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ilovecats · 04-10-2009, 10:53 PM

As the date grows closer I am getting a little anxious.I did read Allen Carr's book
about 1 1/2 years ago and remember quite a bit of it to know that yes,We can all stop,most of it is in the mind.I know that intellectually,but deep down inside "I need my cigs"

.I did get the 2 weeks of patches that were offered here in a freebie thread,I am planning on buying some gum.I was trying to really cut down to make the whole thing easier but find myself getting so anxious about the suffering I am going to go through that I think I am actually smoking more.I hope I have the guts to go through with this,I really do.I kind of feel like I don't want to quit,I sure wish I never started.Good luck to everyone!

Johnsmom · 04-10-2009, 11:09 PM

I felt this way too, even after reading the book. However, re-reading it really helped. I didn't really feel it after the first reading. I started the book a few more times, but didn't finish. This last time, it really got me to feeling ready and not afraid. The fear was my biggest hurdle. I know some people don't feel this way. Trying to cut down and anticipating a quit always made me smoke more, too. I haven't felt as bad during this quit as I used to prior to a quit/quit attempt.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovecats

As the date grows closer I am getting a little anxious.I did read Allen Carr's book
about 1 1/2 years ago and remember quite a bit of it to know that yes,We can all stop,most of it is in the mind.I know that intellectually,but deep down inside "I need my cigs"

.I did get the 2 weeks of patches that were offered here in a freebie thread,I am planning on buying some gum.I was trying to really cut down to make the whole thing easier but find myself getting so anxious about the suffering I am going to go through that I think I am actually smoking more.I hope I have the guts to go through with this,I really do.I kind of feel like I don't want to quit,I sure wish I never started.Good luck to everyone!

ilovecats · 04-10-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnsmom

I felt this way too, even after reading the book. However, re-reading it really helped. I didn't really feel it after the first reading. I started the book a few more times, but didn't finish. This last time, it really got me to feeling ready and not afraid. The fear was my biggest hurdle. I know some people don't feel this way. Trying to cut down and anticipating a quit always made me smoke more, too. I haven't felt as bad during this quit as I used to prior to a quit/quit attempt.

Thanks for your input.I don't actually have the book,I was able to order it from another library and have it sent to mine.That will take time to do again.I wonder if instead of setting April 15th as a date if I should re-order and read the book again.I was all ready to quit after I read it but I didn't use any patches or gum or anything,I suffered for about 24 hours and then ran to buy cigs because I felt like crap.Anyone have any suggestions?Should I just do it on the day I said I would or try to read the book again??

Johnsmom · 04-10-2009, 11:41 PM

I think it is more important to be fully prepared than to meet a particular date. I didn't set a date. I gathered all the things I would need and then I decided I was not going to buy any more cigarettes. I kept reading the book and I had to skip a little to time the finish properly, but it worked well. Keep in mind that I did (do) use the patch and that is in contrast to the book. However, I really felt it would be better for me personally to do it that way. I truly think you should get the book if you feel you need help with the anxiety about quitting. Also, if you really believe you can't do this cold turkey, then do consider NRT. I know some are not for NRT, but whatever you can do to not smoke is a good thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovecats

Thanks for your input.I don't actually have the book,I was able to order it from another library and have it sent to mine.That will take time to do again.I wonder if instead of setting April 15th as a date if I should re-order and read the book again.I was all ready to quit after I read it but I didn't use any patches or gum or anything,I suffered for about 24 hours and then ran to buy cigs because I felt like crap.Anyone have any suggestions?Should I just do it on the day I said I would or try to read the book again??

meltodd69 · 04-11-2009, 02:01 AM

Any advice from you past quitters on the anxious feeling as the date gets closer?

Johnsmom · 04-11-2009, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltodd69

Any advice from you past quitters on the anxious feeling as the date gets closer?

Well, I reminded myself that it would be fine. Not smoking never killed anyone. I figured the worst that would happen is I wouldn't succeed and I would be no worse off that I was already. I repeated a lot of Allen Carr's words. I told myself each craving is the tantrum of a dying monster. The cravings will pass, and with each one, the addiction gets less and less. I would actually put it out of my mind a lot before I quit. I would figure I will think about that part when I quit. For now, I am going to carry on as usual. I am such an anxiety prone person, and in the past, the anxiety stopped me from even trying to quit for many years. I really credit the Allen Carr book for changing that.

meltodd69 · 04-11-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnsmom

I told myself each craving is the tantrum of a dying monster.

That's good! I'm going to use that.
And my monster, for added kicks when I have to visualize, will have my favorite politicians face.

DBackFan · 04-11-2009, 12:40 PM

One of the things I learned is that nicotine cravings are NOT as strong as we make them out to be. For example "most" smokers don't wake up suddenly in the night with an urge that you just have to have a cigarette, in fact a lot can sleep 7-10 hours no problem without one, you can during the day too.

Also if you read the book you don't have to set a date! In fact when I bought it I even said "Fine! I will read it but I am still gonna smoke!"..LOL Then when I started reading and he says go ahead light up I was like WUHHHH? He is amazing I think.

sheila_361 · 04-11-2009, 01:34 PM

What made me quit was seeing my mom laying in a hospital bed so doped up on Morphine, and a machine breathing for her then to lose her 2 days later. I was smoking about 3 packs a day, and quit cold turkey, so I know if I can do it anyone can.

***Willow*** · 04-11-2009, 04:18 PM

Good luck to all of you are who are going to try to quit. I quit about 10 years ago. I ran out of cigarettes one day and never bought anymore. I never had cravings. Think of how much money you will save and how much better you will smell.

meltodd69 · 04-11-2009, 04:26 PM

OMG Willow!! She is just beautiful! That is the cutest pic I've seen in along time.