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Original poster

Ex-smokers - how to avoid smoking on a night out

56 replies

Clutterfreeintraining · 21/09/2018 07:35

I haven’t had a fag for nearly 5 weeks and am so far coping fine. I occasionally think about smoking during the day but always at times when I can’t smoke so there’s little need for willpower to overcome the urge to light up.
I’ve arranged to go out tonight and am already dreading how I’m going to avoid smoking. Anyone have any tips to stay strong and smoke-free?

OP posts:
MrsJayy · 21/09/2018 11:56

No im fine ta and also take chewing gum if youhave an urge

Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 21/09/2018 11:58

Yes, chewing gum is a good idea

OP posts:
NameChanger22 · 21/09/2018 12:01

I think it's easier to just avoid going out in your first year, until you are an established non-smoker. I gave up 14 years ago. I would not want to be a smoker again, not for anything. Missing out on a night out is a small price to pay. If you do go, then avoid drinking alcohol, that will help.

MrsJayy · 21/09/2018 12:10

I like wriglys extra fruity chewing gum and take out with me it doesn't taint the Wine like mint does

LassoOfTruth · 21/09/2018 12:12

Well done for giving up. It's been 8 years for me and I'm so glad to be an ex-smoker! Listen, you are going to want one sometimes, and maybe once or twice you'll give in to that urge and smoke when drinking. I did. But the next day I didn't have any, started clean all over again. And you know what? In only a few months I didn't even think about it, couldn't see the appeal anymore. I found it easier if I didn't drink too much. But what I'm trying to say is don't feel bad if you have one, get back on the wagon next day. It gets easier really quickly. You can do it!

Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 21/09/2018 13:08

NameChanger - whilst I don’t go out often, I hope I don’t have to stay in for a year Grin. I’ll try going out and not drinking first. I reckon I can pass off a lime and soda for vodka, lime and soda.
MrsJayy - I’ll see what my local shop has to offer.
Lasso - thank you and well done on your 8 years!! I can already feel it’s losing its appeal...I just hope I feel the same when I’m at the pub. When I had my last one, I did actually regret it and really wished I hadn’t bothered so maybe I just need to remind myself of that each time I fancy one.

OP posts:
Notajourno · 21/09/2018 13:16

I found the night out smoking the hardest to quit. However, I have now got to the point that the smell makes me heave.

Wear nice perfume and think you don’t want to ruin your aroma with stinky fags.

MrsJayy · 21/09/2018 14:23

The main group of friends me and Dh went out with it was only us that smoked so it was easier but our other set of friends are chimneys so we did struggle if we were with them

hownowpowpow · 21/09/2018 15:50

None of my friends smoke really so that's a help. Although they don't really go out much either. I'm staying in until the October bank holiday weekend so a good five weeks of no drinking.

Am moving house in the intervening period so really hoping that won't send me running for the smokes.

I'll have to keep busy over the weekend as I find I smoke a lot more when I'm not at work.

Hoping we all manage to stay off them over the weekend.

Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 21/09/2018 22:15

I’m back from my night out and still fag-free! Yay!!
I had zero alcohol and didn’t even consider going out to smoke. Might have a beer next time, instead of lime and soda!!!

OP posts:
hownowpowpow · 21/09/2018 22:42

Well done Clutter. You must be delighted with yourself. Fantastic news

CakeNinja · 21/09/2018 22:43

Well done you!!
I am a couple of days away from being 2 years free from cigarettes. I initially switched to an e-cigarette (looks just like a cigarette and used the lowest strength) as a weaning tool which I used for about 8 months.
I took it everywhere with me and now I still have it in a drawer at home which I use occasionally but not for months at a time. I go out and socialise, out in the smoking area too now that I know I will never smoke again because it makes your breath and fingers smell SO BAD! Still prefer being outside though, so accompany friends and enjoy the smoky atmosphere Grin
Keep going, you’ve passed a big hurdle Wine

Mumoftwoyoungkids · 21/09/2018 22:49

Too late for this time but as the weather is getting chilly perhaps next time wear a shirt sleeve top and no coat. Going outside will probably be less tempting if you have to freeze to death to do so!

NC4Now · 21/09/2018 23:55

Well done you!! That’s the first of many.
I’m just back from the pub. I had four pints and am craving a bit, but at home in bed it’s not going to happen.
I just think every success cancels out a craving, somewhere down the line.
Massive well done to you xx

Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 22/09/2018 06:22

Thank you Flowers

NC4Now - ooh, well done to you too! And you managed it with alcohol...that’s my next challenge Grin

I’ve just woken up and feel like I’ve got a hangover Confused How on earth is that possible?

I’m so glad I didn’t give in last night - I think I’m starting to believe I can do this!!

OP posts:
Tinkeytonkoldfruit · 22/09/2018 08:11

I quit years ago but what really helped when having a drink in those first few months was using a nicotine inhalator. I used that to wean myself off and found it particularly useful when drinking as it sort of replicates the sensation of having a cigarette in your hand. Maybe worth a try. Good luck - keep going, the first few months are the toughest but by next year you won't be even thinking about it!

Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 22/09/2018 08:31

Thanks Tinkey and well done for giving up Smile

Last night certainly wasn’t as hard as I was expecting it to be but I’m sure it won’t always be like that.

OP posts:
Mulberry72 · 22/09/2018 09:04

I’ve not smoked for 12 years, and in the early days of having given up I just used to think how bad smoking made me smell. I’d spent time getting ready, doing my hair, lovely clothes so why would I them want to make myself stink?

Worked for me!

Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 22/09/2018 13:13

Yes, I was always conscious of the smell of smoke when I returned from the smoking area

OP posts:
Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 22/09/2018 15:56

NC4Now - thanks for the app suggestion...just downloaded one and had a good read of the health info - very interesting and motivating to keep it going.

OP posts:
Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 29/09/2018 08:18

Last night was my second night out without fags. It was much harder at the start of the night. Walking from the train to meet my sister, it felt like everyone was smoking!! Thankfully, once we got to our destination the cravings passed and I didn’t really think about it. Also had three beers this time Grin

OP posts:
NC4Now · 29/09/2018 09:04

Amazing! Well done. That’s another huge step away from smoking. It’s getting further and further every week 😃

MrsJayy · 29/09/2018 09:44

Well done the cravings are always going to pop up when you least expect it but you get through them. Dh was saying a guy at his work still gets cravings 5 years on Hmm

Original poster
Clutterfreeintraining · 29/09/2018 10:15

So far, any cravings I’ve had have been when I wouldn’t have been able to smoke anyway so it’s been relatively easy to block them out. Last night was definitely more challenging and I’ve woken up again sounding and feeling like I smoked and drank too much Confused I probably should have drank more water but I’d have had to get up to see in the night and I wanted sleep more HmmGrin

OP posts:
MrsJayy · 29/09/2018 10:18

I was standing at a bus station yesterday and somebody was smoking I could smell it and got an almighty craving