Still Alive After Quitting Smoking 14 Days Ago
It's been a rough couple weeks, but today marks the fourteen day anniversary of the day I stopped smoking cold turkey. It's been a rough couple of weeks, with days both good and difficult, but I am finally beginning to feel like I am really meeting with some measurable success as someone who has quit smoking.
There are no more cravings whatsoever first thing when I wake up, and the overall amount of cravings I've been having on a daily basis that I consider significant is low, perhaps one or two a day. After dinner I still almost always think about a cigarette.
I've been told that it will probably take from two to four months to become very, very comfortable as a non smoker. I have heard wildly different amounts of times stated as to how long it will take until the possibility of smoking will become completely foreign. These range from six or eight months to a year or two to probably never.
I guess time will just have to tell, but for now I'm celebrating.
We're going out on a triple date to dinner and a show tonight, followed by question marks (???). The kids are sleeping out, so who knows what could happen?
I might not be able to catch up again until Monday, so enjoy the weekend.
There are no more cravings whatsoever first thing when I wake up, and the overall amount of cravings I've been having on a daily basis that I consider significant is low, perhaps one or two a day. After dinner I still almost always think about a cigarette.
I've been told that it will probably take from two to four months to become very, very comfortable as a non smoker. I have heard wildly different amounts of times stated as to how long it will take until the possibility of smoking will become completely foreign. These range from six or eight months to a year or two to probably never.
I guess time will just have to tell, but for now I'm celebrating.
We're going out on a triple date to dinner and a show tonight, followed by question marks (???). The kids are sleeping out, so who knows what could happen?
I might not be able to catch up again until Monday, so enjoy the weekend.
Labels: cigarette, cigarettes, cold turkey, craving, cravings, health, quit, quit smoking, quitting smoking, smoking, stop smoking, sunflower seeds, yellow
posted by Chris at at
12:25 PM
53 Comments:
I think it honestly took me a full year because of what I call the walls that seem to come in 3's. For instance, 3 days seems to be hard for everyone. Then it's the third week. Then 3 months, 6 months, etc. There's a good explanation for hitting a wall every 3 months: the change of seasons. Each season has its own smoking associations ("ghosts of cigarettes past").
I'm sorry. I'm lecturing when what I should be doing is telling you how great you're doing! Congratulation on 2+ weeks (since you're now past the 2 week mark) of freedom from smoking! Well done! :))
Congrats on quitting! Today is also my 14th day, I love that I can breathe easier, and smell EVERYTHING! Loving every second of it, the only time I even think about smoking, not craving, but thinking about it is when I am bored, other that that, I don't miss it at all!
Heather
day 6 and not loving life. husband trying to sabotage my efforts, left open pack of butts home. they are sitting in the garage, mocking me, calling my name, but i wont answer, oh no i will not!!!!!
and where was i for the triple date dinner and show?????
i am on day 14 but i'm on the patch, and i want to smoke so bad today that it hurts, it's making me dizzy and sick and giving me a pain in my throat... up until today i had practically no problem, but today i'm on the verge of buying cigs
Chantix is a mind altering, psychotic drug that will take you months to rid yourself of. Do not take it ever. And no, it does not make you want to stop smoking -- at all.
I am on day 14 and I want to smoke so badly. I felt like crying because I wanted a cigarette so strongly. Well at least I did until I discovered your blog. It's amazing how much this has helped. It really has calmed me so much. It's hard but I know I can do it this time.
I too am on day 14 of a smoke free life. I have less cravings to smoke than I did yesterday, each day is better than the last. Every once in a while, I get a strong craving, but I rough through it as it only lasts a few min.
I am actually sleeping better. I dont wake up in the middle of the night to smoke.At first I slept worse and thought I couldnt do it. Then I just thought of the horrible smell, hidding from co-workers, and having to carry cigs and lighters and toothbrush ect...I feel like a beautiful woman for the first time. I always thought smoking was not pretty to begin with, its a trashy thing, but I didnt think I could stop. I was soooo wrong.
I am on day 14 cold turkey. I bummed a drag off a friend 2 days ago and it was not pleasant. It hurt my throat and the taste was really bad. The cravings are starting to get less frequent!
Im on day 14 today. Used gum NRT for the first week, and nothing but determination for the next week. I feel the gum helped me, because apart from the extremely powerful addiction of nicotine, smoking is also a behavioral habit. Changing or modifying your behavior is also a big part of the quitting process. The emotional and psychological rollercoaster that I was on for the past two weeks is finally slowing down. I can see the exit in site, and it feels good. I am proud of anyone who has made it to day 14. Congratulations.
i am on day 6 my question is i feel weak,tired and dizzy,how long before this leaves can anyone help?
I am on day 13 cold turkey and it has been hell for the most part but things are improving now. I developed 24hr chronic anxiety on day six and have had to be medicated because my poor heart was constantly hammering away due to my being so anxious all the time. Now, with that sorted out, I am feeling good. The dizzy feelings are almost all gone, the pains in my chest have disappeared, I have stopped having to clear my throat of crap every five minutes, I can concentrate and focus and I don't feel nauseous all day long. It does seem that about 2 weeks is when most of the physical symptoms start to clear up, at least in my case. The cravings are much weaker now and I go for hours without thinking about a cigarette. When I do, it is usually after a meal or when I have achieved something and the thought is gone in a second or two now that I have learnt to just look at it and dismiss it (which I have done thousands of times over the past fortnight).
If you are quitting, stick with it - the first two weeks can be pretty rough but I can see a much better future ahead of me now. Good luck!!!
I am on Day 14. I quit cold turkey and have smoked about a pack a day more or less for 25 years. I received some sad very sad news today and the anxiety has returned. I don't want to smoke, (well I do, but I don't and I won't), any recommendations? should I try sleeping pills? I've just received some unexpected unfortunate news.
Day 13
Pretty stressful today got anxious and grumpy with everyone who talked to me. Totally not like me at all. The cravings so far have only happened at night when I get home from work. Sometimes it's so bad my skin crawls and I almost cave. It's nice to know that others have experienced the same thing. When I started to quit I didn't think I could do it cold turkey but I'm pretty proud of myself. 10 years of smoking and attempting to quit about 20 times. I have a feeling this is the one. Thank you for sharing your stories it helped me today!
Hello...On day 14 today, it's been up and down. I can now sleep through out the night, I can breathe better my sense of smell is back food tastes great. I just keep reminding myself that I was paying a lot of money to poison my body. Day 13 was the worst craving day for me. Today so far pretty good, I guess the old cliche works one day at a time.
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Hi all,
It is also 14th for me. This is the first day I feel myself really comfortable, even after drinking a large brewed coffee, after lunch. For me this is the best craving trigger and I tortured myself for the last 14 days by drinking this coffee to measure the cravings level. 12 years and 1.5 packets per day and only 14 days, no physical things are left. No headache, no lack of concentration, no dizziness. But for i.e. after the 3th day, for me the 10 th day was the toughest. It is very interesting. Headache, lack of concent., dizziness, etc. I also tortured myself at this day by drinking alcohol with my smoker friends in a bar.
Now I catch myself for i.e. to think to smoke when I am bored or feel lonely and I remember myself that NOT "I can do, fight rocky, you can do it!". I know that this will not work. I think that, it is scientifically proven that I will be less happier if I smoke than this. Yes, after the two weeks, it is proven with many researches that your happiness level will improve and will be better than you are a smoker. So I only think this. I am happier and I must not forget how much smoking made me sad.
Last advise to quitters:
Do not concentrate on stop smoking. Concentrate on the things you are doing without smoking. Allan Carr is really convincing. Smoking is not a pleasure. If you think it is, then you'd better smoke unless you owe Rocky Balboa motivation.
Bests,
Ozan
I believe that the key is to win the psychological game. The fact is that they really really really are NOT your/our friends they are our worst enemies. Smoking is EXACTLY like putting a multi-barrelled gun to our heads and pulling the trigger EVERY SINGLE TIME you have a cigarette. The bullet is lung cancer and emphysema . Very very unpleasant diseases that can dramatically shorten your life and cause a slow and painful death. Once you truly understand and appreciate this you WIN the psychological game. End of story.
okay, I am day 14 today and today actually was the worse day ever! I can't tell you how many times I pulled into the gas station, and left. My husband is out of town, and I told him the only reason I didn't buy the cigs was I did not want to tell him that I broke down, and had one.
I really thought after the bad 48-72 hour mark I was over the hump.
So here it is.... Im on day 12 right now, and I think it has been my worst day yet for cravings! Im past all of the morning cravings, but around dinner time and after dark the cravings seem to creep up on me. Ive been dealing with it by chewing mint gum and drinking LOTS of water, and trying to eat healthier as well to avoid the weight gain. Essentially, I have to keep myself busy with something because as soon as i start getting bored or restless, I immediately think of those tiny white sticks that always seemed to cure boredom! Just keep busy, and you wont have time to think about smoking!
Tomorrow will be my two week anniversary!Day 1-4 were really tough but after that i was ok until day 11. Stress at work made my craving unbearable. The worse thing is I KNOW i won't smoke and the cravings were there all day anyway. 1 pack a day 12 years. Let's see, I smell great, I can smell, no more phlegm, extra money ($7 a day adds up quick), food taste amazing lol. Side effects aside from cravings are insomnia at first, fatigue, increased appetite (i'm not sure if that is because i'm filling a void or the taste or both!), crappy mood for the first week. I have found that avoiding alcohol is crucial. This is not my first time trying to quit and I have screwed them all up by drinking. Thankfully I hardly drink anymore so it won't be an issue. This blog is 5 1/2 years old so I hope everyone is still smoke free! To all of those who reach the 2 week mark after today, great job!!
I am on my Day 14 too. been smoking for 10 years now. more than a pack each day. Miserable i used to feel when I smoked. feels a lot better now. hitting the gym everyday... able to run for a while without panting. Honestly, gym is my motivation not to smoke. and not smoking is motivating me to hit the gym. It works both ways. Definitely feels wonderful. Good luck for all of those quitting to stay quit. It has not been easy for the first 5 days, but then.. could manage.. Cheers.. Good look everyone.. Wish me luck too.. Ron
I have been smoking for over 10 years until a friend helped me with the book named "Allen Carr - Easy Way To Stop Smoking" and today marks two weeks of quitting. I feel I have recovering and would suggest sharing the book with friends who want to quit.
I am on my 13th day went to internet for some inspiration well i got more than a few.. thanks guys.....
I am chewing lots of gum to overcome my desire to light up.
Now planning on spending the amount that i used to smoke on Gym..
day 11, oh dear, found two cigars un-smoked (was a cigar smoker)- have managed to out in bin on Sunday they are still there and I want one, but know it won't make me feel better in the long run; not even immediately, as I'd be aware of smell bad taste, make me nauseous and hate myself, and then just buy five, and down the slippery slop again. Good to see all the encouragement on the blog!
Today is day 14 cold turkey smoke free. I didn't make a plan to quit, i got type A flu and was so sick and miserable i thought heck with it i am too sick to get up. After 24 hrs of sickness and delirium and not smoking i decided to just go with it. I have felt guilty about smoking for the past 16 years since i have 3 children and my father had a quad bypass at 58yrs old. Unfortunately i developed pneumonia on day 11 of not smoking. This was a side effect of the flu. The doctor said it was probably a lifesaver that i had quit. So sadly i can't say i feel great yet. I am very ill, but i am 41 yrs old and i will get healthy. It has been a tough 14 days. It was almost like quitting smoking was like losing a friend. I was sad that i knew that part of my life had to end. But now i know i will be okay. Time heals. In time i will fill the void, in time i will learn to reward myself with other things than cigs, in time i will beat this and help others. Create your own mantra. Say it when you feel weak. Be proud when you stay strong.
Day 11 using the patch only in the day feel good till around 230 in afternoon then get a dull headache and get cold but I am determined will be going down to 14 mg patch in a couple of days.
41!! of course I was planning to quit..but not nowww..till I got that flu as well..I tried to puff a bit..then said..'this is literally killing me' so glad I found this post as I googled in ; QUITTING..THIRD WEEK..ETC'..I NEEDED ALL THESE POSTS..THANKS..STILL GOING ...NO STENCH/NO SPENDING THE MONEY...YEA!!!!
Day 13 no smoking and I see people smoking outside and I am not missing it. The only times I think a smoke would be good is when I think about doing things I relate to smoking such as going to the country, fishing, hanging with buddies but those feelings pass after a couple of minutes.
What helped is that I also quit drinking not a drop and that makes me feel better to. I started with five patches and after the fifth day ran out and decided to try it without and it is working.
Day #15 of no smoking. I've been a smoker for 30 years, 1/2 pack a day. I'm now 52 years old. I used Chantix and it certainly makes this whole process easier. First few days were the hardest, just breaking the habits and triggers. I just decided I no longer wanted to continue to breathe in all those poisons in my body. I must say that although I still have cravings and triggers, I am MUCH happier just knowing that I don't have to be Smoker anymore. Even though the cigarettes felt like my best friend, the guilt I had about smoking made me feel sad and isolated. I decided that I didn't want to continue a life of being isolated and wasting more time and money on breathing smoke. How strange to think that breathing smoke and poison is fun. I am happy to say that each day is easier and I feel proud to find the strength to accomplish this amazing task. Congratuations to everyone out there that made it Day 14 as a Non-smoker. You have made it through the hardest part. Never, never, ever think that you can pick up ONE cigarette ever again. Be happy that you are no longer a Smoker! Keep up the good work!
I am on day 14 of no smoking. 54 and feel it is past time to quit. I am also doing a cleanse and not drinking alcohol or caffeine. I am afraid of the old triggers and will find out where I am at on Super Bowl Sunday. Good luck to everyone who is fighting this battle. I think of smoking all the time and really miss the pleasure. I don't miss the stank and inconvenience of being a smoker these days.
15 days 15 hours smoke free and I want to tell everyone I DON'T MISS ANYTHING ABOUT SMOKING. I think everyone needs to remember what it was like on that last smoke, that last drag. I have quit so many times for days on end or even a week here and there. The first few days are always HELL. The fact that I REALLY don't think of them that often is wonderful. Many statement here show some people going through a stage of loss called BARGAINING. There is no such thing as one cig or even one puff. If you take that puff you are saying you want to smoke until it kills you. My wife finally quit, but only after I had been off for a week. I don't care if they are around me, in the house or around me at the fire station where they are everywhere. I stick with it. If I had to go through those first 3 days again I would feel like the biggest idiot on the planet. Also to anyone who has cheated, taken a drag, or any NRT. You really got to cut all the way off. Any bit of that junk in your system is hurting / killing you. To everyone, be strong, know you are a winner for just trying, and hey, pep yourself up each morning with a talk in the mirror and spend that extra cash as a reward. You deserve it!
Have smoked 20 a day for past 40 years... Now Day 14 stopped smoking very hard to go Cold Turkey....but got there. Reason for stopping and never starting again. Blood in Urine 2 weeks ago ct scan done.. Large Tumour in Bladder found.. Tumour removed 18/02/2013 ... 2 Week wait for results!!! Is it or is it not?
Dont wait for this before giving up
I'm on day 12 of not smoking. I used the gradual reduction method for a week. Then on a Monday, I started day 1 of being smoke free. It's so much easier now, I think I'm really going to be able to do it this time. I've tried before cold turkey but always lit up on day 4 or 5 due to a stress trigger. I have situational cravings...like I'm driving down the road, it's sunny and the window's down. That's a situation I loved to smoke in before. So for now, I still put the window down and tell myself to enjoy the fresh air instead. I wear perfume every day, too! Before I didn't cuz I figured I stunk anyway. Now I tell myself how good I smell, as an incentive not to smoke. I'm still worried about caving, mostly because Summer is approaching and I associate smoking with being outdoors, but getting less worried everyday.
You guys are all an inspiration thankyou day 14 for me I'm having my moments but I'm determined this time I'm tsking it one day at a time
It's been 17 days since I've had a cigarette after smoking around 10 to 20 a day for the last 20 years. It's amazing how the years creep up on you and then all of the sudden it's like "holy crap, how have I smoked for 20 YEARS?!?!" So that's it-time to stop. Did it cold turkey and the first 10 days were NOT cute. Very emotional, lots of anxiety and panic. Almost an out of body experience, like I was living someone else's life and not mine. Just extremely uncomfortable on all levels. But I'm thrilled to say that I'm TONS better at this point and feeling so excited about having quit. The fog has lifted and the physical part seems to be over. If you can just make it thru the first week or two I promise it gets better and surprisingly it gets better VERY quickly. Sure I think about a cigg now and then, but they no longer control me and it gets easier every day to push that thought right out of my head.
Day 14 - smoked from 14 to 57
On nicotine tabs and it has been hard - hoping it will get better but i am determiend to stop - funny how you remmber the good things of smoking; not the coughing and horrible taste in yoru mouth in the morning - my partner is very proud of me
Neil
Well I am 55 years old. I smoked since I was 12 driving the farm tractors. I married and on my 3 child decided to quit. Cold turkey it was. Not one problem and kept to it for 14 years!
One day I found my ( now ex-con husband)
With someone. 24 years gone down the tube. No second chance...no explanation needed. I packed my bag with my youngest and out I went. Took him to my sister House so I could get my thought together. Did I end up in a bar to drown my sorrow? Nope.....went right to 7-11 for a pack of marlboro red 72. So 11 years back to it.
Today I am 2 weeks clean again. Cold turkey...threw them on the table and said I'm done. My boyfriend smokes and I can't explain it but it doesn't bother me one bit. I suck on hot cinnamon gum and hard candy and somehow it just kills the crave. I'm knocking on wood to keep it going and learn how to deal with stress in positive ways rather than lighting up. So here is to us! Keep up all the good work
1 pack a day for 30 years and today is my 14th day off the cig's. Day 3 was by far the worst so far but today I feel calm and in control. I quit cold turkey and except for day 3 the physical withdrawal has not been the problem. It has been the emotional side for me. Lost best friend syndrome and all that - sad or what !
A best friend who was killing me. I am now also starting to deal with emotions that have been suppressed through my smoking years. Quite a journey but I am determined to succeed. Well done to all who have made it this far.
I have tried quitting at lease five times. This time, 14 days ago I did by Cold turkey. I read lots of articles that said it was the best and sometimes the only way that really works. The cravings are still here but especially when the triggers arise. Just be ready for the triggers and count to 60 slowly and they're usually gone. Also avoid triggers when you can. Find something to take a cigarettes space when your strongest craving arises. For me, its many types of hot decaf teas at night bc thats when I craved it most. Try tea with prayer..best wishes...it gets easier. But to me, its an hour by hour struggle vs a day by day. I know with each day that it gets easier though. I choose to celebrate the hours at the end of each day. Realistic goals are important.
after 10 year . i wanted to quite smoking. i tryied many time but could not sucess. this is my 5th chance to quite smoking. today is my 15 day to quite smoking i am feeling very health and can breath easily
Hi
I'm glad I found you old people(pushing 60 here)
Anyway,I as well am on day 14,technically at 8:20pm
Look the cravings still come n believe in yourselfs and me they GO!!!
So congrats to us all winners!
We did 14 days
I'm sure some of us thought we didn't have it in US
I love you guys
Hang tough....Military Vet
If you feel like having a smoke, go ahead and do it. Do it in your mind. You clearly remember how it made you feel. You can manifest al those feeling with your imagination. That's what I do. It's there when you need it.
well done all and myself!!! 15 days!!! it gets easier every day, the worst is over. good suggestion with the imagination, how often did I think this must have an end...
Its day 14 for me today as well , must say weekends have always been the most challenging time but I am holding my own. Cravings? Yes there are still there but getting less intense by the day .
It has been 14 days. It's just so good to read all your comments and see that one is not alone. The itching hasn't stopped... just reading up to get by....
I am on day 13 of not smoking, quit cold turkey. I have quit many times over the past 20 years (one time for 2 years!) I started when I was 14 years old and I am 34 now. I was up to a pack every 2 days for the past 7 years and decided it was time to quit for good. I was starting to feel like crap and could not do all the activities someone my age should be able to do. My husband and I have also not been able to have a child. It is time to quit before my biological clock runs out! This has been by far the hardest time I have had with quitting. It is not so much the physical withdraw but more the mental part. I need to retrain myself how to live life without cigarettes.
It's my 14th day without smoking and it's still nightmare. Difficult to breathe, feeling like hit-by-a-truck, awful. Hope it gets better one day.
This puts peoples lives at risk for the sake of the almighty dollar and that crosses the line from old fashioned healthy capitolism to evil and greed. best near me vape shops
It's February 3, 2018 on Long Island cold, bleak and smoke free for 14 days after smoking death sticks lit by nails for the coffin for 50 years. I have had Bladder Cancer the leading cause smoking, cured and kept smoking. That is beyond suicidal. And now coronary artery disease, heart and Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy, thickening of the main pumping chamber of heart, left ventricle. I loved cigarettes and other then my wife they were my endearing best friend. I would never be without them. I adhored them like the junkie adhores the needle, the alcoholic adhores the bottle and the meth addict adhores the pipe until the teeth rots out of their heads. If I had to I would have lied, cheated and stolen for them.
I quit cold turkey and no matter how I feel, no matter how many events of craving I have I will never ever put a stinling filthy addicting big corporation death stick in my mouth again and never use any tobacco product for the rest of my days on earth. And if any of you decide to relpase good luck you will eventually die from it!!!!!!! take that to the bank no one gets out of it alive. Have nice day now and get strong and get angry and then surrendert with acceptance that the addiction is not stronger then you and nvere will be. Accdept the pain as it disappears.
Typos but you get the point. I didn't preview it lololol
I'll reach my 14th day milestone in the next 40 minutes. I started smoking when I as a 17 year old punk kid and am now a 38 year old father of three boys. I hate smoking. You hear some people say they love it but I resented myself for carrying on with it along with every relapse when I'd quit. The funny thing is I love to box and train like the devil on a vendetta, even under the chains of the addiction. Performance was decent but even with all the running and drills, it felt like part of me was subdued. Cold turkey wasnt working and IIcant stand patches/gum. So, I turned to Chantix. I was given the obligatory warnings of side effects by the doctor but honestly, the only funny part is the vivid dreams. We all battle depression through the withdrawals and tobacco cessation has been compared to detoxing from heroin.
At this point, I'm still 100% smoke free without even a puff from a dead cig butt. I feel good. A craving still comes in but they leave just as quick, and when I see someone with a smoke dangling on their lips, I just think they look ridiculous.
Congrats to all who have stayed strong on this many years long thread and for those who might have relapsed times again, pick yourself and keep fighting!
Sorry for the typos lol
I am on day 14 too, so far so good, just my concentration that is bad a case of brain fog. Also remind myself not to go back as I will have to start all over again and we all know it sucks.
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