 4 months ago. It was really, really hard but equally rewarding. After 3 weeks of not smoking, I took it to the next level and added diet and exercise. Double rewarding. I haven't felt this good in decades. You're doing the right thing. Keep it up. Revel in your accomplishments. That's what will keep you motivated. Keep celery and carrot sticks around for the oral fixation and give your nails a break. You don't need gimmicks like E cigarettes or nicotine gum, just your own strength of will and determination. Good luck.
  • 1223345
    1223345 Posts: 1,386 Member
    Keep going! I quit cold turkey 7 years ago and it really was very trying for me. Just keep your positive mind set going. Always say to yourself "I hate cigarettes!" "I can do this and I AM doing this!" If you get around people who try to tempt you or ruin your efforts then you may want to abandon those people until you feel you can deal with them. You will be victorious in this battle!
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    Why celery?? I'm assuming it has some nicotine, or nicotine substitute in it? or am I being ridiculously silly?
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    Thank Mallory, if you can all do it, then I feel a little bit inspired...
    Is it wrong though that all this talk of nicotine is making me want cigarettes even more?
    Tobacco, I hate you!
  • TomfromNY
    TomfromNY Posts: 100 Member
    don't do e-cigs, patches, gum or anything. You have to go cold turkey - it will be really tough at first but get a little better every day. After a month you will only miss the cigs once in a while
  • penni214
    penni214 Posts: 34 Member
    cinnamon gum, sugar free hard candies, twizzlers cut to cig length, chew on straws...I tried it all....There's a support site at quitnet.com that's helping me prepare to quit!
  • 1223345
    1223345 Posts: 1,386 Member
    Thank Mallory, if you can all do it, then I feel a little bit inspired...
    Is it wrong though that all this talk of nicotine is making me want cigarettes even more?
    Tobacco, I hate you!

    That is so true! But just remember, nicotine is the enemy! The more you choose to loath the idea of smoking, the better it will be. Success sneaks up one day at a time!
  • 1223345
    1223345 Posts: 1,386 Member
    cinnamon gum, sugar free hard candies, twizzlers cut to cig length, chew on straws...I tried it all....There's a support site at quitnet.com that's helping me prepare to quit!

    I chewed so much cinnamon gum it was insane! LOL! Hot tea as well, that is what helped me stop eating.
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    I suppose in a sense the two are related... over indulgence and over consumption.. and a desire to have something in your mouth... will power - easier said than done... but still do-able!
  • deineira
    deineira Posts: 75 Member
    I have quit smoking twice, both times cold turkey, but I only smoked 3-5 cigarettes a day, so my situation was a little different. The first time I just let myself eat whatever and did gain weight. The second time I was determined not to gain a pound.

    What worked for me was chewing a lot of gum, and keeping my mouth busy. Sometimes I would just get a cup of ice and chew on that. I also drank a lot of tea and water. I found that just having something going from hand to mouth was somewhat soothing. Lollipops were also helpful to me, as was other types of hard candy, like Jolly Ranchers.

    You are right where you want to be in regards to the nicotine being out of your system physically. The next battle is mostly mental, but the things I described above help me with that. I found that every day got a little easier, I just had to be very determined. For me, I wanted to quit very badly, so I knew it was going to be horrible, but I was committed to just pushing through.

    It's now been two years since I quit the second time and I am soooo happy that I did. You will be able to look back on how much healthier you are and you WILL be proud of yourself.

    You can do this. The fact that you made it this far means you can be successful. Really.

    Good luck to you!!

    Eva
  • ApexLeader
    ApexLeader Posts: 580 Member
    Hubby and I bought E-cigs, it helped curb the cravings without the stink. You can get them various strengths of nicotine, even some with no nicotine. Worked for us, smoke free since 01/01/2013

    i think e-cigs still stink. they smell like an industrial park
  • Guisma
    Guisma Posts: 215
    i stopped smoking 2 weeks ago , i have an e-cig without nicotine. It works great, the nicotine got out of the system very fast but not the will to smoke , so it really helps to satisfy the psycologic habbit
  • jasmine_ashby
    jasmine_ashby Posts: 124
    well done to you!! :)
  • Mom4Liz
    Mom4Liz Posts: 55
    Why celery?? I'm assuming it has some nicotine, or nicotine substitute in it? or am I being ridiculously silly?

    Celery just helps when you're trying to figure out what to do with your hands and mouth. It's the same idea as chewing gum. No nicotine and its not fattening either.

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