I stopped in 2013, and stupidly started again last year. I used the Allen Carr Easyway book, and found it surprisingly easy to stop. It was mildly uncomfortable for a couple of days, and that was it. Within a week, I wasn't thinking about it more than a couple of times a day. Within a month, it was like I'd never smoked.
But, smoking is one of those things that never goes away, however easy you think it is to stop. I fell foul of this false sense of security last year.
I was having an absolute git of a day at work, and after a particularly unpleasant meeting, I went outside for some air. Bumped into a colleague who I get on really well with who was going for a smoke. Before I realised what I was doing, I'd ponced one off him and had half smoked it. And that was it. 20 a day again.
The thing with smoking that I have learned is that I either smoke or I don't. There isn't a half way house, the odd one now and again, at a party or whatever. It takes just one to make you fall face first off the wagon. In my case, it had been 5 years. I was long past the point of nicotine addiction. I wasn't moody, grumpy, and to be honest, had reached the point where I didn't even like the smell of it any more. I could go out and drink beer without being tempted. I could eat a big meal and not be tempted. I'd not had anything even approaching a craving for years. But there was clearly something hardwired in my brain somewhere that although dormant, had never really gone away. And it bit me on the backside.
I bought 400 back from Spain a week or so ago, and made a pact with the wife (30 a day from 14 to 30, stopped cold turkey when she fell pregnant with eldest (now 14) and has never gone back to it) and kids (who are very disappointed) that once these are gone, I'm packing it in again. Going to re-read the book as well.
What I can say for sure is that I functioned perfectly well for 5 years without cigarettes, had more money in my pocket, and felt healthier. The thing I really remember is how amazing food tasted after just a few days of stopping.
Last edited by: DP on Mon 16 Sep 19 at 10:53
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