The Addict Files: Day One

[Tobin S.]

One day after I bought a lottery ticket, I was dreaming of what I'd do if I hit it big. After setting up my family and friends, and buying a new home and some fancy cars, I came to the conclusion that I would probably just sit around most of the time drinking beer and smoking cigarettes. My ultimate goal in life was to have enough money to afford to be lazy and indulgent.

I was talking to another driver at work yesterday and I asked him why he drove around with his windows down when it was 100 degrees out like it has been for the past couple of weeks. He had a/c in his truck. He told me that going from cool air to hot air messes with his COPD- that is, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. That usually means that you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema or both at the same time. He told me it also gets to him at night when he's trying to sleep. He may wake up at one in the morning and struggle to breathe for the next three hours. The way he described it, it sounds like he has emphysema. I think he's only about 55 years old. He still smokes.

That really brought it home for me about what I've been doing to myself. I'm 39 and I've been a smoker since I was 16. I've smoked about 1.5 packs a day for a long time. In 15 years I could be just like that guy and looking at probably dying before my time. I'm also 5'10" and 300 pounds. The extra weight hasn't hurt me yet, but it's probably only a matter of time before I start having weight related issues like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

So I smoke, I indulge in rich food all the time, and I enjoy a twelve pack of beer over the weekends. It's not exactly heroin and cocaine, but I still think that I could accurately be called an addict. I think that it's time that I did something about it: "One vice at a time, sweet Jesus. That's all that I'm asking of you." So I quit smoking yesterday, not long after I talked with that driver from work. He really impressed upon me that I need to quit smoking.

I'm doing okay so far. I'm having a few withdrawal symptoms, but I'm not hurting too bad. I'm also kind of grumpy, but I'm managing to keep that to myself. I am quitting cold turkey. I've tried just about everything to quit in the past and I think this is the best way to go for me. If I can make it through this weekend it may all be psychological by Monday.

I'll post a thread like this every once in a while whether I succeed the first time or not, but I think I'm really going to do it this time.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I think you're going to do it too, my dear Tobin...

I think you've looked long and hard at this addiction, and now you realize what it could do to you over the long term.

You've decided that you don't want to deal with those awful side effects, and so you're done.

My understanding is that the first three days are the worst, and after that, much less awful...

I'm cheering you on!

[bluesbassman]

2. Best of luck to you Tobin, a worthy goal.

Find something to occupy your hands and stock up on some chewing gum.

[nolabear]

3. Go Tobin! Go Tobin! Go Tobin!!

Remember, as long as you don't give up you cannot fail. Keep us posted.

[LNM]

4. Good for you, Tobin.

Quitting smoking was the most difficult thing I've ever done. I found that what worked this time is telling myself that I could never, ever have another cigarette. Before it was always, just one, and then I'd be back to a pack a day. Now it's been 4 years and I can' imagine having a smoke. The smell repels me and I enjoy the taste of food so much more.

Best of luck to you.

[MiddleFingerMom]

5. GLAD to hear it, Tobin!!!

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I think my smoking (and my weight) are largely responsible for my problems now. I had smoked (on average
over the years) two-packs-a-day (three when I quit in 1997). Bad as I am now, I'm positive I would have been
deed (or stroke-disable) years ago if I hadn't quit.
.
1-1/2 packs-a-day is a LOT. Quit or accept the terrible inevitavle. Two six-packs on the weekend may be pushing
it. It's not daily, constant bombardment (though if it's 12 at one sitting, that could be long-term toxic).
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My body MADE me quit a lot of my bad habits. Pain-to-pleasure ratio just got too high (heh-heh... he said "too
high&quot .
.
I switched to red wine. Much less needed for a much more pleasant (for me) buzz. I call it "fireplace-in-a-bottle".
A glass or two usually works. If you're not a fan of red wine (and it took a long time for me to develop a taste
for it... let me risk howls from the true oenophiles (look it up -- cool word to know) by recommending Riunite
Lambrusco. A "fresher, lighter" taste than most -- and it's lightly carbonated (LOVE those scrubbing bubbles!!!)
.
Hopefully, it will help to remind yourself at the tough times that you're no longer responsible to and/or for
yourself anymore. Considering a family multiplies that factor a thousand-fold.
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[lunatica]

6. I quit smoking many, many times over 30 years

I've been a non smoker for over 15 years so don't give up quitting!

[Bertha Venation]

7. I'm thrilled to hear this.

You already know it won't be easy. But you can be strong. You have control over this -- it does not have control over you. Be strong.

[LiberalEsto]

8. You will make it!

I quit cold turkey back in 1974, and thank heaven it worked.
I told myself that it tasted vile and made me sick, and the more I focused on that, the less I wanted it.

[hedgehog]

9. Oh Tobin - hang in there and if you stumble,

just quit again!


If you want to cut back on beer, try some of the minibrews. Maybe the heavier flavor will be more satisfying! I sweart if nothing else the mini brews have more vitamins!