Hi Kimberly,
Congratulations on deciding to quit smoking! I am a former 1 1/2 pack a day smoker. I quit cold-turkey on October 19, 2005. I believe that positive thinking and a good plan are the key to overcoming this strong addiction. Smoking satisfies a "need" you have. If you take away the cigarettes, the "need" doesn't just go away...you will find some way to try to satisfy it. I advise having a plan. Take a look at when you feel the biggest need for a cigarette and make an alternate plan to deal with that. My need was relaxation. Without the cigarettes, I had no idea how to relax. After a good dinner, what do you do if you can't have a smoke? Work gets rough and you need to get away for a few minutes, where do you go if not outside for a smoke? Kids are fighting and you feel like screaming, what do you do if you can't step outside for a cigarette? Getting ready for bed and need to chill out for a few minutes, how do you do this without a smoke? Unfortunately, I did use food to satisfy my relaxation need and I did gain weight. This does not have to be your outcome. Now that I am trying to get healthier and lose the weight, I try not to turn to the food anymore. Here are some of the things I do...long bathes with a good book,reading the 3FC threads, playing a game on POGO. Some people use exercise. I'm hoping that I can develop that very good habit also.
Regarding positive thinking....try not to allow yourself to dwell on the craving. I literally had to talk to myself constantly. Here's how my "conversations" would go......"I need a cigarette." No, I don't need a cigarette because I don't smoke!" Then I would make a conscious decision to think about something else and not allow myself to think about the craving. Don't allow yourself to fall into self pity or feel like you are being deprived. Be firm with yourself. This might sound a bit crazy, but it did work!
Breaking this habit is truly a one-day-at-a-time experience. Initially, it can be very difficult, but it is not impossible! It takes about two weeks for the body to stop craving the nicotine. After the first two weeks, its all a big mind game. Each day does get easier and easier and the cravings will get fewer and farther apart. Hang in there. Feel free to PM any time you need a shoulder.
