Flushed my cigarettes down the toilet
BlueLikeJazz
Posts: 219 Member
I wasn't really sure where to post this because it's not exactly diet-related, but it is another big step towards overall health. Anyways...
I'm kind of laughing at myself right now. I tend to be a very analytic person, I rarely make decisions or do things without thinking them through or planning ahead, sometimes to a fault. I have been thinking about quitting smoking lately but had set a quit date of August 14th, when I'm done with classes for the summer, so that I could get geared up and learn all my reasons for wanting to quit (and mostly just stall, I think).
This morning I went for a bike ride and was feeling really good, had a nice little exercise buzz when I got home. Then I went outside to smoke and immediately realized how "icky" it felt. I went from enjoying the fresh morning air and having a spring in my step to filling my lungs with that stinky smoke and having a bad taste in my mouth. So I just came inside and flushed the rest of my cigs (hope it doesn't plug anything up, eek!)
A while before I actually quit drinking, I read the The Easy Way To Stop Drinking by Allen Carr (he also has a similar book for smoking) and one thing that stuck out to me was that once you become addicted/dependent on a substance, you end up needing that substance just to achieve some semblance of normalcy because when you don't have it, you're in a state of withdrawal. So it's a withdrawal/use cycle. I definitely got to the point in my drinking where I needed to drink just to get rid of the headaches/shakes/nausea/irritation and I never would reach a really happy point anymore. Drinking became something that just helped me reach neutral.
Now that I've been sober for a while, I feel happiness on a pretty much daily basis, I love my new life. So I just wonder, because of how much my life has changed from getting out of the withdrawal/use cycle of alcohol, how much it might change getting out of the withdrawal/use cycle of nicotine.
Just wanted to share
If anyone has any tips, suggestions, support, etc. I would love to hear them! I do have nicotine gum but I don't know if I'll use it, I'm done spending money on this foolishness so if I do use the gum, I'm not buying any more after I finish this pack. I just thought I'd have it on hand in case I really flip out lol.
I'm kind of laughing at myself right now. I tend to be a very analytic person, I rarely make decisions or do things without thinking them through or planning ahead, sometimes to a fault. I have been thinking about quitting smoking lately but had set a quit date of August 14th, when I'm done with classes for the summer, so that I could get geared up and learn all my reasons for wanting to quit (and mostly just stall, I think).
This morning I went for a bike ride and was feeling really good, had a nice little exercise buzz when I got home. Then I went outside to smoke and immediately realized how "icky" it felt. I went from enjoying the fresh morning air and having a spring in my step to filling my lungs with that stinky smoke and having a bad taste in my mouth. So I just came inside and flushed the rest of my cigs (hope it doesn't plug anything up, eek!)
A while before I actually quit drinking, I read the The Easy Way To Stop Drinking by Allen Carr (he also has a similar book for smoking) and one thing that stuck out to me was that once you become addicted/dependent on a substance, you end up needing that substance just to achieve some semblance of normalcy because when you don't have it, you're in a state of withdrawal. So it's a withdrawal/use cycle. I definitely got to the point in my drinking where I needed to drink just to get rid of the headaches/shakes/nausea/irritation and I never would reach a really happy point anymore. Drinking became something that just helped me reach neutral.
Now that I've been sober for a while, I feel happiness on a pretty much daily basis, I love my new life. So I just wonder, because of how much my life has changed from getting out of the withdrawal/use cycle of alcohol, how much it might change getting out of the withdrawal/use cycle of nicotine.
Just wanted to share
If anyone has any tips, suggestions, support, etc. I would love to hear them! I do have nicotine gum but I don't know if I'll use it, I'm done spending money on this foolishness so if I do use the gum, I'm not buying any more after I finish this pack. I just thought I'd have it on hand in case I really flip out lol. 0
Replies
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As a "failed" quiter....many times.... i can tell you the only things that helped me were avoiding the bar, which it sounds like you do, chewing anytype of gum, nicorete is nasty, and drink lots of water.
Good luck!0 -
I'm laughing (at the thought of flushing them) and cheering you! Great for you!!!! I know many people use the nicotine gum, at least until the cravings go away, butyou can do it! Congrats!0
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best of luck! knowing first hand (from quitting alcohol-congrats) that it will suck in the beginning might help you get through it. you know that it will get better. gum and sugar free hard candies might help get you through it?0
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Good for you!
I just quit on Memorial Day and it feels great. I had cut down over the last couple years and wasn't as hard core of a smoker so that might have made it easier for me this time. The 1st couple weeks I had cravings when I drank coffee or beer, but it has gotten much easier now. I still think about it once in a while but I haven't given in. I do think I chew gum a little more than I used to so maybe that helps.
I heard Allan Carr's book helped others but I didn't end up reading it because I didn't need it.0 -
HOORAY!
I don't know if you have kids, but if you do or if you ever want to... do it for them! My mom smoked on and off for years and I hated it and I was always so worried about her getting cancer and losing her. She's been smoke free for about 4 years now and it's amazing how her mentality toward smoking has changed. She now sees it as gross and smelly like it always has been, but she never realized! It might seem hard now, but every day you don't smoke is progress!
Also, Blue Like Jazz is one of my favorite books : )0 -
That is wonderful!!! I have been 11 weeks quit myself (still working my way up to giving up drinking). I had a similar epiphany, except I smoked for a few days, really paying attention to how gross it really was, then when my quit day came, it was a sinch!
Congrats to you on quitting, it's the best decision you could have made for yourself!!0 -
Best single handed thing you could ever do for yourself . Congratulations, you just took the first step to GREATLY improving your health. And I agreed with the part you added from your book: not having to go smoke, not being chained to that insane craving is extremely liberating. I'm 3 1/2 years smoke-free after smoking 10 and it was the best decision I've ever made. I couldn't even get through reading a story to my daughter without being out of breath.
Drinking and smoking was the hardest to kick, but the first time I made it through a night out at the bar with my friends w/o having a cigarette was the best feeling and it just got easier and easier. Now, it's not even a second thought. Smoking is gross. I also chewed gum a lot....having clean fresh breath was so nice after having ashtray mouth! And my clothes, hair and fingers didn't stink anymore - I smelled like a girl again. haha
Good luck! It's going to be hard, absolutely, but every minute that you get under your belt is a minute closer to this getting easier.0 -
CONGRATULATIONS!! Make a list of reasons why you made this decision to give up smoking and how you feel right now; keep it nearby and if you start feeling tempted, read it as a reminder that you CHOSE to leave smoking behind to benefit you, your family and your new healthy life. Keep it up and God bless!!0
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I gave up my hard core Friday night drinking back in October with absolutely no problem. However, cigs are a whole different story for me. I do have a quit date in mind, September, when we get back from vacation. I'm already gearing up mentally thinking about it. I give you huge kudos for quitting cold turkey!! I keep thinking to myself if I can lose 84 lbs, there is nothing stopping me from quitting this nasty expensive habit! Don't give up!0
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HOORAY!
I don't know if you have kids, but if you do or if you ever want to... do it for them! My mom smoked on and off for years and I hated it and I was always so worried about her getting cancer and losing her. She's been smoke free for about 4 years now and it's amazing how her mentality toward smoking has changed. She now sees it as gross and smelly like it always has been, but she never realized! It might seem hard now, but every day you don't smoke is progress!
Also, Blue Like Jazz is one of my favorite books : )
Thinking about having kids is one of my biggest motivators to get healthy in general (whether I have them myself or adopt). I want to be a positive role model for my children so they grow up healthy and active. I feel embarrassed if I'm walking down the street and someone else's kid sees me smoking! So I definitely wouldn't want to still be smoking when I have my own. My daddy quit for me right before I was born, too. Isn't that sweet?
And I'm so glad someone else actually knows this book! lol0 -
please don't think you need extra "aids" to quit smoking. What happens if you run out? Good luck, I'll be praying for you.0
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what i've done in the past is just sleep it off. when i get a really really strong craving, i just take a few minutes and nap. the craving passes, i don't eat the craving and i get a little rest.
water helps, too.
i'm currently "on" smoking, but not all that much. my bf & i are planning a week-long backpacking trip where i hope we don't smoke at all bein' all natural n stuff.0 -
If it helps it sounds your on the right track just from realizing how icky it tasted after such a great natural high. It took me many times to finally get where I am now. You REALLY need to WANT to quit.
I did it cold turkey (with the help of my daughter being an infant and my husband working 3rd shift) I really didn't have the ability to smoke. I also ended up replacing this addiction with exercise. That I can do with my daughter.. for the most part. And now much more (she's 18 months).
I'm here for support if you need it and I wish you much luck!0 -
YOU'RE MY HERO.0
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i would flush my cigs to0
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That is absolutely amazing!!!! I am so happy for you. I used to smoke, a couple of years ago, and then got pregnant. I QUIT cold turkey---which I personally think is the best way to do it. Keep lots of gum handy, find something to do to keep your mind off of it when you are craving one. Maybe you could do a set of push ups, or cut up some veggies or something! I know the hardest part for me was car rides!!
Anyways, good luck. THIS is an awesome achievement to change your life!0 -
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Aside from quitting you really have taken the first step to not go back to smoking...you realized and made the decision that your health and your new life was so much more important. I am very analytical as well and as soon as I was able to make that connection it just clicked! I didn't do it because my boyfriend wanted to or because my boss was razzing me about my breaks...I just lit a cigarette one morning and I was like "ew this IS totally disgusting". I will be 8 weeks cigarette free this Thursday. I don't think you need any gums or nicotine substitutes...just be realistic with yourself. You know that you are going to have withdrawls, you know that there will be that one day when you want one...just ride it out. Treat it like a craving, don't they only last for fifteen minutes or something?
PS...NOT smoking will let toxins be released from you body that aid in retaining body fat. So many of the chemicals like Formaldehyde actually make fat cells die...this prevents them from being expelled by your body. That's why we tend to get fat deposits. So it really is directly related to losing weight and getting healthy!
Use your MFP support system like you use it for weight loss! Good luck!0 -
Hey, Blue! That is wonderful! :flowerforyou: Reading your post made me think of my father and how he battled quitting smoking. He, like you, took a bicycle ride one day some 40 years ago, felt way too wonderful to light up another cig after arriving home and decided right then and there that he would no longer have cigs in his life. He decided to ride his bicycle to work so he could achieve that high at least twice a day (to work and from work). He would often also try to squeeze in a quick ride after getting home from work. After a while, he looked at his situation, how wonderful his life had become cig-free and how strong mentally he felt. He knew that cycling was his savior so he’s kept it up all these years (biked to and from work until retirement) and even races in competitions. He’s quickly approaching 70 years now (wowzuhs!) and still loves the feeling he gets while riding and the high he experiences afterwards (the surge of all those "happy endorphins"). Cycling helped him break the chains of cigs while also keeping him in shape, physically and mentally. I hope you’re able to find you’re liberator and break the cig habit.
Good luck! I’m rooting for you, Blue!!! :flowerforyou:0 -
HOORAY!
I don't know if you have kids, but if you do or if you ever want to... do it for them! My mom smoked on and off for years and I hated it and I was always so worried about her getting cancer and losing her. She's been smoke free for about 4 years now and it's amazing how her mentality toward smoking has changed. She now sees it as gross and smelly like it always has been, but she never realized! It might seem hard now, but every day you don't smoke is progress!
Also, Blue Like Jazz is one of my favorite books : )
Thinking about having kids is one of my biggest motivators to get healthy in general (whether I have them myself or adopt). I want to be a positive role model for my children so they grow up healthy and active. I feel embarrassed if I'm walking down the street and someone else's kid sees me smoking! So I definitely wouldn't want to still be smoking when I have my own. My daddy quit for me right before I was born, too. Isn't that sweet?
And I'm so glad someone else actually knows this book! lol
My Dad was also highly motivated to quit for my older brother who was then a newborn. I'm soooooo thankful that he quit when he did so that he could become healthy and provide a healthy environment for us to grow up in.
YAY, BLUE! :flowerforyou: We're here for you!!!0 -
good for you!! I quit 6 months ago. I heard that Allen Carr has a book for quitting smoking too. I fouind it online one day. I never read it but other people swear by it. And if his other book helped you quit drinking I don't know why this one wouldn't help too.
The best tip I can give you is drink lots of water. The only way your truly going to quit for good is if you truley want to. That's why I quit over and over again and it never lasted. I wasn't ready.. It sounds like you are though so good luck:bigsmile:0 -
I quit on July 4, 2009. I got to a point, just like you, where I just felt nasty. I quit cold turkey one day and I have not looked back. It wasn't even hard for me. I was just done with it.
You are doing great things for your body. Congrats!0 -
You can do it. when a craving stikes breath deep and focus on something else. for me it was to get up and move. I did jumping jacks or ran up and down a flight of stairs. That refocused the brain and made me breath. congrats on the decision to quit and good luck on your journey.0
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WELL DONE :bigsmile:
As a smoker myself I know how difficult it must have been for you to even think about flushing the ciggies away! That's definitely a big step!
I too am wanting to quit smoking, but haven't reached the point where I'm ready (and I know some people will tell me to wise up) but at the moment my motivation is solely on my diet! Once I get down to my target weight I'm going to quit (I promise) and work on getting fitter!
Make sure you let us know how it's going!!0 -
I quit cold turkey 15 years ago. This is what I did.
Deep Breaths when you have a craving. It moves the nicotine around in your lungs and fools the brain.
Black Licorace.... something in it helps the cravings.
Lots of water.
Exercise.
I also changed some habits. I noticed there were certain places (like the route to work) that the cravings hit very strongly. I must have lit up at those places each time. So I changed the way I drove places.
It was not easy and I struggled. But it is so worth it to you and your family when you succeed.
Good Luck.
Nancy0 -
Is a huge step :flowerforyou: good luck !!!0
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I quit smoking over a year ago. My reason was similar. I was training for my first half marathon and I felt stupid working out and then going home to smoke. Also I knew there was no way I could hit my fitness goals (including running the race) as a smoker. So I quit. I also temporarily gave up drinking because I very closely relate the two. That definitey helped. I still miss smoking sometimes, especially when I am drinking a glass of red wine, but the benefits have been so awesome there is no way that I would ever go back. My asthma is nearly gone (I only need my inhallers when I get a chest cold) and I am sleeping better. And food tastes better! And I have more money! And the embrassement of my nasty habit is gone. I was always very ashamed to be a smoker. Most of my friends and family didn't know. Even my coworkers didn't know.
My husband has recently quit too. And I am so proud of him. He has been smoking for 20 yrs. He is doing great. But as a result we are both eating more cookies and pies than we should be ... LOL
Congrats on making such a fantastic decision. You won't regret it. It will be hard but worthwhile and it does get easier.0 -
As a daughter who is currently witnessing her father going through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation because of lung cancer caused by years of smoking, I am VERY proud of you for quitting. I would not want even my worst enemy to go through what my family and I are going through (especially my dad). Stay strong girl, it's 100% worth it.0
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:bigsmile: Good for you! Quitting the cigs is a major accomplishment. :bigsmile:0
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How awesome!! I quit a little over 2 yrs ago myself. I lost my grandmother and mother to smoking related illnesses. My mom was on a vent 3-4 times a year in IUC her last 3 years. It was so hard on her. I didn't want that to be my story, too. I didn't want it to be my kids's either.
Like you, I was just ready. I really related to those Ex commercials. I didn't know what to do after a meal, when I was driving, even when taking a break. I had never drove w/o a smoke. I chewed alot of gum in the car, lol! If I was taking a break or after a meal, I'd have a cup of tea.
I look back now and I don't know how I ever did it. And no, I'm not a naggy ex-smoker. But I'm so glad I quit. I wish you continued sucess and I hope one day you have your story to share to encourage someone else.0 -
Wow you guys are great, look at all the quitters here! Thanks for all the encouraging stories and tips. The day has gone pretty smoothly so far. I went for another bike ride this evening and am feeling really energetic now, I hope I sleep okay. I've chewed two pieces of nicotine gum and will probably chomp one more on my way to work (I work 10P-7A, but get to sleep about 5 hours of my shift. I go to school during the day). I figure once the gum runs out (I just bought one pack) it should be pretty easy to just stop it all together, considering I'm going through my whole first day with only 3 pieces when they suggest at least 9.
And thank goodness I'm not craving lots of food, that was one of my bigger concerns. I've just been eating normally and have felt pretty good. So once again, thanks everyone! I'll probably keep checking in for the hey of it here over the next few days.0
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