Cigarettes

Wellness
#1

I quit smoking when I quit drinking in 2019 (I had quit using drugs just prior to this.) exercise and physical wellness was an integral part of my recovery if not it. coming from a place of being unwell it really changed my life, no matter how much of a challenge.

life happened, and in tough times I found myself buying a pack, smoking 1 or 2, and throwing it out. things got even harder (external stuff, not recovery) & I’ve been smoking cigarettes regularly again.

this behavior makes me feel so out of control, and just bad about myself. the ppl I’m living with don’t smoke so I find myself sneaking around or stepping outside or even going for a drive to smoke in peace. any addict knows this is dangerous …

does anyone have any advice on how to change this behavior? my physical fitness is shot, so I keep smoking, and it’s a vicious cycle :frowning: I just want to work out again but it feels too late to fix things or join a gym because I’m “too far gone”, etc and so on…

4 Likes
#2

Never too late, the first step on a 1000 mile journey, etc. Maybe just give exercise size a chance, you might surprise yourself. If it feels like starting over, so what?

1 Like
#3

Try this. It works. Bad Habits - Tapping with Brad Yates - YouTube

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#4

I still have a cigarette sometimes. Not a victory, but not complete failure either.

But overall it seems that you're doing well, in your total continuum.

A vape might be worth considering.

Nobody is too far gone, even if they are off their own wagon for a moment.

1 Like
#5

I don’t mind having one once in a while either honestly

it’s the doing it compulsively, when I don’t want to, and hiding it from my loved ones that I think was tripping me up… cause drug addict logic.

and by the same logic of “it’s too late, why bother” I think I was afraid of a relapse.

idk maybe this post will help
someone with a behavior they wanna work on, very luck to be far enough along that I can fine tune things now

#6

11—19-19 was the last time I used meth
11-26-19 was the last time I drank alcohol
12-27-19 was the last time I had nicotine (I loved chewing tobacco)
I had the gift of desperation when I came into the rooms of AA. I believe that when I honestly took steps 1, 2 & 3 the urges to do any of the above was removed. Not saying it was easy, but some power greater then myself had given me the courage, strength and hope to stop harming myself. I’m grateful today for the gift of life, for being honest with myself and God.
My advice is try something completely different then what you’ve done in the past to quit. Take different routes home, go to bed early, wake up early, read more books, journal, recovery meetings, meditation, build a support group you can call and share you day with, eat foods you never tried before, do the 12 steps, and last but not least be honest with yourself. I’ll pray for your healing.

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#7

Are there other catalysts or reasons that might have you feeling that way?

Not digging for a disclosure, so much as saying that's something to consider.

Also, if I may be so bold, while it's good to be mindful of temptation, I tend to balk at negative determinant labels.

Compounding anxiety when reaching for coping mechanisms is normal. Not sure if that's addict logic or the beginning of an imminent downward spiral. Could just be everyday human self doubt.

A disposable vape can also help curtail the urge to smoke. On the whole though, you seem pretty self-actualized about it.

#8

Only time you're actually too far gone is when you're dead. Until then you have all the possibilities of life waiting for you to pursue them.

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#10

I, too, quit cigarettes about a month of quitting drinking. However, I vape. I love nicotine. But it's so addictive too. I puff in bed when I wake up during the night. All day, working from home. Uncertain if I will ever be able to let it go