Can't stop thinking about smoking. When does it get easier?

[ImaSandyGirl]

Hi, I quit smoking on 1st January and am on day 5. I've gone cold turkey as I've tried other methods before, including vaping, but they haven't worked. I've decided to quit for health reasons, for my young daughter and for financial reasons as I can't afford it, but the truth is that I loved smoking. I quit for 9 months whilst I was pregnant, so I know I can do it.

I can't stop thinking about smoking. I've been thinking of nice, pleasurable things that could replace smoking, but the truth is, there isn't anything. What I would like to know is when does it get easier? When do thoughts about smoking decrease? I know everyone is different, but if anyone who has quit successfully could share their experience, this would be really helpful. Also, it would be good to know how your life has improved for the better since quitting smoking. I really need some inspiration! Thank you.

Hello op.
I changed to vaping, not scented perfumed liquid but just very low nicotine.
There was a thread that started on New Years Eve as support for those who were considering stopping smoking.
I have never worked out how to link threads so hopefully someone will come along who can.
Well done for quitting so far.

Hi Star thanks for your reply. I'll have a look at the thread you mentioned. I've tried vaping, but it isn't really for me. I know it works brilliantly for many people, but I just want to break all associations with smoking if I can. I haven't thought about smoking as much today. I've realised that keeping busy is best for me. I've done 6 days now. Just going to day it one day at a time.

sorry that should have said 'Just going to take it one day at a time'.!

I went cold turkey fifteen years ago OP. keep at it, it’s so worth it.
One month it took to get over the constant thinking about it.

Thanks Silicon, well done for quitting! I think that the constant thoughts about smoking must be uncontrollable in the beginning and its due to the part of the brain affected by nicotine addiction. Well that's my theory anyway! Can I ask you in what ways did your life improve since you quit? Thank you.

I gave up and eventually succeeded because I finally really meant it. I was sick of being dependent. I smoked around 40 a day.
I struggled to work without enough cigarette breaks and I liked to travel but flights were hell.
I hate smoking and the smell of it now. I moved house 10 years ago and my walls are still crisp and white. My old house had yellow stained walls. My lung capacity is back to excellent 😀 I don’t think you realise it’s gone until you get it back
Smoking is just stupid isn’t it? It gives absolutely nothing and takes so much. Keep at it, you don’t need it.

I went cold turkey on smoking two years ago, and the first couple of weeks were hard, especially as I'd given up wine too (the two were inextricably linked for me - fag in one hand, glass in the other). I didn't know what to do to keep my hands occupied, but I started knitting and needlepoint, and that sorted that out. Once I'd got over the first bit, it got easier, I liked not having my hair smelling of smoke and other stuff like that, and very soon it didn't even cross my mind to want a cigarette.

I think if you find something that keeps your mind occupied - even something like a jigsaw - it will help you through this bit. Stick with it - it really is worth it.

I quit 12 years ago. Now I find it strange to think I was ever a smoker.
I couldn’t take it a day at a time... simply 10 minutes. Every craving I had I just told myself ‘I’m not going to smoke for 10 minutes’ then at the end of 10 minutes I though ‘i’ve done that 10, I can do another’. I found that the thoughts would start taking longer and longer to come into my mind, so instead of thinking about it again after 10 minutes I’d realise it had been 30 minutes. Then a whole hour without thinking about it. But when I did think about it again I just told myself that I wouldn’t have one in the next 10 minutes.

Stick at it. Every 10 minutes you do adds up, then suddenly you have a day when you go the whole day without thinking about it.

Benefits? I’m not ashamed to be a smoker any more. I’m healthier, richer, and I have children - there’s no way I would want to smoke around them.

Just smoked my last one. I love smoking but hate being addicted