Day 34: May 17 and Today's TIP

Nicotine FREE for LIFE - what other life is there? I didn't cut any corners this morning. What a difference.

Becoming nicotine free is a Psychological challenge. I knew this was going to be the case before I decided to quit. My previous attempts to quit smoking and be nicotine free failed because I did not have a plan and I didn't fully understand the "healing process". That's one of the reasons why I developed my Nicotine QUENCH Plan.

As I mentioned yesterday, I read a book by a self proclaimed expert. I am very concerned when I read some of this material because I'm not sure if the information is being presented by someone who actually Quit smoking themselves. Some things just don't make sense.

My concerns:

a) They suggested that you should continue being around your smoking friends and / or coworkers and carry on as usual with your normal daily routine because you'll have enough stress just quitting.

In my opinion, if you don't want to get wet - get out of the water. Avoid areas where people are smoking or may be permitted to smoke. my Nicotine QUENCH plan is the key component of your exit strategy.

I have avoided smoking areas when ever possible. I have definitely dissociated my social life from cigarette / smoking related activities. In my opinion, that's why I've been successful so far. Do not lead yourself into temptation. I think it's important to understand your habit and what's involved in the CURE.

b) They recommended using Nicotine Replacement Therapies. I suggest quitting and then decide if you need them. Unfortunately, the marketing strategies used by the manufacturers of these products only build on your already present fears and anxieties. Everything I have read on Nicotine Withdrawal suggests that ANY continued intake of Nicotine will only PROLONG the inevitable.

Some products are branded as a "Replacement Therapy". I guess I still don't understand the term Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Taking nicotine in any form is not a replacement, it's an alternative method of delivery, it's a supplement.

I think people need to recognize these products for what they are: SUPPLEMENTS. I'm not 100% against the use of supplements, I just think they should be an absolute last resort. We are nicotine addicts.

From what I have learned over the past month, Nicotine has created a HUGE chemical imbalance in the body that has also created some significant physical side effects. The body is capable of "healing" itself from the physical side effects, however, the healing requires a complete abstinence from NICOTINE.

This is one of the reasons why I recommend researching and understanding what is going in your body and in your mind when finally decide to be Nicotine FREE. The cravings continue to remind you that your body is healing itself. The craving get easier as time goes on because your body is returning to NORMAL.

Part of the "HOW do I quit smoking" process is understanding WHY we experience what we do in the process.

Today's TIP

I'm adding some new items to my Nicotine QUENCH Plan, when I experience a craving I will:

DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - That's right, when I experience a craving, I will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I will embrace the craving as evidence of my continued healing.

Cravings do not have to be acted upon. There is no decision. The great thing about the craving is - IT GOES AWAY - IT IS TEMPORARY.

Nicotine causes your mind and body to do and respond to abnormal activities and the Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms are just reminders that you are returning to NORMAL.

Educate yourself on the effects of Nicotine Withdrawal. I'm going to continue doing my homework in this area as well.