quitting

[happystar246]

Hello everyone im here to try to quit vaping.Iv been 4-5 years smoking but those days im starting to think and im kinda scared if something gonna happend to me.I really want to quit but idk when im stressed out sad or anything i smoke so idk if i will be able to quit. Please if you could give me some advice and help me out. Thank you

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!

After you have done some reading to understand this addiction, done your planning and preparation for your quit, you will get rid of ALL nicotine products on your quit day.  This quit thing is pretty much an all or nothing kind of endeavor.  You can't smoke or puff on things you don't have!  

Quitting any nicotine product is about the same, no matter the delivery system.  This welcome mentions smoking, but the information pertains to them all.

Understanding the addiction and having a PLAN going forward will reduce the anxiety of quitting.  Get busy learning and preparing, and I think you may actually start to look forward to this journey!  You will do this one day at a time, so don't be looking further ahead than that. 

An important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. I was amazed when I learned that the stress reduction you feel using nicotine is caused by the brain receptors calming that have gradually built in volume jonesing for their next fix!  I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way To Stop Smoking."  He provides a new perspective on the whole quit experience.

To better deal with the habit part of the addiction, change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from where you smoked. Maybe switch to tea for a bit.  If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your walking shoes on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN drinking your coffee!

After you have eliminated as many associations as you can, you need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Keep a cold bottle of water with you. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged.  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:  https://community.exprogram.com/t5/Blogs/101-Things-to-Do-Instead-of-Smoke/ba-p/1028319.

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?"  Then DO it.  You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

You might want to join other site members by taking the daily pledge when you quit. It helps to hold yourself accountable and also accountable to others here. Find it at Home (top left), then first box titled "Take the Daily Pledge."

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[happystar246]

1. Thank you so much for the support

[CommunityAdmin]

Hi there, and welcome to the EX Community @happystar246! My name’s Quiana, and I’m part of the EX Team. I want to say congratulations on making the incredible decision to quit. You’ve already taken such a brave and important step, and we’re honored to be here with you on this journey.

This community is full of support, encouragement, and understanding, so please don’t hesitate to share your progress or struggles or check in when you need a little extra motivation. A great way to stay focused is by visiting our Daily Pledge page. It’s a simple yet powerful way to commit to quitting one day at a time while connecting with others on the same path.

If vaping is part of what you’re working to quit, we’ve got you covered! Our vaping group is filled with helpful conversations and resources tailored to your experience, so be sure to check it out.

To help you get started, here are a couple of helpful articles:

• Right Before You Quit
• 3 Ways to Get Support

We’re so glad you’re here, and we believe in you! You’ve got what it takes, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Quiana, EX Team

[Barbscloud]

@happystar246 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your upcoming quit.

 Anxiety about quitting is normal. Many describe it as losing their best friend. When we quit, we learn what a hostile relationship nicotine was for our mental and physical health. We've smoked our way through every event and emotion, so it's only normal that were apprehensive. Approaching your quit one day at a time can help to alleviate the fear. Don't think about forever right now. You'll see those one days will turn into multiple days.

No matter the source, nicotine is an addictive chemical so yes it can be hard to quit. The fact that you vape almost anywhere doesn't make it any easier.  The same principles to quit smoking will apply to your quit. Take the time to educate yourself about nicotine and have a quit plan. Knowledge and preparation have been made quitting possible for many of us. I never did either in the past and I was never successful. I was planning my quit this time and found the Ex a week before my quit date. I finally learned how to quit and how important support from other quitters can be. Read lots of material on the site. You found a great group of quitters to support you on your journey. Having a quit plan by identifying tools to use, how to cope with cravings and creating new associations to replace smoking/vaping. This link will get you off on the right track to be successful.

https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

We have our favorite quit tools. I used Sour Patch Kids, chewing on straws, playing video games and walking. If you're able, walking is a great way to refocus your thoughts and get an added boost of dopamine needed when eliminating nicotine. And deep breathing exercises will help you get through some tough times.

The habit (or psychological aspect) has more to do with when and where you smoke. After a meal, in your car, when you're happy, when you're sad, etc. That's where creating new associations comes into play. What can you do instead of smoking when you're stressed, having your coffee, going to events, etc.? Be creative! Instead of smoking, go for a walk, take shower, chew on straws, hard candy, call a friend, and come to the Ex and read/post.

Have you chosen to use a quit aid? They can really help with the initial withdrawal symptoms.

Reinforce your quit by joining many of us quitters on the Daily Pledge, It's a great way to stay accountable to yourself and to stay on track one day at a time.

Attitude and preparation are keys to success. Approaching your quit one day at a time helps to alleviate much of the anxiety we experience when we think about quitting. We're here to support you so reach out anytime you need help, want to share your experience, and to support other quitters.

Go glad you found us!  Stay busy and stay close.

Barb