I would like to briefly share my experience, to let new quitters learn from my experience.

My experience at my successful quit and reading others' taught me the following:

First of all you have to want to stop smoking. Really ready to give it a proper go and put in the effort.

Secondly you have to work on your psyche long after the withdrawal. Read and re-read, watch and re-watch all the material available, in the links recommended to you here.

Re-reading is important because you are working on changing your mind. Literally. Addiction had been controlling how you think for a while if not the majority of your life,  so you have to undo it and retrain your brain to think differently, create new connections, and it doesn't take one aha moment. Repeat repeat repeat.  You want to  should strive to get to a point that despite the cravings, you are not constantly pining after cigarettes, lamenting that you had to give it up. It will either make you relapse or make for very miserable existence.

It might take awhile to get there, but work towards it and you will.

Thirdly, for me, joining this community was essential. Addiction is a powerful mind manipulator and if you try to do it alone and stay with your own thoughts bubble,  you will be manipulated by an still very actively addicted brain into smoking again.

It is not only possible to quit, but the relief of not having or wanting to smoke again is so liberating. It takes awhile. Until not long ago, even though I was relieved to be a none smoker thats no longer a slave to this substance, and had no more cravings, and even though I have no problems with people smoking around me, I was still afraid of what would happen if somehow I was left alone with a pack of cigarettes or even one cigarette that someone forgot. Now I know I will throw it away with no problem. I've also started to feel sorry for smokers who actively smoke. Not in a condescending way, but It makes me sad to see people sucking on cigarette smoke or vape or whatever nicotine administration method for no reason other than their addiction to nicotine. I know I was at that place, and I know nobody could tell me anything until I was ready to quit myself, but from the other side of the glass, its really sad to see. There is no point to smoking at all really. It doesn't do anything for you. Only against you.

So my quit is still evolving and new things occur to me suddenly and that feels great.

Having said all that, I know full well that one drag will put me right where I started. Nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug, do not underestimate it.

Finally, I don't want to say good luck because it's not luck that you need to successfully quit but determination to do what is needed, and keeping open mind.

If anyone wants help I will be honored to help others they way Lore, Eve, Denim, Anne, Cindy and many others helped me.

Well put!  Congratulations on 2 years 8 months nicotine free.  Looking good on this side of the glass for sure.  The message about changing your psyche is truly key.  Pinning after cigarettes and lamenting over your quit is an awful waste of energy.  REJOICE every single minute of FREEDOM from ADDICTION accomplished right from the first stomped out butt.

This is a time of glowing happiness.  Getting back to the real you.  Shedding all of that BS the smoke companies have spewed. No longer a victim of corporate sabotage.

The song, I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, really hits home.

Quitting smoking/nicotine is certainly worth the effort.

Cheers

Thanks Anne!

Anne2020 said:

nning after cigarettes and lamenting over your quit is an awful waste of energy.  REJOICE every single minute of FREEDOM from ADDICTION accomplished right from the first stomped out butt. This is a time of glowing happiness.  Getting back to the real you.  Shedding all of that BS the smoke companies have spewed. No longer a victim of corporate sabotage. The song, I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, really hits home. Quitting smoking/nicotine is certainly worth the effort.

OMG everyone It is actually  A YEAR and 8 months not TWO YEARS. Total typo!!! or is it Freudian? Maybe it feels that long since I stepped smoking!

Still and achievement! 

Looking forward to celebrating  2 year anniversary!

Hey xvaper, 

I missed your 1 year eight month celebration but I'm happy to have the opportunity to wish you a very happy 1 year 9 months as of this past Wednesday. I'm so happy for you. Yes, as we move forward further and further the time really can get away from us but that's such a good sign and testament to how truly far we've come from the addiction. WOO-HOO! I really am so proud of you and so glad that you and others have remained close to the forum long after quitting. I hope you have something really special planned for your 2nd year celebration in June. I also hope that you're doing well and enjoying the beginning of the Spring season. Talk again soon. Hugs. 

Have a great day.  

!!!!!!

IKR?

Thank you Denim!