How to stay stopped?

[InBlackwaterWoods]

Help! I've inadvertently stopped smoking. Chest infection, followed by sinus infection and migraines mean I haven't had a puff since Sunday evening. Four days and counting!
Doing well so far, mostly cos head minced still. Honestly not missing it but I know I'll be tempted when I feel better!
I've stopped before but always end up smoking again!
How do you stay stopped? Tips and hints would be greatly appreciated please!

For me that's like asking how to stay slim after dieting. The answer is willpower !!!! Sadly something I'm lacking. I've never smoked but I certainly wish I had plenty of willpower when it comes to staying slim once I slogged to get there. I will add even though the illness is not a bonus the outcome was. Well done and all the best ( and lots of willpower)

Haha, thanks! I have willpower! And fisherman's friends! Just know I'll be tempted! I was yesterday but managed to avoid it!
Willpower it is then! 😁

Hi OP,

Maybe it's worth trying to vape/gum/patches etc? Especially with summer around the corner, I reckon it'll be really tough going cold turkey :)

All the best!

You've done the cold turkey. Now you just need to keep yourself where you are. Every day will be easier than the one before. Trust me. I gave up 1.5 years ago - for me nicorette inhalator was my friend. And still is. Though I never use it - still have it with me. Don't try to puff it like a cig. Just draw on it a little, and nicotine is absorbed into blood stream through mouth. That's all you need. Something to put in your mouth 👄

I wouldn't vape. That's a step back for you. You're past that at your stage.

I quit cold turkey when I found out I was pregnant, so that was the best reason not to continue.

For me it was the habit that was hard to kick. You lose the craving of nicotine after just 2 days, but a lot of people go back to it because they don't realise it's the action they're also addicted to.

Having a pencil to play with when I felt the craving really helped. I didn't use patches or gum because I didn't need the nicotine hit, but I did need something to do with my hands.

Thanks for the ideas! I do have a wee vape cig that I used last time I did Stoptober, it's very good! I'm hoping not to use that unless I get crabbit tho! Good point about keeping hands and mouth busy!
I'm already thinking ooh I'll get a fag at work tomorrow!
No, no I wont! No more fag breaks!!!

Argh! I'm at work and so far avoided m smoking habits and buddies! But I want one!!
Willpower is winning so far! But its tough!
I have given up before, when I was pregnant and then two years ago at Stoptober. So I can do it, but then its 'one to console the loser' or 'one isnt going to hurt'.
It bloody will though, cos one leads to another!!

NOT SMOKING!!!

I stopped smoking last year, very easy for me it was a choice between saving up to buy my kids Xmas presents or buying cigarettes
I was 20 a day and it was almost 70 quid a week..

My kids Xmas presents won..couldn’t afford those and cigarettes.
I bought a cheap 5 quid vape pen and little cheap e liquids from the pound shop to get through the worst of the cravings.
Never looked back..had a cigarette a month after I gave up and it was disgusting. I smell smokers and they stink and I think I smelt like that.

All the money you spent on fags save the cash up that’s the willpower and incentive there, and come summer you’ve decent amount of cash to treat the kids on day trips in school holidays

@InBlackwaterWoods how are you getting on? I'm at the same stage you were, only a few days in, so nicotine gone but cravings/behavioural component still active!