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Post by spike99 on Jul 24, 2007 14:26:33 GMT -5
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Last fall, I had to quit smoking. Either that or be 6 feet "under the ground" within 2 years. Like many, I did proactive research. Read, surfed, watch online videos and asked ex-smokers how they quit. During my research, I asked my uncle how he quit. He explained his secret (how he quit 14 years ago) and he also told me, "once addicted - always addicted". At the time, I never understood what he meant. But, he told me to memorize it anyway. When needed, I could reflect on this saying and use it as a sheild - to fight a future craving.
During a camp fire last night, an older guy explained that he quit smoking in 1973. Heck, I was a young kid back then. This older guy explained that even today, the odd craving tries to catch him off guard. He knows he can't smoke (due to his health problems as well) but every once in a while, a craving comes knocking at his door. Much like the big bad wolf trying to blow down a house of sticks. Luckily, he rebuilt his house of stone (sort of speaking) and the ugly beast leaves, and tries a different house. As he explained this, I thought to myself. Wow! The old guy and my uncle are right. "Once addicted, always addicted". Never let your guard down or open that front door. Perhaps there really is wisdom in the older ages? Always remember what the older folks are saying today. Their little sayings can be handy some day.
Hope this "explanation of another shield" helps others as well... Especially if you want to make your life last longer...
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Post by larrynz on Jul 24, 2007 16:24:50 GMT -5
After 7 years I still put my hand in my pocket from time to time, instead of a packet of smokes in my pocket is ventolin, a good reminder.
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Post by bobbioh on Jul 25, 2007 6:29:33 GMT -5
I quit for 6 yrs,then started back up for 3 have been smoke free since October 23,2005 And not a day goes by I dont want a cig at least twice a day. I know Im a addict And I tell people just that. Heck I want one right now. But I will never ever touch them again,I would rather cut my hand off. This is one beast Im going to win against,bobbioh
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Post by LindaNY on Jul 25, 2007 6:51:09 GMT -5
Nicotine is a very powerful drug. Even more so than heroin, according to my doctor.
Fortunately I quit 2 1/2 years ago and really haven't had any really strong cravings.
Mind you I smoked 2 to 3 packs a day for almost 49 years, but I do understand the nature of addiction so will always be on guard.
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Post by Joyce7 on Jul 25, 2007 13:24:55 GMT -5
Once addicted--always addicted is sure a true statement. My cousin and his wife both quit smoking about 15 years ago. I was so proud of them because his parents smoked and hers, mine smoked and so did I...it was almost a heriditary thing it seemed. They are now retired and are full time RVers. I knew that my cousin's wife had had emergency gall bladder removal surgery performed and she aspirated and came down with pneumonia. She almost died, but thank goodness she didn't. When they visited my sister and I, I noticed, as they gave me a tour of their RV, that there was a pack of cigarettes and a lighter on the kitchen counter. I didn't say anything but later mentioned it to my sister. She had asked my cousin about who hard started smoking again, and he said he had started smoking the day his wife came down with pneumonia. He said the stress was so great and he couldn't handle it and lit up once, just thinking it might ease his stress, and is still smoking. Even he can't believe that after so many years that he lit up...just one time and it only took that one cigarette to get him hooked once again. So, I do believe it is true that once addicted - always addicted.
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Post by morningstar on Jul 25, 2007 17:38:50 GMT -5
I don't think I have had a day since I stopped that I haven't want one. But I know me one would be two and so on. I don't think the craving will ever go away.
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Post by maryaz on Jul 25, 2007 22:04:50 GMT -5
I also have been told that the nicotine is harder to quit than heroin. That is pretty bad/sad. A doctor speaking at a NECA conference included that when discussing the smoking. I had heard it even before that. I know two ex-drug addicts that said quitting is harding than having gotten off the drugs. Nicotine is a very powerful drug. Even more so than heroin, according to my doctor. Fortunately I quit 2 1/2 years ago and really haven't had any really strong cravings. Mind you I smoked 2 to 3 packs a day for almost 49 years, but I do understand the nature of addiction so will always be on guard. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2007 17:01:14 GMT -5
Not me! I smoked for 34 years and quit 6 years ago. I have COPD. I find myself short of breath often, especialy during exertion. I NEVER have a craving for a smoke. If I have to walk through an area with smokers, I cringe.
I can't imagine inhaling smoke into my lungs on purpose.
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