My life as a smoker
I smoked my first cigarette at 11 with a couple of older friends. I didn't enjoy it but felt very cool. I continued to smoke 3 to 5 cigarettes per day for about 6 months and did not become addicted.
I smoked about 10 cigarettes per day during the summer of my 18th year and felt cool again. I stopped at the end of the summer and never felt any withdrawal effects. Again, I did not become physically addicted.
I tempted fate one too many times and at 22, I had one cigarette at a party. The next day, I bought a pack and smoked and smoked and smoked for about 15 years. I was truly an addict.
Why and how I quit smoking
I watched in stunned silence, as did people all over the United States and the world, as the horror unfolded on my TV the morning of September 11, 2001. The more the reality of those events washed over me, the more it became clear to me just how precious and fragile life is...the ultimate gift and a true blessing. It was a gift and blessing that I was throwing away, one cigarette at a time. With every puff, I was assaulting my lungs, and doing so much more damage that I wouldn't learn about until I did some research.
Research I did; I set out to find just the right quit program for me. My Dad had taught me as a kid to, "measure twice and cut once." I didn't know if I'd have the courage and conviction to quit again if I didn't make the quit stick the first time, so I wanted to give myself the very best chance of success the first time. I know now that had I not succeeded the first time, I'd have quit as many times as it took to find and keep my freedom.
My research told me that the vast majority of relapses occur in the first 72 hours...during physical withdrawal from the drug. I concluded that the nicotine patch would serve me well, and I used it as directed by the manufacturer. The patch allowed me to gradually reduce the level of nicotine in my system over time. I put a patch on in the morning, and for the most part, I didn't have to worry about physical cravings throughout the day. This left me comfortable enough to work on the psychological part of my addiction, which was the part that would take the most time and effort for me. I was pleased with how well the patch worked for me; it was a methodical, common sense approach to me, and nearly 8 years later, I can say with confidence that nicotine replacement therapy was clearly a wise choice for me.
What also helped me tremendously was an online support community. I knew that peer support was going to be a big part of my quit program before I quit, and 18 hours after my last cigarette, I posted my first message. I benefited greatly from those making the same journey, and offering support in return reinforced my decision to remain smoke-free.
My faith was also a great source of strength for me, especially in the early days of quitting. I prayed for courage and patience daily, and to this day, my gratitude at having achieved and maintained my freedom from this addiction only continues to grow. I expect it always will.
Advice
- I've learned that I am stronger in mind and spirit than I thought I was.
- I've learned how to be a little more patient with myself.
- I've learned the importance of living my life one day at a time.
- I've learned to appreciate life more...to respect life more...to love life more.
- Quitting smoking has benefited me physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.
- My lung capacity has improved greatly.
- I am a more confident person.
- I AM FREE!
