It's been 8 hours. Feel like giving in so much

[Anonymous]

It's been 8 hours since my last cigarette. Please someone remind me why I'm doing this :(

Edit- thank you so much for the support. I just hope tomorrow is better

Second edit- I'm still hanging on ladies, hasn't got any easlier yet. Thanks for all your support

i really didn't expect so many replies. I have read each and every one. Thank you all so much for the support. I'm heading now for 36 hours smoke free :)

 i

[3boysmommaNY]

You got this!!!! Your kids need you, and their kids will need you later in life! Your health is worth more than a $8 pack of smokes. You can do this!!!

[Gaily.Daily]

There are so many factors about smoking that make it difficult for anybody that has never been hooked to understand the guilt and feeling of self disappointment in being so weak every time you lit a cigarette. Actually my doctor used to smoke so he knows how hard it is to go even one hour, to one day, to one week without a puff is amazing because the urge is tremendous.  

I have a half of a plastic straw that I hold like a cigarette while I am on the computer because that was when I really liked to smoke when I was home on the computer; I have sugar-free peppermints; spearmint leaves do a great job in giving oral and olfactory satisfaction.  This may sound dumb but who cares if it helps cut a plastic straw in half stuff some mint leaves (you can just buy mint tea without the bags) bend one side so that the tea doesn't spill out and draw on the straw of mint.  Drink lots of water have it near you and brush your teeth after every meal even if it was just a snack and avoid alcohol at all costs more people go back to smoking because of drinking than you know it's one of those triggers.  The urge is stronger at certain times than others if you find a second to suck on a mint or drink some tea the urge does go away eventually and it will go away for longer and longer periods of time.  

Cold turkey no nicotine gum no patches is the best and most thorough to me and as you can see you are not alone from all the replies you have total support.   

[Anonymous]

The first day is the worst. By seven days your body doesn't Doesn't crave the nicotine it's your mind so find things to chew on like straws or toothpicks

[Mommytolas]

Congrats on doing something amazing for you and your family. My husband is quiting to so far it's been a,long road but he's finally having some success. Hope all goes well and you succeed!

[Lunachick1974]

Way to go Momma!!!! I quit New Year's. You CAN do this. If you need any support, I am here for you.

[maria1613]

Way to go!

[sparrow1138]

Check out quitnet.com I quit in 2003 couldn't have done it without that website

[PKK]

YOU CAN DO IT!!!! HANG IN THERE!!

Do it for YOU, do it for THEM.  Do it this time and you never have to do it again!!!

i finally quit - after 25 years as a pack-a-day smoker - last spring.  It IS POSSIBLE.

When you're tempted to cave, look at your children and imagine THEM sucking on a Marlboro.  Not a pretty picture.  If you do cave, forgive yourself and try again.  

GOOD LUCK!!!

[RoxStetz]

I am quitting also.  I am taking Chantix, and it has worked for me in the past.  I'm finishing my "smoking week" tomorrow, so I'm kind of nervous.  

What types of things are you doing to distract yourself?  Good luck!!   

[Connie04]

Just remember that it takes 72 hours for all the nicotine and other crap to leave your system.  You're half way there!!  Once the physical craving is gone, then you have to deal with the psychological aspect of this addiction.  It's mind over matter at that point.  Chew gum, chew on swizzle sticks, or anything else (except your finger nails!), just anything to keep your hands busy while you overcome the addiction of handling a cigarette.  Avoid doing the usual things you would do while having a cigarette (coffee with friends, going for drinks, etc.).  For a while, you'll need to change your lifestyle until you no longer associate those activities with smoking.  Then, you can gradually go back and you'll find when you do, that the urge to smoke is no longer there or not nearly as strong.  I quit smoking 21 years ago.  It was very difficult and I felt sad at times because I really missed my smoke, but when you think about it, it's an incredibly deadly habit.  It has absolutely no health benefits whatsoever (just the opposite!) and it costs a lot of money.  So, it's a no-brainer to give it up.  It's just a weight around your neck, like any other addiction.  It controls your life and who wants that??  Keep your eyes on those goals and your mind focused on other, more healthy activities and you will succeed.  Good luck!!  I know you can do it :-)!!