trying to quit smoking..

[Mike]

Acupressure, is akin to acupuncture, but without the needles!

There are allegedly two pressure points on the ear or ears, but
I am not sure which one, or if they are on both, one suppresses
the appetite for food and the other, the appetite for nicotine!

They are on the top of the ear and on the lobe, just gently pinch
the ear between finger and thumb for a short period, try when you
need a cigarette, you will have to experiment I fear, but whichever
one you try, do just one at a time to notice the active one.

Sorry this is not meant to sound patronising, just informative.

Good luck.

Mike.

 

[John cycling]

I never made it so long before (ever) in my quest to quit as I did this time around

How long did you make it?

Your post is inspiring to me, has lead me to look at successes I've had in the past, and where I still have certain habits that I need to work on in the present. So I will be working more on these now. Thank you!

Here are some ideas that might be helpful.

Your photo avatar shows you as a woman who identifies as a smoker. If you seriously want to quit, then you should be thinking of yourself in the ways that you want to be. How do you want to see yourself and be seen?

You've taken some good steps. You've (1) acknowledged that you want to quit. You're (2) avoiding the offending substance and removing all evidence of the offending substance from your home. Keep taking this further. Don't buy it, and do your best to avoid any contact.

Instead of listing reasons you smoke (triggers), (3) list reasons why you want to quit. Write down all the reasons why the offending substance hurts you, and all the reasons why you want to quit. Read this to yourself every morning and evening, and any time you're tempted to indulge.

(4) Make a list of the negative triggers that have pushed you toward the bad habit in the past. When you think of more, keep adding them to the list. Find ways to neutralize and remove all those triggers. Realize that YOU, not the triggers, have complete control of everything that you do.

(5) Note any times the bad habit recurs. Read your statement again, make revisions to keep it up to date, and keep going forward on your path. Allow yourself to feel good about yourself for your many successes!

 

[Aunt Marg]

Great post, John, and I appreciate you taking the time to put forth your words and advice, and how uplifting for me to know that my quest to break-free of this habit has inspired you to work on breaking free of habits that haunt you.

I quit on March 3, 2021, so just over 2 months, which was stellar for me, way longer than I anticipated.

Many excellent points you have, and ever since taking the slide and crumbling the other day, I've been quietly waging a war inside of me to A, remind myself of the many reasons why I want to quit, and B, to prepare to launch another assault on trying to kick the habit again.

I have a doctors appointment slated for next week, at which time I'm hoping my doctor can recommend something to help control the urge when I quit again.

I find it so heartwarming to read entries by those like yourself along with others who have so graciously took the time to drop by this thread topic and extend helpful and supportive advice. Means a lot to me, and knowing I have support here helps make it that much easier for me to try again.

Taking this time to send positive thoughts and strength your way to allow you to work on your own habits and achieve the success you desire.