Every time you want to light up, pull this picture out.
1. In all seriousness, I'm not sure you're supposed to chew on it long enough for it to burn. I don't know though, you might want to check on that.
2. For a long time. hehe
I'm a smoker myself, so I can empathize with your situation. Good luck, I'll keep you in my prayers!
To be honest, I don't know. I've never tried to quit smoking, but I have that urge all the time...
Good luck. I've never had to deal with this, my parents both smoked when we were growing up, and none of the 7 children picked up the habit. (just lucky, I guess) My children finally guilted my parents into quitting, bringing up the fact that they would miss all their milestones if they kept on smoking.
You need to find something to do with your hands, along with the gum. Maybe sunflower seeds? Try not to just go to candy, that can pack on the pounds. Don't stress about the weight gain, you can lose the pounds, you don't want to lose your lungs!
I do not have any answers for your questions but I do want to wish you the very best of luck.
Just remember not to beat yourself up too much if you relapse. Everyone has things they struggle with.
Good Luck
The patch is easier..
Good luck...I have been trying as well, but keep failing as I get too frustrated. Hubby quit years ago and is still a grouch. He knows better than to punch me, I hit back : )
I hope you get flamed good. When I quit I got downright hateful for about 4 days. You need a good, butt blistering flame war to take it out on.
Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.
Suggestions:
1) Try the patch.
2) Buy a punching bag and get it out of your system.
Hint: If you fail. Don't beat yourself up.
Dust yourself off, look at that caused you to fall off the wagon and try not to fall into that trap again.
Everyday is a new day to win
Every time you want to light up, pull this picture out.
Since Saturday, I've cut down to 6 cigarettes a day. The only time I successfully quit was by cutting down so much that I just got bored with it and forgot to smoke.
I tried the patch a couple of years ago. It didn't help my cravings at all and I was constantly crying.
Instead of saying, "no more for me, I quit!" I'm saying "no more smoking in the house" or "no more smoking in the car." Within 2 weeks, I'll only allow myself to smoke in the doghouse...and then, I'll just put down the cigs for good.
I know where you're coming from...you are going to think you're going nuts for a while, but you will notice you smell better (of course food tastes better), your lungs clear out...I have gone back and forth. If you stick it out for about 3 weeks, you will want to strangle any smoker within your grasp...best wishes to you...
I used the gum and just chewed it for hours... I've been smoke free for about 3 months now...
But, I smoked less than 10 cigarettes a day.. so I wasn't so adversly addicted.. How long? over 25 years.. Oh, I'd always quit for a year or two hear and there...
Once you realize how easy it is to quit smoking, you can do it all the time.
I quit 17 years ago (3 packs a day). I didn't use gum or anything, I just decided I'd had enough. Remember that the urge to smoke will pass in about 10 minutes whether you have a cigarette or not. And if you stop with the gum and stuff the nicotine will be out of your system in about 3 days.
The habit part is the hard one to change. Take up knitting to keep your hands busy. (Yes, guys do knit) Also, find out what time is your biggest urge. Mine was at the table after dinner. Change your routine... for me it was get up as soon as dinner is over and start on dishes.
Have at it...
Both my parent's lives were considerably shortened by smoking cigarettes most of their lives.
The "usual suspects" of diseases/cancers were not present in either case. But their overall health & constitution were badly affected; And the long-term effects on heart (Dad) and lungs (Mom) became very evident when they needed strength to recover from other health problems.
Both died unexpectedly from conditions that would otherwise have been only minor to moderate health concerns.
Wishing you every success and blessing as you win this tough battle against a powerful addiction.
Regards,
Wings
I quit smoking in 1978 after smoking for fifteen years. I had a two to three pack-a-day habit. For about six months, I dreamed about smoking every night. That first cigarette would be better than the best sex ever. I finally broke down, pulled into a 7-11 and bought a pack. I got back into my car, got out a cigarette with shaking hands and lit it. I drew that luxurious wonderful smoke into my lungs. And then I started coughing and almost threw up. I put out the cigarette and threw away the pack. I was cured.
I think I know what you're saying about the gum vs. the patch. I still chew gum until my jaw aches and my finger nails are usually bloody stumps.
I've never smoked in my life and I want to punch people all the time.
Yes, it does feel like you're chewing "pepper" (burning sensation). Like Pavlov's dog, I now constantly chew Trident gum as a substitute for the Niccorette.
Good Luck!