OhioGolfer
03-09-2007, 03:29 PM
Today marks 31 days for me nicotine free. After literally years of patches, gum, hypnosis, online support groups, etc. I have put together 31 days without a smoke or any nicotine replacements.
The difference for me this time was a key motivator that helped me decide that I wanted to be smoke-free more than I wanted to smoke. I have had neck problems for years, and they have gotten progressively worse. The neurosurgeon finally said I was a surgical candidate. I scheduled my 2-level disk removal and fusion, and set my quit date shortly before the surgery. I read up on all of the problems smoking causes in bone fusion and general recovery from surgery, and committed to the quit.
For me, the difference has been focus. All of my previous attempts had been centered around actively thinking about not smoking. Support groups, gum, etc. all require you to focus on not smoking. Non-smokers don't focus on not smoking -- it never occurs to them. By simply throwing away the cigs and focusing on recovering from my surgery, I have had remarkably little in the way of side effects or cravings. A little weight gain, but that is mostly due to the fact that I have been limited in my activity since the surgery.
Sure, surgery is an extreme example, but I think the principle is sound. Put your focus on work, family, hobbies, whatever , and you will find it far easier to say "No" when a craving hits, because you will be acting and thinking like a non-smoker. I was a pack a day guy for the better part of 30 years, so it can be done. Good luck to all!
The difference for me this time was a key motivator that helped me decide that I wanted to be smoke-free more than I wanted to smoke. I have had neck problems for years, and they have gotten progressively worse. The neurosurgeon finally said I was a surgical candidate. I scheduled my 2-level disk removal and fusion, and set my quit date shortly before the surgery. I read up on all of the problems smoking causes in bone fusion and general recovery from surgery, and committed to the quit.
For me, the difference has been focus. All of my previous attempts had been centered around actively thinking about not smoking. Support groups, gum, etc. all require you to focus on not smoking. Non-smokers don't focus on not smoking -- it never occurs to them. By simply throwing away the cigs and focusing on recovering from my surgery, I have had remarkably little in the way of side effects or cravings. A little weight gain, but that is mostly due to the fact that I have been limited in my activity since the surgery.
Sure, surgery is an extreme example, but I think the principle is sound. Put your focus on work, family, hobbies, whatever , and you will find it far easier to say "No" when a craving hits, because you will be acting and thinking like a non-smoker. I was a pack a day guy for the better part of 30 years, so it can be done. Good luck to all!