By now you may have gotten to this lesson and are either here the first time or reviewing it. But, you're still stuck with your addiction, smoking. And although you know in your heart that you ought to quit, you just don't want to keep doing it. Cigaretts to you is like a medication that gets you through your anxiety, you think.

Well you are helping cigaretts remain as one ot the best-selling consumer products in the world if you are a loyal buyer. Unfortunately for them, their best buyers die off.

If you are now watching your diet and cutting back on coffee and alcohol, then why are you still taking in up to 700 chemical additives many which are so toxic that it is illegal to dump in a landfill? Just the graceful swirl of cirgarette smoke carries with it some 4,ooo substances including arsenic. Some of us might be putting our loved ones at risk when Jeus said: "You must love your neightor as yourself." (Mark 12:31). I know that you don't want to harm your neigbor or yourself, but it's just too hard, especially with your anxiety, to quit.

I have seen friends and family members quit and would like to share with you how they and millions have successful broken their nicotine addiction. Even if you are a long time smoker, you too can shed this harmful habit. Here are a few tips that may help:

> Know beforehand that you can expect withdrawal symptoms which may include anxiety, irritability, dizziness, headachs, sleeplessness, stomach upsets, hunger cravings, poor concentration, and tremors. The good new is that although unpleasant, the most intense symptoms last only a few days and gradually fade as the body becomes free of nicotine.

> Now your mental battle begins. It's not just your body that craves nicotine but your mind which was conditioned by behaviors associated with smoking. So, analyze your routine to see when you automatically reached for a cigarette, and then alter that pattern. Example, if you smoked after a meal, then determine ahead that you'd get up right away and take a walk or wash dishes.

> Your having perhaps a stressful moment which may bring on an intense craving. Remember that the impulse will ususally pass within five minutes. Therefore, be prepared to occupy your mind by writing a letter, exercising, or eating a healthy snack. Prayer for help can be powerful toward self-control.

> Discouraged from failed attemps? That happens, just don't give up and keep trying.

> Afraid of gaining weight? Keep in mind that the benefits of giving up cigaretts far outweigh the few extra pounds. Helpful might be keeping fruit or vegtables handy and drinking plenty of water.

> Important: Quiting is one thing, staying off is another. Thus, set time goals for being smoke free --one day, one week, three months, and forever.

I hope these tips on How to Become A Quitter* might help you.

This is a good lesson in the Attacking Anxiety & Depression study course. To complete its affect would be riding yourself of this habit. The diet and my exercising has helped me with stress and yes my weight too.

* May 22, 1995 "Awake" Pages 3 - 13.

Wishing you the best,
Victoria


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Victoria

[This message has been edited by Victoria (edited 04-23-2002).]

Hi,
I know that there are smokers on the forum because you have previously said so. I'm just wondering why we don't hear from anyone of you now? This thread is not meant to make you feel bad, it is meant to help you. Perhaps one of you smoked and quit. How about sharing your experience?

I am just wondering, have you read this post at all even a sentance or two? Then just say you read it. LOL

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Victoria

[This message has been edited by Victoria (edited 04-26-2002).]

Victoria,
I read the post and I must say that it kinda embarassed me a little. I mean you didnt embarass me but coincidentaly mabye 3 days before you posted this topic I started smoking again, and I still am. I feel ashamed because I quit for a whole year abd started back only to quit again and now I have started again. I know they are not good for me. And even though I know they can actually make me feel worse anxiety wise, when I smoke one I feel less stressed(I think its a mind thing.) Anyway I just wanted to let you nkow that I read your post, and it did make me think. I only recently started back so really its not to late for me to quit again.

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Snow

Hi Snow,
I appreciate your reply and honnesty. It's very difficult because the cigarette act like a med for you and seems to be something that you can grab perphaps to numb yourself with regards what is bothering you.

If you think about it, one year was great. Something must have happened, even if sub-conscious, that caused you to start up again.

However, one of these times you will be able to stop for good. Going back to it a couple of times does not mean you can't do it again. You already proved yourself, You have great will power! So, as difficult as it is, if you want to -- you can quit again! Find yourself an awsome reward for doing it (quiting) after one month.

One friend would pray (Philippians 4:6, 7)every second she got the urge and that was every 5 minutes. And it worked.

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Victoria

[This message has been edited by Victoria (edited 04-26-2002).]

I have quit smoking now for 1 1/2 years and I won't say it was easy but well worth it.I smoked for 18 years at 1-2 packs a day and quit cold turkey.Nicotine only takes 72 hours to get out of your system and the rest is habit.Believe me,It is not easy at all but since I have quit,my anxiety has gone down alot.We think it helps with stress and to calm our nerves but it really acts like an upper so it makes things worse.Just something to think about.The rewards are so great once you quit.

Lindsey