COPD and Can’t Commit to Quitting Smoking

Posted by peacelovejoy @peacelovejoy, Jul 16, 2023

I was diagnosed with COPD a year ago and have made efforts to stop smoking but I keep buying cigarettes. I have quit for a couple of days at a time and keep going back. I don’t want to let go of smoking because I can’t handle the stresses in my life. I know continuing to smoke will make my life worse but I feel like I just don’t care in the one hand and to no avail keep telling myself I’m going to be even more miserable if I don’t stop. Has anyone else gone through this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Smoking & Quitting Support Group.

Profile picture for blhardin @blhardin

I am still smoking. I've tried various prescription meds. Antidepressants. Apps. Books. Websites. Facebook groups. Nicotine replacement (gum, patches, toothpicks .. ) Acupuncture. Pneumonia. Meditation. Hypnotherapy. I did quit, probably 12 years ago.. actually several times.. as recently as 3 months ago.. and here I am. I think, for me, it's a matter of just saying no - and I have to get up and do something - and don't answer the door when a heavy smoker comes to visit. I have thrown away all smoking paraphernalia. I've smoked right down to nothing; then get that anxiety that I don't have any. It's psychological, I'm sure. I think I just need to quit. Sunshine and fresh air helps immensely.

Jump to this post

@blhardin When I first quit I had to avoid going into the gas station so I wouldn’t see all the cigarettes behind the cashier. I just paid at the pump. It gets better the longer you quit.

REPLY

You need both hands to care . It takes determination to beat an addiction . It sounds like a no win. . The circle , stressed about smoking, and smoking to hide the stress . Maybe try stressing over no smoking . Try hard with no smoking for 3 days . Chew gum , even nicotine gum . ( I loved the nicotine gum . ) Tasted horrible but every time I had an urge , I grabbed the gum . Succeed for three days . Then for me , it was try to space out the gum . Try to get the cigarette smell out of everything in my life . ( more gum). I would busy myself with a task . Take a shower . Try to get off the nicotine gum . That gum was the most important thing to me . It is cheaper than cigarettes , does’nt put smoke in your lungs . Doesn’t make an ashy mess . That is how I quit smoking . I don’t crave cigarettes . But right now , this instant , I am craving nicotine gum. Yum yum. Blessed Be , Crystalena. ( smoked cigarettes for 39 years)

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.