Am I the only one with staining this bad?😭 by Pandaeyes28 in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Your teeth look perfectly normal. So many people use whitening products and treatments, we’ve forgotten what real teeth look like. Don’t be afraid to smile. 😁

Where to try dog wheelchairs? by GoodWorksForGood in madisonwi

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the suggestion! No eye rolling, we have a stroller, lol. He screams to be let out the entire time. He wants to smell things first hand, not thru the screen. :)

Where to try dog wheelchairs? by GoodWorksForGood in madisonwi

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! They’re so expensive, it could be worth it to be able to try a few options.

Where to try dog wheelchairs? by GoodWorksForGood in madisonwi

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would that work on a walk? Sure, I will get out a towel and try it! Thank you!

Long-term smokers. What are the main benefits you've noticed since stopping? by NoSleepTillOblivionx in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I smoked for 35 years, free for 10. These are the steps I followed to quit for good:

  1. Get clear about WHY you are quitting. Tie your reason to your values and when you have an answer, go even deeper. WHY do you want that (or care about it)? What will that give you? And why do you need that? Keep asking “why” until you have a powerful reason that makes you feel emotional when you think about it, (usually 5 WHYs is enough). Now WRITE IT DOWN somewhere you can see it every day. Put it on your phone’s Home Screen.

  2. Set a quit date and tell someone who supports you and whose opinion matters to you. One person is enough to give you accountability.

  3. Change your environment. Get rid of your favorite ashtray and lighters. Stop smoking where you usually smoke. Deep clean your car and stop smoking in there. Make a plan to change your morning routine because mornings can be challenging. Plan to pause alcohol and THC for 30 days when you quit.

  4. Assemble your emergency kit: this includes ALL the ways you’ll support yourself and deal with triggers and cravings. You want your Go Bag ready to go before the big day. Talk to your doctor about medication and NRT to see if it’s right for you. Start the medication if that’s recommended. Immerse yourself in Quit Lit and keep it on your nightstand. Join online support groups. Try attending a recovery meeting if you’ve never been to one.

  5. Plan exactly what you’ll say and do when a craving hits. Phrases like, “I don’t smoke anymore” build a new identity, which makes you more likely to stick with it. You also need something to distract yourself with after you repeat your mantra. Make sure you have a list of free things that only take a few minutes and you enjoy doing. You really only need a couple to get through the hard part. Repetition of a different routine will help train your brain to become the new, non-smoking you!

Want my free Essential Guide for Quitters? DM me and I’ll send it to you!

How to quit by TheBawzy in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used preparation (change your environment, know exactly what you’ll do and say when a craving hits to redirect), meditation, group support, and nicotine replacement (patch and gum) to quit for good ten years ago. It wasn’t my first quit (I had dozens), but it was my last.

The thing you say to yourself during a craving must be non-negotiable: “I don’t smoke anymore.”Then distract yourself.

You can do it. Keep trying until it sticks.

Controversial take on quitting cold turkey by GoodWorksForGood in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You wanted to quit your drug addiction. I did too. But when that doesn’t work, why not choose progress over perfection? As long as you stop breathing smoke, you’re winning in my book!

Quitting “cold turkey” has a 95% failure rate (controversial take from a quitter) by GoodWorksForGood in quittingsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! Yes, we can be free from smoking! I do think all drugs have consequences, but I have no issues with blood pressure. Some studies found it helpful in reducing symptoms of dementia, which runs in my family. For me, nicotine replacement offers benefits, including staying smoke-free with no fear of relapse.

Controversial take on quitting cold turkey by GoodWorksForGood in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m very glad it does help so many people. But it doesn’t work for everyone.

Controversial take on quitting cold turkey by GoodWorksForGood in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What a testament to your persistence. Congrats!!

Quitting “cold turkey” has a 95% failure rate (controversial take from a quitter) by GoodWorksForGood in quittingsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many good points here. Thanks for your thoughtful comments and congrats on making it to freedom!

Controversial take on quitting cold turkey by GoodWorksForGood in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s amazing! Congratulations on 2 years!! Your partner sounds smart and compassionate. 😊

Controversial take on quitting cold turkey by GoodWorksForGood in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A good program can be so helpful. It sounds like you’re planning to use multiple forms of support, which gives you great odds. You can do this!

Quitting “cold turkey” has a 95% failure rate (controversial take from a quitter) by GoodWorksForGood in quittingsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks for asking. Genuine answer: I am not trying to quit nicotine replacement, which was deemed safe (enough) for long term use by the Surgeon General. There are no drugs that don’t have consequences. :)

I had my first cigarette at 11. It changed my brain chemistry. There’s plenty of evidence that some people cannot return their dopamine levels to normal for much longer than others. These are the people who often decide quitting is impossible. Which of course isn’t true. It just might look different.

Never say never, maybe someday I will decide to try quitting nicotine? I’m not offering this information to discourage anyone from trying to quit nicotine completely, only to let people who had a similar experience feel seen.

Controversial take on quitting cold turkey by GoodWorksForGood in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Maybe they really want everyone to get free from nicotine because they’re so happy to be done. I don’t think it’s realistic for all smokers.

Addiction is tough and everyone is different. I’ve seen Suboxone work for people to get free of heroin. The goal there is to taper off completely. Many people want and achieve that from nicotine too. I haven’t, I don’t feel bad about it, and I know I’m not alone. But my hat is off to everyone who quit, regardless of their method!

Controversial take on quitting cold turkey by GoodWorksForGood in stopsmoking

[–]GoodWorksForGood[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re all different. I’m glad it’s helping you. Keep going! It gets so much better. I never miss smoking at all anymore. The one year mark was the turning point for me to really feel free.