Hi there,
Having smoked for 40 years, I had tried every method known to man over the years! When I finally decided that this was my make or break quit, I researched ways of quitting and read lots on SSC. I did the programme here on site and it was a great help. Most of the advice was to consult my doctor, which I did. He was fairly sanctimonious in his attitude, which, as an ex-smoker himself, I did not expect.
Anyway, I had formulated a plan for my quit and told him what I wanted to do, and he agreed that, as long as it was under medical supervision, I could go ahead. My plan was as follows:-
Wellbutrin\Chantix before I quit, and then, at the same time, I introduced the patches on the day I actually quit.
In the meantime, I used all my hypnosis tapes from previous quits.
As I smoked most when using the computer, I had Nicotine gum ready. I cut it up into 4 tiny pieces and allowed myself 2 per computer session. I was glued to the SSC at this time.
I had a basket of things ready for the cravings, ( iced water, sugar free candy, straws to suck on and 2 artificial cigarettes.) I also had a list of rewards for each milestone.
I saw my doc. once a week and he was surprised that my system was succeeding.
As you can see, I was really determined to succeed, and I now realise that I may have managed to succeed without all my crutches, but as I had fairly low self-esteem at the time, I clung on to my 'aids.' I was very disciplined with the patches and I used them as prescribed on the box. The steps down were no problem, and I had no guilt about continuing to use Nicotine until the end of the course.
The most important tool I had was this site...SSC. I owe them my quit and all the wonderful people who helped me through the hard bits.......I owe them all.
12 weeks later I had quit everything, and was on my own. My determination to succeed kept me going from then on. What an amazing feeling of freedom it was! I have never looked back.........5+ years later it's still wonderful!
As you can see, I'm still around now and again, trying to help others.
Do what you feel will work for you!
Lolly.
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My Mileage:My Quit Date: 11/25/2004
Smoke-Free Days: 2068
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 72,380
Amount Saved: �18,095.00
Life Gained:Days: 274
Hrs: 10
Mins: 56
Seconds: 32