72 Hours Quest

Quitting Smoking: There Is No Shame In Seeking Help!

2010-02-01T07:50:00.000-08:00

Quitting smoking is difficult. Writing about the process- nearly impossible. I have started this blog with intention to document my struggle. However I found it practically impossible to write this blog. Many times I started a blog post just to abandon it. I found that thinking about my addiction just reinforced my cravings, and on few occasions, instead of finishing an article, I found myself in a local Wawa buying another "last" pack of cigarettes.

Today it has been more than 5 days since I had my last cigarettes. However I can't say I am nicotine free- I use a product called Nicotrol Inhaler by Pfizer. I will describe my experience with this product in my future posts. For now all I can say is that Nicotrol keeps me sane- no one has been injured around me yet. Nicotrol Inhealer is actually a leftover from my last attempt to quit using Chantix. When doctor had put me on Chantix, he also advised me to use products like Nicotrol along the way.

During my past attempts to kick this habit, I found it embarrassing to admit that I was using something meant to help me quit. Heck, I was embarrassed to admit I needed help. It is true- the products I tried in the past did not do that good of a job. But maybe all these products out there are meant for those who really want to quit.

Whatever your case might be- there is no shame in seeking help. There is no shame in using products like Nicotrol to help you quit. What really counts is the end result- your freedom from this addiction!

Quitting Smoking: People and Places To Avoid First Three Days.

2010-01-01T09:04:00.001-08:00

It was my intention to user in 2010 as a nicotine free or almost nicotine free man. While have not yet have a smoke in 2010 (which is only 12 hours into the new year) I did slip last night and had a cigarette just minutes before new year. If it is true that your body needs 72 hours to completely rid itself of nicotine, I should be nicotine free on January 4, 2010. Unless, I slip again...

This brings me to something every smoker will face when they decide to quit smoking. There are certain places and/or people that will trigger an urge and craving to smoke. Yesterday, after not smoking for about 24 hours, I found it impossible to resist the craving for a cigarette.

Avoiding people who smoke and places that smell like cigarette smoke is crucial. It is only for a short time, until I can cope with and not to give into the urge for a smoke.

Does It Realy Take 72 Hours?

2009-12-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

Is it true? Does it really take 72 hours for the nicotine to completely leave your body?

Over the past few years I have heard many people claiming that it is indeed true. In fact the girl at a local Wawa, who sold me the pack of cigarettes just few minutes ago, told me so as well....

I have been a smoker for the most of my life. I am 35 and I had my first cigarette at the age of 12. Therefore it is safe to say I am addicted to cigarettes.

I also have many attempts to quit smoking in the past. I tried to do so "relying on my own will", substituting nicotine intake with products like Nicoderm and even tried prescription drugs to battle my addiction. Needless to say, I have been unsuccessful so far.

Why am I writing this? To be honest, I don't exactly know. I want to quit smoking more than I ever wanted it in the past. But to do so I am faced with what it seems like an uphill battle. Every time I make an attempt to quit smoking, I find thousands of excuses not to go through with it.

I decided to write this blog more for myself than for any one else. If you however stumble upon this blog and would like to follow my journey, I will be very humbled if you can share a piece of advise or simply sympathizing with my struggle.