I'm quitting smoking

[calmday]

I have decided to quit smoking. I have a nicotine lozenge in my mouth and I have a nicotine inhalator ready to use.

I expect to find it difficult. I suffer from mental health problems so struggle when stopping smoking lowers my mood.

I thought giving up would negatively affect my mental health but it's been really positive. I've slipped up, e.g. the last two days had a friend staying who smokes heavily. Going from 15ish a day to maybe one every few days through sheer will power has been a positive experience.

Focus on why you want to quit and if you slip up, it's not a failure

Best of luck. One of the best things you can do for your health. See if your GP still offers stop smoking services.

Thanks for the replies. Ladywithlapdog I've used NHS stop smoking services in the past, I can't go back to them cos it's less than 12 weeks since I last used them (and failed miserably) but the good news is a have plenty of NRT products left in the cupboard to use.

Knobofstork did you not get feelings of depression upon giving up smoking?

No but I think you have to find something to make a new habit. In most situations I'm able to make a cup of tea, or listen to music until the feelings pass. I've ended up buying cigs tonight but I've been watching a sad film and drinking. Tomorrow is a new day.

How does it affect you, does it make you want to SH instead of smoking, just feeling frustrated, physical nicotine craving or something else? If you can isolate what specifically is making you want to smoke that might be a useful tool.

It's the physical withdrawal symptoms from nicotine. I've got nicotine lozenges, nicotine inhalator and nicotine patches so these should help with the withdrawal symptoms.

Right. Coming on to this thread is my first step. I am booked in to nhs stop smoking next week already wondered whether to cancel What can I expect there?

Well done for what you're doing

Thinking about replacing the odd ciggie with nicorette gum, anyone tried it?

Hi Fantastic. I've been to the NHS stop smoking services and they ask you how much you've been smoking, to determine how much NRT to prescribe you. Then they will usually give you patches and another NRT product such as gum or lozenges. Then they will make you blow into a carbon monoxide detector thingy.

I've not been doing too well in my stopping smoking attempt, I've been smoking again. But I'm trying again today.

Let me know how you get on.

And the nicorette gum is good, takes the edge off the cravings.

Ah, thank you for replying. I have cancelled the appointment though, as I bought a vaper...amazing how far they've come in the last few years! And I got some kind of vanilla custard biscuit flavoured nicotine liquid stuff, tastes nice. Got it two days ago...had 3 fags that day, one fag yesterday and none so far today !! Quite amazed! I like the vape, and now ciggies taste really foul - result! I also bought the gum and lozenges but liked the vape so much, I've returned them to shop thus saving £20, looking forward to trying new flavours, really thought I'd hate it, so am rather pleased

Hi Fantastic. Glad to hear the vape is working out, good for you. I had a few months on e cigs and they were really good. I didn't notice any cravings. Eventually my e cigarette broke and every one I've tried since just breaks really easily so I just went back to smoking.

I'm having another attempt to quit smoking. I'm currently chewing on some nicotine gum. Will be hard. But gonna try my best.