Grrr..Can't stop smoking-what am I doing wrong??
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I just wanted to second what everyone here has said, going down from 40 to 1 is great, and there is no reason to beat yourself up over that one cig.
It took me quite a while to totally give up my cigs (about 2 packs per day), but here is what worked for me:
1) If I wanted to smoke I made a promise to myself that I would vape for 15 to 30 minutes before I did, and then if the craving was still too strong I gave myself permission to smoke one.
2) When I was in an eating disorder treatment program. To help us let go of the eating disorder, which for many of us was just as much a "friend" or part of our identity as cigarettes can be, they had us write a "goodbye letter". You write a letter to your addiction, as if it was a real person, and detail all the things it has given you then detail why it would be better to let it go. Sort of like if you wrote a letter to break up with someone, you might write about how good the good times were but then let them know that it's no longer good for you and you're letting go.
Don't know if either of these would work for you, but figured I'd throw them out there since they worked for me and I've finally been able to go 45 days without any cigs at all.
It took me quite a while to totally give up my cigs (about 2 packs per day), but here is what worked for me:
1) If I wanted to smoke I made a promise to myself that I would vape for 15 to 30 minutes before I did, and then if the craving was still too strong I gave myself permission to smoke one.
2) When I was in an eating disorder treatment program. To help us let go of the eating disorder, which for many of us was just as much a "friend" or part of our identity as cigarettes can be, they had us write a "goodbye letter". You write a letter to your addiction, as if it was a real person, and detail all the things it has given you then detail why it would be better to let it go. Sort of like if you wrote a letter to break up with someone, you might write about how good the good times were but then let them know that it's no longer good for you and you're letting go.
Don't know if either of these would work for you, but figured I'd throw them out there since they worked for me and I've finally been able to go 45 days without any cigs at all.
First I want to say congratulations. I was just like you in the beginning for the first week and a half of quitting smoking. I realized I was under the impression that I think so many people new to vaping are under. The impression is that I would quit smoking and start vaping and it would be as if nothing had changed. Well, as you probably have figured out that isn't the case. Well, what does this mean? It means that a sacrifice has to be made.(I was so ...... when I figured that out.) The good news is that vaping is the smallest sacrifice I've found to quit smoking. It's hard! Some days it's really hard! There are days when none of the juice I have will curb the craving to have a cigarette. The only thing that stands in the way of me having a cigarette are my family and my desire to stop smoking. And in hindsight I'm glad it's hard. If it wasn't I would take the little time that I have for granted. Some may call me a hypocrite considering that I've only been smoke free for a little over two months, but I've been through the addiction ringer before. I'm not bragging but I am proud that I haven't had a drug or drink in over eight years! I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but candy coating it won't save your life. That is what's at stake after all. I think what you're asking all of us to do is find a reason that is good enough for you to quit, I can't do that and wouldn't dare take that away from you. You have to want to quit for yourself. Find the strength to not pick up a cigarette. Remember your desire to stop smoking is a promise that you make to yourself and if you can't keep promise to yourself who can you keep a promise to? Congratulations what you have accomplished is nothing short of a miracle. I know you can do it. You just have to believe that yourself.
Dahl, from the FL on your profile, I take it your an American, like me. We are unduly pressured in this All or Nothing society. Success comes in many gradients. Seems like huge change has taking place in your life, with vaping!! So take heart, our accomplishments should be measured by our own values and not others.
I am sure most of us know people who quit "Cold Turkey", and there advice to all of us was to just "quit", like turning off a light switch. Well, I don't work that way, it's not weakness or lack of resolve, its that solutions and the journeys there are different for each of us.
Ask yourself this - Would you be better off smoking 40 analogs a day or one? Are you closer to your goal, than you were before Vaping? Yes? Then at least at least acknowledge how far you've come. That last cigarette may just be the last vestige of a lifestyle (almost a relationship) that you've had for a long time. It's not easy, but so close, I am sure you can complete the journey.
I am sure most of us know people who quit "Cold Turkey", and there advice to all of us was to just "quit", like turning off a light switch. Well, I don't work that way, it's not weakness or lack of resolve, its that solutions and the journeys there are different for each of us.
Ask yourself this - Would you be better off smoking 40 analogs a day or one? Are you closer to your goal, than you were before Vaping? Yes? Then at least at least acknowledge how far you've come. That last cigarette may just be the last vestige of a lifestyle (almost a relationship) that you've had for a long time. It's not easy, but so close, I am sure you can complete the journey.
I'm just guessing but that this post was directed at my post. Just to clarify I wasn't trying to be negative and I in no way am trying to undermine a monumental achievement. I was just trying to motivate. Sometimes when others speak the truth that we don't want to admit to ourselves it can give us the strength we need to take that step we have been so reluctant to take. You are right that we all have to take our own path and you learn so much about yourself on that journey. The OP was looking for what they were doing wrong. Insanity is defined by doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I do wish everyone on here the best of luck on their journey and if they need any advice I will be there for anyone.
Congrats on the 13 years. Strange how time flies. It's strange how everything that I learned (and am still learning) all those years ago apply to so many areas of your life. Addiction and nonaddiction related. One day at a time and we'll all make it.
I'm just guessing but that this post was directed at my post. Just to clarify I wasn't trying to be negative and I in no way am trying to undermine a monumental achievement. I was just trying to motivate. Sometimes when others speak the truth that we don't want to admit to ourselves it can give us the strength we need to take that step we have been so reluctant to take. You are right that we all have to take our own path and you learn so much about yourself on that journey. The OP was looking for what they were doing wrong. Insanity is defined by doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I do wish everyone on here the best of luck on their journey and if they need any advice I will be there for anyone.
I was actually commenting on (i think it was #30 something comment,) about being miserable in the morning. The author stated she was just miserable in the morning with or without an analog.
I thought when I hit reply on that comment, it would follow it, I was mistaken.
Well, you learn something new every day.
I thought when I hit reply on that comment, it would follow it, I was mistaken.
Well, you learn something new every day.
I didn't find you post negative in the least. The OP did ask what they were doing wrong and apparently wants to stop completely so you gave good advice.
I was actually commenting on (i think it was #30 something comment,) about being miserable in the morning. The author stated she was just miserable in the morning with or without an analog.
I thought when I hit reply on that comment, it would follow it, I was mistaken.
Well, you learn something new every day.
Comments come fast and furious!
I thought mornings would be the hardest for me, but they weren't. Evening are a little harder. I smoke a lot when I'm on the computer apparently. My Mom's a telephone smoker. I guess you have to identify the triggers and try to get past them.
I've been vaping for about 3 weeks. I haven't bought a pack of analogs since, BUT my roommate smokes, and I'm use to going outside with him to smoke throughout the night. My biggest problem right now is the morning cig, but more than anything it's not having an analog after drinking or smoking weed (I have a California medical ......... card).
A few times I've asked my roommate if I can have an analog at night, what I normally do is take a few hits from it then put it out and save the other half, that way if I really feel the need to smoke in the morning, I just finish off the half from the night before.
There have been a few days where I was drinking and smoked an entire analog, but no more than one or two a day for me since I started vaping. I think that's much better than smoking an entire pack a day like I was.....
A few times I've asked my roommate if I can have an analog at night, what I normally do is take a few hits from it then put it out and save the other half, that way if I really feel the need to smoke in the morning, I just finish off the half from the night before.
There have been a few days where I was drinking and smoked an entire analog, but no more than one or two a day for me since I started vaping. I think that's much better than smoking an entire pack a day like I was.....
I actually meant to hit the reply with quote too. Lol. I guess I took it personally because it's not in my nature to be so blunt and was expecting some backlash. I'm naturally a people pleaser,but when I know that the blunt honest truth will help more than hurt I have an obligation to say something. After all it's what saved my life. Sorry if it sounded like I was calling you out.I was actually commenting on (i think it was #30 something comment,) about being miserable in the morning. The author stated she was just miserable in the morning with or without an analog.
I thought when I hit reply on that comment, it would follow it, I was mistaken.
Well, you learn something new every day.
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