Today sucked again, only it wasn’t necessarily nicotine withdrawal, it was allergies.
Spring is such a killer for me. Sometimes I question why I live here when I feel so awful all the time.
It’s crippling, and only those who have them know what I’m going through. Otherwise everybody else has no idea.
They don’t understand that it zaps every bit of energy from you, and it can be just as horrendous as the flu.
Allergies have nothing to do with withdrawal, though. However, they were strong enough to overpower any cravings that I did have, or could’ve had throughout the day.
Of course when I wasn’t having a full-blown attack, I could feel some withdrawal pains in my stomach and my lungs, but once the allergies kicked back in (and they always did), the withdrawal fizzled away.
One thing that does concern me, though, was a text message I got from my friend today. She is having her birthday party in a few days and everyone is welcomed to come over.
Even though she is not a smoker, her text message was an immediate trigger for me.
What worries me is if smokers will be present.
It’s silly to think I can’t do anything right now without giving in to my addiction, but it is definitely something I should take caution with.
I certainly shouldn’t just brush this moment under the rug as if it’s a piece of cake.
If there are smokers present, it might be tough.
As you can see, I’m worried already, and I haven’t even said I’m going yet. That’s how addictive nicotine can be.
It makes you worry about the future.
Who knows, my allergies might be too intense (like they are now) for me to want to go out anyways. If I feel like this, I won’t go.
I feel obligated to go otherwise, but that also doesn’t mean I have to stay there all night. I could go for an hour or so, and then come home. There is nothing wrong with that.
I shouldn’t let nicotine convince me that I need to hang around the ENTIRE night for hours on end, if I indeed decide to go to the party.
That’s how ridiculous the thoughts are it gives you.
Who really cares?
Who cares if there’s smokers at a party? That doesn’t mean for one second that I am obligated to light up as well.
Now I am not as concerned with relapsing right now as much as I was the week prior to this.
I’ve got 9 days under my belt now, and although I’m not even halfway done yet, it’s still a good chunk.
What I need to do is keep doing what I’m doing and stop worrying about the future.
I’m doing a fantastic job so far and I need to keep it up. Don’t let some stupid party get in my way.
Who cares really?
Go for an hour and then come home.
I might not even go, who knows. One step at a time.
Tomorrow is Day 10, and that’s a pretty awesome feeling. I should feel very proud of myself.
I haven’t really felt “normal” yet as everyday has brought some sort of ailment upon me.
But that’s partly my fault for living in a region that is horrible for allergies.
Otherwise, I’ve felt physical pains at one time or another, each and every day.
Anxiety is still a big issue for me. There were times at work tonight when I was feeling an attack coming on.
I wasn’t stressed out from any situation, so it was most likely because of withdrawal.
But, it wasn’t as bad as yesterday. That was a complete nightmare, and I hope I never have to go through that again.
I just have to NOT worry about the future.
I need to just take baby steps, one at a time, and focus on the present moment.
I can do this!
I’ve waited 17 years to finally break the addiction, and I’m not going to let some stupid party get in the way of reaching my goals.
Day 9, i feel like horrible junk. My head feels “hungover” without the headache. My lungs are sore-ish, i keep coughing and my nose is runny. I keep having to clear my throat and blow my nose. I don’t know when this is going to officially get better but im waiting. Guess my smokers flu is a little longer than what people tend to say is common. This is what i get for being a Chain-smoker. Had a dream last night about making a choice to stay clean. Either i was going to be 70 with 6 different diagnosis and a short prognosis or i was going to live into my 90s if i never smoked again. My lungs hurt, and i have a feeling that dream was probably not far from the truth. Just wanting to feel better, my teeth are starting to hurt as well. I have a cavity I’ve been neglecting and told myself once i quit smoking im going to just go fix my teeth. So far I’ve saved probably around 180 in cigarettes alone (not including the drinks i normally bought to go with the cigarettes and the gas to drive to the store l) still relying on coffee to be alive but i noticed im naturally weaning myself down since my energy levels are starting to be obviously better than they use to be. 9 days! Longest quit ive had in 4 years! Yay! Lets go for day 10!
Day 9! I’m feeling good, kind of tired, cravings aren’t too bad anymore. But this stomach bloating is almost crippling. I’m afraid to be in public. I’m sure it will pass soon. I’ve saved like $108-ish by not buying smokes so far. At this point I’m able to accept there are more reasons to quit then keep smoking.
I’m on day 9, I have found it really difficult with cravings and changing my routine.
I don’t know if I have done a good thing, ive picked up an ecig, but I don’t want to move from one thing to another arghhhh… but it’s helping!!!
Have found day 8 and 9 to be the worst. Struggling so much.
This blog had helped but literally desperate.
First week was.easy compared to this!
Okay it’s not just me then! I came on this blog because I’m on Day 9 and it has been the toughest day so far! I don’t understand why! I’m here though still going strong but want to cry!
Hi Cat, I stopped smoking 9 days today and it gets better each day. I have my days when I think bad idea to stop. Then I start to cough and I remember why I stopped nothing like the coughing spell I call it.
This is day 9 for me! I’m so excited to be here with life, I have been meditating and doing yoga for the past week. Today has been exceptionally different… Background: I’m 27, I began smoking at 14, not cigarettes but a lot of blunts and weed. In college I began smoking cigarettes on top of blunts on top of weed. I kicked the cigarette habit but still resorted to using blunts… I woke up 8 days ago, hating the thought of me not being my best self. So I went cold turkey on all blunts and weed. I’m fully vegan and a physique bodybuilder.. I’m used to being high and smoking before a workout.. I have been eating clean as possible, a lot of fibers and raw juicing… and tons of water… recently with the withdrawal; I have had no cravings.. more so because in my mind my health and family are the most important factors but for the past 2 days, I’ll have this “autophony” thing going on, like my left ear pops and I can hear myself breathing. It has lasted each day for a a couple of hrs, mainly after yoga.. last night I had experienced shortness of breath and this morning it seemed to be a lil more intense in that department.. I have been feeling weak in my right shoulder a bit, but still manage to do a bit of working out.. only body weight exercises, currently… I have been lightheaded in the morning especially and really fatigued in certain parts of the day. Today I can feel it a bit more. I’m thankful to have come across this blog, because it’s great to read you all withdrawal experiences, it really gives me hope and trust to God in this process.. though it can be a bit scary here and there; moving past thoughts and letting yourself know “I am healthy”… “I am healed”.. “I am peace”.
More life to you all!! Look forward to connecting with you all from now too day 40.
If your here, on Day 9, your a lot closer to freedom from addiction than you may think. Any one can go a day, maybe two days without smoking. It takes will power to make it through day three. Day three is the worst day, the start of “Hell Week”. Day three through ten are what I consider, “Hell Week”. However, in retrospect, living an extra twenty years and having a better quality of life, is one week really that bad? Once you get to day ten, your intense cravings reduce to twice a day. You still have those triggers, the anxiety, anger etc. The intensity though, at day ten becomes less frequent. Once you make it to day ten, you can make it to day fourteen. Then think, you made it through the hardest two weeks. You basically have quit. All you have is another two weeks, the easier of the two weeks. You already made it past the hard part. Here are some “Don’ts”. DONT Drink Alcohol. Once you have fully quit, DONT think that just one while having a beer or cocktail isn’t a big deal. ONE smoke, and your back addicted. To quit is to imply that you will NEVER smoke again, ever, for any reason, no matter what.
Thank you. I really needed to read that:)
Ooooo this comment is helpful and logical. I appreciate this.
This is an amazing website and I’m sure you’ve helped so many people. Seems like we’re all searching for any way to get through a particular day and then you come across this. Perfect way to put your issues into perspective.
I came across it yesterday (Day 8) but decided to wait before posting. Really really close to smoking yesterday and today. Not the first time I’ve quit. Managed to quit for around 6 years before someone offered me a cig. ‘Just one’ the usual eh. Started convincing myself I’ll be a social smoker and after losing my job and starting a company, cigs have been a huge part of my life since.
7 years on, I’ve ‘quit’ more times than I can remember. Like some of the posts here, friends laughed off my attempts as I’d done it so many times and failed. Living in China for the next 18 months (seems safer here with Covid-19) with wife and son. Another baby on the way. Decided like most last week would be it and I’d get down to a real attempt at quitting.
Unfortunately, unlike UK and US, cigs here are so easy to buy. Packs can be seen in store windows and priced at around $2 a pack. Smoking is not banned in public places and most people will offer you a cig if you’re out for dinner etc. Just smoking at the table next to you. I’ve had to decline all engagements this week. Got a wedding on Sunday unfortunately but hoping I feel good at the Day 14 point. Cigs are thrown around at Chinese weddings like crazy. Seems like the worst place in the world to quit but that’s how it’s turned out.
Purchasing some new home gym equipment with a goal to make 5 workouts a week. Smoking puts such a downer on working out for me. Really find it tough to go to the gym even once a fortnight when I’m smoking.
Sleeping better and waking up early. I wake up with so much more energy when I’m off the cigs. In a bold move, I’ve given all bank cards and transferred all money from my phone to the wifey. Literally not got access to the funds if I’m out on my own. I’d have bought a pack or six by now otherwise. I find it has eased my thoughts as literally I have no way of buying any.
Day 9 better than day 8. Sorry for long post. Hope I don’t let everyone down and smoke again….
Thanks for the kind words. You’re not letting anyone down. Keep up the great work!
On day 9, yesterday (Day 8) was completely whacked. No appetite, cranky, just dug my heels in and refused to leave the house… there are cigarettes out there! :-O
Brutal day, would have smoked absolutely anything that was flammable.
Today is more manageable but still craving. I did leave the house however and haven’t given in.
I had quit for 6 yrs and started 2.5 years ago. Took a puff of a cigar on a fishing trip, turned into my old brand of cigs at the same frequency. Smoking has physically and emotionally kicked my butt this go around. I know I need to put them down for good. The love hate relationship is mind-bending, so easy to rationalize the addiction.
Oh so it’s not just me …. 1st week was very easy but yesterday (day 9) and today (day 10 morning, I just woke up), I find myself thinking about smoking a lot. I don’t plan on giving up, but I thought the hard part was behind me apparently I was wrong lol
I am now on day 9 yay go me I am so happy with myself, I chew Chewy gum heaps and eat lollies lol, today I am feeling good I have started to feel that my mouth feels cleaner, my clothes smell nice and so does my hair. I do miss it but this is good for me and I can do it. I slept better last night then I did the night before which is a big win!!
Hi day 9 for me after 35 years of smoking
I’m missing my best friend of which cigs have been for all this time
Tough is an understatement I’m trying to survive day to day
Came close today but chose not to smoke
Tomorrow’s another day
Similar story. 35 years smoking. Day 9 today.
Hi,
I’m on day 9 today and I hope you don’t mind me asking if you’re still smoke free?
I am so thankful to have stumbled across this blog! I am officially day 9. The first 7 days wasn’t as tough for me. Bev (one of the fellow commenting warriors below) states it best when she said it was kind of euphoric to say “I quit.” Now that the high is over, the desire is more present. Today was a little more difficult. I do suffer with body image issues so today was extremely tough mentally when I realized my shorts were getting tighter than normal. I immediately wanted to smoke as it was a way to keep weight off. That’s actually how I stumbled across your blog when I researched ‘day 9 of stopping smoking’. I’m so thankful to see others stories and I appreciate your blog. If anything it is helping me move along to day 10. I appreciate the words and appreciated all the commenters below. Let’s rally and support each other as all our journeys are different but with one common goal.
Thank you so much for your post. I have body image issues as well. I am on day 9 too. I smoked for 43 years between 10-20 cigarettes a day. And, I am ready to put that lifestyle behind me. Until today, I was taking it one day at a time. But today, it’s more like hour by hour. I am working from home—having difficulty concentrating. But I know it’s gonna get better. And, god help me if I ever get my tastebuds back
I think I am on Day 9 possibly 10. Trying not to count the days but today has been tough, having cravings quite badly. Resisted the urge to buy some smokes, smoked on and off for nearly 30 years. I just keep telling myself that smoking is pointless and unnatural, seems to trick my brain long enough to pass the craving, awful day. Determined to carry on.
I’m on day 9 of quitting I’m 21 and I smoked for three years and I feel so much better I’ve notice so many good things coming out of this! My taste And smell has improved I have more energy and I feel motivated. But that muscles aches and shortness in breath and chest pains are annoying they have got better over the last few days and it’s great. Right now I have this light tension almost in my shoulder and my whole left arm my everything has bothered me on my left of the body and not the right and idk why and I don’t want to go online and self diagnose myself because I’ll just get anxiety. But I’m gonna keep pressing on!!
Yep day 9. I’d been contemplated stopping smoking and then Covid-19 came along and I decided to quit cold turkey. Good days and not so good days, but every day has been a success. First week I ate anything and everything and now I’m trying to be a bit more careful about this. Lots of heartburn though but am determined to win.
Well done. I am day 9. 5/7/20.
Just wish the cravings would go away. And coughing doesn’t look good at the min.
I sailed through days 1-6, but days 7-9 have been kicking my butt. I’m using the patch, which is helping, but the cravings the last couple of days have been tremendous. It sounds like I’m not alone in the struggle through this part of the journey. I’ve been smoking for 34 years and I’m determined to kick the habit once and for all. Thanks for this blog and all who have been commenting. It’s comforting to know you’re all as miserable as I am at the moment, lol. Best of luck to you all and stay STRONG!
Thank you for your blog. I took my first puff at age 9 and am now almost 44. I can remember making a promise to myself when I was in my late 20s that I would NOT go into my 30s as a smoker. Well that resolution didn’t work!
But now I’m on day 9 smoke free. I got up one morning and was like “enough of this, it’s do or die” and so I put them down. It truly does suck so far though. I feel so lost and I want to chew my fingers off! The first few days were actually easier I think because it was sort of a euphoric feeling that I had actually quit. Now the reality has set in.
With that being said, I can see the tar coming off my teeth….YES!!! And deep breathing has become my life savor….and I just started yoga too! I feel lost but hopeful. I think today I will do what one of your other posters did…I will clean my car like surgeon.
I am on my 9th day today. I quit 07/04…i’m doing good but I keep having these crazy thoughts pop in my head about having just one more smoke, i’ll just pick another quit date….I know this is the mind games….just keep Praying to God and asking Him to get me through the day smoke free…I know I can do it with His love and support…Good lucl to all others trying to do this to..it is tough but will save our lives….xo
I too quit on the 13th( Today is day 9) I am puzzled, as I have after 45 years of smoking really haven’t had any real withdrawals, a few craves but about it, But then to God be the Glory, Keep it up all of you, I actually have been feeling much better!
It is July 3, 2021, are you still smoke free? I’m on day 9 and can relate to your day 9.
I am really grateful for your blog and the comments of my fellow warriors. I was getting scared there for a while that I’m dying, I’m just so tired and having a hard time getting out of bed; my lungs hurt my stomach feels like it’s on fire and I’m short of breath. I am 63 and have polyneuropathy and that seems to feel worse, not better, which is strange. This is day nine for me and today I can breathe a little better, I can feel fleeting bits of energy coming back, and I have hope. I quit once for 20 years and then went out with a guy who smoked and that was all it took. That was four years ago. I did it once and I know I can do it again and so can you. Thank you for all your support
My Day 9 was quite difficult in the morning after breakfast, specially after having tea.
As i am suffering from cough that was a reminder for me no smoking dear
I AM ON DAY 9 MYSELF AFTER SMOKING OFF AND ON FOR 30 YEARS.
THIS IS THE LAST TIME I WANT TO FIGHT THIS BATTLE!!!!! I AM KEEPING BUSY DOING HEALTHY WALKS, MAKING HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES, ANYTHING BUT SITTING AROUND THINKING ABOUT IT! EACH DAY THAT PASSES GETS BETTER! I CLEANED MY CAR LIKE A SURGEON! 2 NEW AIR FRESHNERS. IM TRYING TO FOCUS ON MY NEW HEALTHY LIFE INSTEAD OF MY OLD UNHELTHY LIFE! BESIDES, WHEN YOU ARE CAUGHT UP IN ADDICTION, THATS REALLY THE THING THAT CAUSES WITHDRAWALS AND ANXIETY, FIGHT THE FIGHT , DAY BY DAY, AND SOMEDAY, WE ALL WILL BE FREE!!!!! I AM PROUD TO NOT BE SMOKING!, AND SO SHOULD YOU!!!
Today has been a hard day I’m on day 9 and it’s been tough not to mention my car broke so I have to find a way to work and all that this is crazy really just want these cravings to stop and not want a cigarette it is really hard in evenings thats when the craving is really there
This without a doubt has been the worst day for me. The urge to smoke a cigarette is unbelievable. The sleep deprivation isn’t pleasant adding to my anxiety. I wish for a night of decent sleep. Tomorrow another day I will not give in! When I do actually manage to drift off to sleep I dream about cigarettes. The only thing which is really working for me is to stay away from people and keep mega busy with all those jobs you put off in the past. I also feel sad about not smoking again strange thought. I’m not going to give in because this feeling will pass eventually.
Reading others peoples thoughts help tremendously. This is without a doubt the hardest battle I have ever fought but looking forward to marking every day as it goes .. keep strong I keep telling myself because nobody else understands what I’m going thru apart from fellow non-smokers in progress.
I sometimes feel the same way. I feel sad when I think about not smoking. Its weird. My husband still smokes and its sooooo much difficult when he lights one up. Augh! One day at a time.
Day 9 here. Feel great exercising a lot and drinking lots of water. Lost 6 lbs. Went cold turkey. Smoked for 45 yrs. I am 63. Have quit a few times recently. In it for good this time, tired of going through the withdrawals. Just 1 cig will do me in. No more. Stay strong, it gets better each day. Never 1 puff. That’s my slogan. Thanks all!
Today IS DAY 9 FOR ME. IM SO PROUD OF HOW FAR IVE COME. BUT THE CRAVINGS ARE JUST AS BAD MAYBE A SLIGHT WORSE THAN THE FIRST COUPLE DAYS. I HEARD THE SECOND WEEK IS HARDER THAN THE FIRST WEEK. IF THATS THE CASE THEN I ONLY HAVE 1 MORE WEEK OF SUFFERING. IF I CAN MAKE IT THIS WEEK THEN I KNOW THE REST OF THIS WILL BE A BREEZE!!!!! KEEP FIGHTING MY SOLDIERS!! WE GET TO LIVE NOW!
Thank you for your blog. I was thinking i was probably the only one who kept on thinking about cigarettes all day even on day 9. Whatever I was doing, my mind was relating that to the quitting event in a positive or negative way. But buying a puff is in my hand now. Withdrawal can’t control that anymore. Hopefully tomorrow’s going to be a better day.
I dont know what anyone is talking about with lung and stomach pains but I pray I don’t get them. I have smoked for 30 years and recently had a cardiac ablation and decided it would be the perfect time to quit. Besides just plain wanting a cigarette I have not had any withdrawal.
Omg, finding your blog has been a life saver! I’m on day 9, and i thought i was losing my mind- everywhere on the internet it says withdrawal symptoms start to fade after 5 days…..obviously not! i’ve been having near constant anxiety/panic/nausea, and with no real end in sight, was seriously considering using a vape just to give myself some relief. i’m glad you’ve shared your struggle, because it’s given me the additional willpower to resist, and continue my complete withdrawal from nicotine! today is the first day i’m not constantly shaking, and i am confident tomorrow will be even better!
Thank you. I am also on Day 9 and quite honestly feel like shit, lack motivation, and very sleepy which I cannot stand. I thought I would be feeling much better by now. It’s quite strange the feeling of giving up smoking to me feels the same as when I lost my father to lung cancer. I’m grieving for the smokes.
I AM ON DAY 9 – NOT HAVING REALLY BAD CRAVINGS, BUT THE HABIT OF PUTTING ON MY MAKEUP AND SMOKING IS HARD TO BREAK – EVENINGS ARE FINE AND SLEEP IS GOOD – BUT MY PROBLEM IS HABIT – SMOKING IN THE MORNING AND WHEN I AM IN THE BATHROOM.
Me too! Smoking in the bathroom and after eating!! Its the worse!
I’m the same age as you & have smoked the biggest part of the last 25yrs (yeah, 13yo…crazy, I know!). Anyhow, I’m on Day 5 & wanted to thank you for reassuring me that these stomach & lung pains don’t mean I’m dying, lol! I just want to hurry up & get to the point where I don’t feel sick & stressed & sad (I can literally cry over a soup commercial…& I’m not even a ‘cryer’!). I will definitely be using your journal for inspiration…thanks!!