New to the site and had a few navigation issues. Excited about this opportunity to quit. The time is right both personally and professionally. Twenty years and the addiction has worsened significantly. Two cans a day and that's with multiple savers. Eating, sleeping and romantic time a non user. Using all other times. Completing day 9 and feel good, strong and confident. Had one restless nite but withdrawals less than expected. Drinking a gallon plus of water per day to help cleanse. Have used cottonballs in the cheek to help as well as bubblegum. No nicotine replacement. Cold turkey at 0001 hrs on 4-17 after a 16 work shift. That was followed by 3 days off of which I purposely isolated from family and friends during first 48 hours. In reflecting I don't think that was necessary as withdrawals were not tremendously uncomfortable. So here I am and looking for wisdon and guidance from those who face similar challenges associated with that bull shift habit that is trying to destroy my life. Also to be any help to others who may need it during this journey. Done on cell
Welcome Whiteside! Congrats on making the decision to quit and for logging 9 days on your own. That's quite an accomplishment, regardless of the withdrawals not being as bad as expected.
It sounds like you've got a pretty good plan in place for some of the physical aspects of the quit (gum, water, space, etc.). I'd also recommend cutting your caffeine intake in half and avoiding alcohol entirely for the next few weeks.
Now, let's address the trickier part of this equation. You found us, created a profile and posted an intro. You're looking for help from a community of people that can appreciate what you're going through. That's an extremely bold and important move towards your success.This community can provide the tools for success when your own resolve starts to fade or when all the gum in the world isn't enough.
It starts with Accountability. At KTC, we post "roll" every morning with our quit group. Based on your quit date, your group is July 17 (July because that is when you'll hit 100 days quit). Instructions for that can be found on that page. That roll post represents your promise not to use any nicotine product for one day. It represents your word. At first it seems silly, but that promise you make to a group of strangers will save your quit and your life someday.
Second is Brotherhood. Roll is the price of entry at KTC. To access the support network here, you have to make that promise. When you do that, you will have a network of thousands of active members who understand exactly what you're going through and will break their backs to pull you through. I'd encourage you to reach out and get to know people. The more you dig in, the better this site works.
It's a simple formula and it works if you follow it. The question is what are you willing to do to ensure that this quit is for real? It's humbling to admit that you need help, but I assure you, over the next several days, weeks, months, your quit will not always be smooth and that promise will be the only thing that keeps you clean.
Welcome and let me know if I can help.
