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I quit smoking a month ago. I was using the patch for about 3 + weeks and It was working very well. One day during a 12 shift at work I was busy and forgot to put the patch on. The next day, Forgot again! I decided to keep going on that path and so far 5 days and no cigs and no patch. I smoked less then 10 a day and was on 14 mg patch which is step 2. I had quit before last year and other times and started on the patch those times 2 days and then started smoking again.
Is it wise to just continue on without the patch? I have nearly a full box, Am not having cravings-Other then seeing others in the street smoke and remembering that "first one of the day" feeling. I was really tired of smoking just the same and maybe I just reached the point where I was sick of beating myself up to quit. I also know chances of relapse is high.
Just take one day at a time. I smoked for over 25 years. Quit once and started smoking again 6 years later because I thought I could just stop again after one night. But no. After several more tries, I finally quit 7 years ago. This time I do not miss it at all. Cigs actually stink now, which is a good thing. Reminds me of one reason why I quit.
I think I still had cravings after a year, but I never gave in. After a year, no cravings. I realize now that not unlike an alcoholic, I can never try smoking a cig again.
Hang in there. It is so worth it to quit. You can do it.
I would not use another patch, if you're doing fine without it. I think there are two components to the addiction to smoking, physical and mental. The worst of the physical cravings are gone after about three days. The mental craving can go on a lot longer. It's been 7 years since I quit and I would never smoke again, but sometimes I'll have a dream where I'm smoking, or I'll see someone light a cigarette and wish for a second that I could have one.
It could be that you're past the physical craving and mentally you're really prepared to quit this time. Congrats!
I quit smoking a month ago. I was using the patch for about 3 + weeks and It was working very well. One day during a 12 shift at work I was busy and forgot to put the patch on. The next day, Forgot again! I decided to keep going on that path and so far 5 days and no cigs and no patch. I smoked less then 10 a day and was on 14 mg patch which is step 2. I had quit before last year and other times and started on the patch those times 2 days and then started smoking again.
Is it wise to just continue on without the patch? I have nearly a full box, Am not having cravings-OthIer then seeing others in the street smoke and remembering that "first one of the day" feeling. I was really tired of smoking just the same and maybe I just reached the point where I was sick of beating myself up to quit. I also know chances of relapse is high.
Any similar experiences like this?
When I quit, about 6 years ago I just did it cold turkey. Of course I had tried several times, had lasted as long as 3 months, but always went back. Even this time I still would bum a smoke when I was playing slots at a casino. fortunately that was only a few times a year. When I did give them up I was down to just a handful a day, which helped and I didn't have any temptations here.
It sounds like you have reached the stage I was pretty much at: you just have finally decided you don't like smoking anymore. You will be fine; don't worry about using the patches.
Just take one day at a time. I smoked for over 25 years. Quit once and started smoking again 6 years later because I thought I could just stop again after one night. But no. After several more tries, I finally quit 7 years ago. This time I do not miss it at all. Cigs actually stink now, which is a good thing. Reminds me of one reason why I quit.
Similar story. Heavy smoker for 15 yrs. starting at 14 in 1958, up to 3 packs of Pall Malls a day. Cold turkey for 6 yrs. Then the gasoline shortage of 1979 triggered a stress reaction which included smoking resumption. Cold turkey again 6 yrs. later in 1985. Have had no desire for the weed, as mom used to call it, since then.
Smoking killed dad in 1995. A strong man when it came to will power, except for the weed.
Thanks for the responses, kind words and stories of your own experiences. There is a lot of things that are different since I quit. I can actually smell Summer-The grass, trees, water and it's like a new experience for me. Easier to concentrate at work too.
I think you have to decide for yourself. Some people do quite well with nicotine replacement. My mother used one for years after she stopped smoking. Others need to quell their oral fixation and chew gum or suck on lollipops. Then, there are the people who have to keep their hands and minds busy. Do whatever you need to do.
I would suggest trying the electronic cigarette. I know it will take care of your cravings but you willnot be ingesting the 400 toxic chemicals. Personally it made me uninterested in smoking and I only take the occasional puff of my e- cig !
If you've quit..you're done...no e cigs, no patches needed. You are now a "non-smoker" congrats! The feeling that you "want" one, will continue for years,..ignore it. It will eventually go away.
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without the patch?
