Welcome August Quitters!  Not too long ago I was exactly where you are now - and today I'm at 5.5 months smoke-free.  Use this forum for support, celebration, ranting, laughing - helping each other helps us all.

When I first joined, a member with several years smoke-free posted this "Smoker's Pledge."  I love it because it is SO TRUE and SO SIMPLE!  And it's just a small slice of the good stuff that awaits you here!

And to put yourself in the right frame of mind each day, be sure to go to the "General Chit Chat" Discussion and join the daily NOPE PLEDGE.  I am always pleasantly surprised at how much it helps me!

Best,

Emily

5.5 months smoke-free!

Freed myself 6 days 17 hours and 5 minutes ago. This forum has been a godsend even though this is my first post. I have been reading.

Hi Toni ,

Welcome and congrats on quitting smoking.  Keep on reading.;  There is so much helpful information here on the forum and some great quit buddies.

Fight the Urge to Smoke by Knowing These 4 Triggers

Congratulations on 6 days, that is fantastic.  I have read a lot on here and posted just a couple of times.  I am on my 3rd day.  You are doing great.......hope to see you on here more often

Hi everyone,

The more we know about nicotine addiction and it's affects on the brain, the better.   

Verywell Mind

A Toxic Relationship of Smokers and Their Nicotine Addiction

Most smokers think they like smoking, but the truth about smoking pleasure has little to do with enjoyment. It's a toxic, addictive relationship.

Read more from Verywell Mind

Verywell Mind

Nicotine: Everything You've Been Afraid to Ask

Learn how nicotine creates addiction inside the brain and what you can do to stop using any form of nicotine for good.

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Verywell Mind

How to Beat Junkie Thinking During Nicotine Withdrawal

Learn why nicotine withdrawal puts unhealthy thoughts of smoking into your minds, and find out how you can beat junkie thinking.

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Hi August!

I am from the January group. Just wanted to say hello and welcome you to the best place ever for support throughout the journey of your quit.

I was on this forum ALL THE TIME during my first 4 months. I could never have stayed away from cigarettes without the help from all these amazing people. 

The best advice I can offer is to stay on guard at all times, read Allen Carr The Easy Way to Quit Smoking, do whatever it takes to distract distract distract, keep that dopamine level high, post post post, make a list of reasons for quitting a read it often, have a bag of tricks (tool box) prepared and stocked for when you need to distract yourself and reward yourself often for all your hard work!!

All this so far is working for me, but there can never be complacency..I always remind myself of this

Best 

Robin 

Hello again, 

I've been on this forum through my last quit. I'm about to finish Allen Carr's easyway. It's 2.36am in Lisbon, I'm not sure if I can finish it before falling asleep. But when I do, I'm restarting my journey towards a smoke free life. I've smoked for about 22 years and it's not going to be easy but I have to make it. I hope to be counting on this forum support really soon. 

Thank you for being here! 

Please rely on the forum to help you because it is (literally) a lifesaver.

Post often! I spent sooooo much time on here during the first three months. It's so important to stay connected with these people who really get it...who really understand the physical and emotional toll and benefits of quitting this slavery.

I'm on my fifth day, I can't even believe it. I've been a non smoker for 4 days and 13 hours. 

I can't take zyban or chantix but I've been taking some natural supplements and I really think they're helping me. 

Plus I keep reminding myself that even if I don't have a child my parents are getting older and they may need my help in a not too distant future. 

Cravings are not commands is a mantra that's really helped me so far! 

Believe in your ability to nail this!!! 

When we quit, Every single one of us can see the drug addict we became.  We get all jittery and anxious and out of sorts because we are hooked on those wicked cigarettes. We think we can't live without them but WE CAN. We may want them but We Don't Need Them.

You are still working through Hell Week and your body is detoxing. Next comes Heck Week and we still get nasty craves but are starting to learn routines and strategies to outwit the agony of the craves. This proves how wicked this drug addiction is. 

Stick close to the forum and keep reading everything. We all needed to fill those 2-3 hours daily that we spent smoking on more worthwhile things. Get new experiences in your life and go to places where smoking is not allowed. You'll eventually get to a happier place in the quit just give your brain time to fix everything. 

"Quitting isn't for Sissies!" I quit poisoning myself Sept. 27, 2013