Author Topic: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.  (Read 3725 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline pab1964

  • Family
  • Master of Quit
  • *******
  • Posts: 70,816
  • Loving the quit life
  • Interests: God family crappie fishing
  • Likes Given: 85
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #48 on: April 20, 2015, 10:20:00 AM »
Quote from: trigerhapy
HOF Awk, congratulations!
Quit with you another 100, EDD!
Awk my brother! Congrats on the HOF! See you at 200!
Tobacco is so addictive it took me a year after a massive heart attack, in which doctor confirmed caused from dipping to finally put a lid on the bitch! ODAAT EDD

Offline trigerhapy

  • Master of Quit
  • *******
  • Posts: 29,815
  • Quit Date: 01/05/15
  • Interests: Quit for LIFE
  • Likes Given: 4
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #47 on: April 19, 2015, 11:22:00 AM »
HOF Awk, congratulations!
Quit with you another 100, EDD!

Offline Awkwood15

  • Quitter
  • **
  • Posts: 295
  • Quit Date: 2015-01-10
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #46 on: February 20, 2015, 11:02:00 PM »
Quote from: sekfireman603
Quote from: Awkwood15
Day 42 and my quit is very strong. However, there has been some serious shit going down in the Apes house. We've had 2 cavers consecutively and have received a lot of flak from others outside of our group. I fully support my fellow Apes in defending themselves against certain ass holes coming in and attacking us as a whole. Kash has stepped up as our Sheriff and places people into certain jails appropriately. Keep up the strong work guys. Unfortunately, I do not fully agree with the way we are dealing with one of the cavers. I'm posting this in my own introduction so that 1) I can later look back upon this and see where my head was at 2) it is my own my opinion and 3) if this attracts a shit storm it won't trash our house again.

My fellow Apes,

There's a big difference between helping someone and enabling them. I specifically chose to quit with KTC because I thought enabling was pretty much nonexistent here. I know some of you will consider me cold hearted after reading all this but I assure you that if your heads on straight and your quit is front and center, you'll at least understand where I'm coming from.

Owena has failed us and himself numerous times. To keep him in our group, be it on GroupMe or in April, would be a great dishonor to ourselves. I understand that he has circumstances that differ from ours but my question to him is this... Do you want to be treated like a man or a child?

As many of you are aware, I have spent many years in one of the worlds busiest EMS systems. Yes, I admit I am a bit jaded from it but what you need to understand is that during this time I have gained the ability to instantly tell the difference between a seeker and someone who genuinely wants help. Seekers repeatedly call upon and feed off of the enablers. Seekers display a pattern that does not change. Seekers often have early mental trauma of some sort and use that as extortion in the seeking process, as well as any other heart strings they can pull. Owena, I do not know you personally. I do not know the full story of your life. All I know is that I'm here to help myself and to get the help I know I need. I'm also here to return the favor and help those that I know are trying to help themselves. For me, Owena, you do not fall into that category. I have nothing personal against you but I do not trust you with my quit and I do not feel an obligation to expend any more of my energy on yours. Quit making excuses. Quit making people feel sorry for you. If you want help, get it. Be it from here or through your insurance, do whatever is necessary. Stop asking how and listen to what you are being told. The KTC way is rather simple. Post roll, be a man of your word, and repeat. Other involvement in the site itself is optional. You choose how involved you want to be. KTC can only help you if you truly want the help.

In conclusion... Flaw, mind your own fucking business and stay out of our house. You, yourself, have a lot growing up to do before you will be able to make it in the fire service. You have way more ahead of you than the Chiefs interview. Respect your superiors, even if they're not on your desired department. Despite initial impressions, our world is actually a very small world indeed. You sir are currently standing on a bridge to that world. Put the matches down and shut the fuck up.


Stay strong, stay vigilant, stay quit.
With fear of sounding like I don't give a shit, this is spot on what I was trying to say earlier. I care about the house of the Apes. And like Awk, I don't dislike Owena and I don't know Owena. It's a difficult analogy to make to people that aren't in the fire service, but since this is Awk's post and I know he understands, I'll say it. KTC is about who I want to be behind me on the nozzle. Backing someone up on the nozzle is a huge responsibility. You have to trust that they'll crawl into the middle of the shit with you, and trust that if shit his the fan, they'll pull you out. Owena, I can't trust that you would be my backup. We shouldn't give out a trophy for giving up. We reap what we sow, we learn and we move on making damn sure we do better than the last time. Awk, I'd trust you on the nozzle any day. Carry on with your bad ass quit.
You said it perfectly Chief. I'd trust you with my life as well. Especially with Woos, Kash, and Pab on RIC and Trig at the pump.

Offline sekfireman603

  • Quitter
  • **
  • Posts: 1,105
  • Quit Date: 2015-01-14
  • Interests: My family, my wife, my job
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #45 on: February 20, 2015, 10:42:00 PM »
Quote from: Awkwood15
Day 42 and my quit is very strong. However, there has been some serious shit going down in the Apes house. We've had 2 cavers consecutively and have received a lot of flak from others outside of our group. I fully support my fellow Apes in defending themselves against certain ass holes coming in and attacking us as a whole. Kash has stepped up as our Sheriff and places people into certain jails appropriately. Keep up the strong work guys. Unfortunately, I do not fully agree with the way we are dealing with one of the cavers. I'm posting this in my own introduction so that 1) I can later look back upon this and see where my head was at 2) it is my own my opinion and 3) if this attracts a shit storm it won't trash our house again.

My fellow Apes,

There's a big difference between helping someone and enabling them. I specifically chose to quit with KTC because I thought enabling was pretty much nonexistent here. I know some of you will consider me cold hearted after reading all this but I assure you that if your heads on straight and your quit is front and center, you'll at least understand where I'm coming from.

Owena has failed us and himself numerous times. To keep him in our group, be it on GroupMe or in April, would be a great dishonor to ourselves. I understand that he has circumstances that differ from ours but my question to him is this... Do you want to be treated like a man or a child?

As many of you are aware, I have spent many years in one of the worlds busiest EMS systems. Yes, I admit I am a bit jaded from it but what you need to understand is that during this time I have gained the ability to instantly tell the difference between a seeker and someone who genuinely wants help. Seekers repeatedly call upon and feed off of the enablers. Seekers display a pattern that does not change. Seekers often have early mental trauma of some sort and use that as extortion in the seeking process, as well as any other heart strings they can pull. Owena, I do not know you personally. I do not know the full story of your life. All I know is that I'm here to help myself and to get the help I know I need. I'm also here to return the favor and help those that I know are trying to help themselves. For me, Owena, you do not fall into that category. I have nothing personal against you but I do not trust you with my quit and I do not feel an obligation to expend any more of my energy on yours. Quit making excuses. Quit making people feel sorry for you. If you want help, get it. Be it from here or through your insurance, do whatever is necessary. Stop asking how and listen to what you are being told. The KTC way is rather simple. Post roll, be a man of your word, and repeat. Other involvement in the site itself is optional. You choose how involved you want to be. KTC can only help you if you truly want the help.

In conclusion... Flaw, mind your own fucking business and stay out of our house. You, yourself, have a lot growing up to do before you will be able to make it in the fire service. You have way more ahead of you than the Chiefs interview. Respect your superiors, even if they're not on your desired department. Despite initial impressions, our world is actually a very small world indeed. You sir are currently standing on a bridge to that world. Put the matches down and shut the fuck up.


Stay strong, stay vigilant, stay quit.
With fear of sounding like I don't give a shit, this is spot on what I was trying to say earlier. I care about the house of the Apes. And like Awk, I don't dislike Owena and I don't know Owena. It's a difficult analogy to make to people that aren't in the fire service, but since this is Awk's post and I know he understands, I'll say it. KTC is about who I want to be behind me on the nozzle. Backing someone up on the nozzle is a huge responsibility. You have to trust that they'll crawl into the middle of the shit with you, and trust that if shit his the fan, they'll pull you out. Owena, I can't trust that you would be my backup. We shouldn't give out a trophy for giving up. We reap what we sow, we learn and we move on making damn sure we do better than the last time. Awk, I'd trust you on the nozzle any day. Carry on with your bad ass quit.
HOF: April 23, 2015
2nd Floor: August 1, 2015

Offline Awkwood15

  • Quitter
  • **
  • Posts: 295
  • Quit Date: 2015-01-10
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #44 on: February 20, 2015, 10:13:00 PM »
Day 42 and my quit is very strong. However, there has been some serious shit going down in the Apes house. We've had 2 cavers consecutively and have received a lot of flak from others outside of our group. I fully support my fellow Apes in defending themselves against certain ass holes coming in and attacking us as a whole. Kash has stepped up as our Sheriff and places people into certain jails appropriately. Keep up the strong work guys. Unfortunately, I do not fully agree with the way we are dealing with one of the cavers. I'm posting this in my own introduction so that 1) I can later look back upon this and see where my head was at 2) it is my own my opinion and 3) if this attracts a shit storm it won't trash our house again.

My fellow Apes,

There's a big difference between helping someone and enabling them. I specifically chose to quit with KTC because I thought enabling was pretty much nonexistent here. I know some of you will consider me cold hearted after reading all this but I assure you that if your heads on straight and your quit is front and center, you'll at least understand where I'm coming from.

Owena has failed us and himself numerous times. To keep him in our group, be it on GroupMe or in April, would be a great dishonor to ourselves. I understand that he has circumstances that differ from ours but my question to him is this... Do you want to be treated like a man or a child?

As many of you are aware, I have spent many years in one of the worlds busiest EMS systems. Yes, I admit I am a bit jaded from it but what you need to understand is that during this time I have gained the ability to instantly tell the difference between a seeker and someone who genuinely wants help. Seekers repeatedly call upon and feed off of the enablers. Seekers display a pattern that does not change. Seekers often have early mental trauma of some sort and use that as extortion in the seeking process, as well as any other heart strings they can pull. Owena, I do not know you personally. I do not know the full story of your life. All I know is that I'm here to help myself and to get the help I know I need. I'm also here to return the favor and help those that I know are trying to help themselves. For me, Owena, you do not fall into that category. I have nothing personal against you but I do not trust you with my quit and I do not feel an obligation to expend any more of my energy on yours. Quit making excuses. Quit making people feel sorry for you. If you want help, get it. Be it from here or through your insurance, do whatever is necessary. Stop asking how and listen to what you are being told. The KTC way is rather simple. Post roll, be a man of your word, and repeat. Other involvement in the site itself is optional. You choose how involved you want to be. KTC can only help you if you truly want the help.

In conclusion... Flaw, mind your own fucking business and stay out of our house. You, yourself, have a lot growing up to do before you will be able to make it in the fire service. You have way more ahead of you than the Chiefs interview. Respect your superiors, even if they're not on your desired department. Despite initial impressions, our world is actually a very small world indeed. You sir are currently standing on a bridge to that world. Put the matches down and shut the fuck up.


Stay strong, stay vigilant, stay quit.

Offline Scowick65

  • Moderator (Retired)
  • Master of Quit
  • *****
  • Posts: 20,614
  • Likes Given: 11
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #43 on: February 18, 2015, 10:24:00 AM »
Quote from: Rawls
Quote from: trigerhapy
Quote from: pab1964
Quote from: rdad
Quote from: Awkwood15
Day 26 and I have been in a bit of a funk these last couple days. I started thinking about this funk and began wondering what the hell it really was. I started some research about nicotine effects and withdrawals and I think I may have figured it out. This probably is nothing new to many of you and I'm sure some of our fellow MD quitters can shed more light on the subject, but for me it was sort of an Ah-Ha moment. I think the fog and funks set in during periods of reduced dopamine levels due to the reconditioning of the brain. It's the brains way of trying to induce a dopamine release that was typically always present but now is no longer there. Trying to fill the void of sorts.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behavior that is essential to survival. It's the driving force behind our cravings for food, water, reproduction, physical activity, etc. For example, when someone is hungry dopamine levels will drop and cause a craving for food. Once the stomach is full, signals are sent to the brain and it releases dopamine to create that satisfaction/euphoria feeling. Nicotine itself has the ability to bind with dopamine release receptors in the brain and cause large amounts of dopamine to be released. Kind of makes sense now why it used to be so easy to go most of the day without eating. Also explains why the first few days of the quit are so difficult. The brain has been trained to think that nicotine, because it causes the release of dopamine, is a necessary component for survival. That's why the cravings are so intense at the beginning and why you feel like you can't live without it. Overtime, the brain adjusts and rewires and begins to release dopamine more appropriately. However, because we do have addict brains, there will always be an imprint/pathway that will always desire nicotine. A reminder to the brain that "nicotine is essential for surivival". That's why just one more, one time, one can, won't work. It instantly reinforces that imprint and it comes back to life.

It also explains why the KTC method works. Another instinct we have is to form groups for survival. When in a group, we feel stronger and more empowered to fight anything. Helping each other through these trying times strengthens our bonds and guess what else it does? Yup, it releases dopamine. That's why many of our users are so passionate about this site and what it stands for.

So in short, the secret to getting through the fogs and funks is to KTC it up, eat, drink water, workout, and quit like fuck! Proud to be quit with all you bad ass quitters!
Excellent post Awkwood. I love seeing new quitters putting in the effort to understand what the hell is going on with this quitting business. It shows you are serious. You are right about the group thing. It was easy to let myself down in hundreds of stops but the thought of letting down this community is really unthinkable. The tighter the quit web you can weave the better. Nice job bro!
I got faith in you my brother and I know damn well you have faith in yourself! Stay quit! Damn proud be quit with you!
Awkwood is a bad ass April Ape. All the Apes should be reading his post right about now. Most of us are in the 30-40 day "funky" window.
QLF with Awkwood!
Let's read it again....

Quit with you again Awkwood.
Well done young man. EDD ODAAT.
Damn. Great stuff.

Offline Rawls

  • Epic Quitter
  • ****
  • Posts: 11,454
  • Quit Date: Nov 18, 2014
  • Interests: I am a Christian. By grace through faith.....I asked God to show me the truth. And He did. I am a believer! Wife of 30 Years, Golf, Hunting, All sports...Romans 10:9-13
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #42 on: February 16, 2015, 11:35:00 PM »
Quote from: trigerhapy
Quote from: pab1964
Quote from: rdad
Quote from: Awkwood15
Day 26 and I have been in a bit of a funk these last couple days. I started thinking about this funk and began wondering what the hell it really was. I started some research about nicotine effects and withdrawals and I think I may have figured it out. This probably is nothing new to many of you and I'm sure some of our fellow MD quitters can shed more light on the subject, but for me it was sort of an Ah-Ha moment. I think the fog and funks set in during periods of reduced dopamine levels due to the reconditioning of the brain. It's the brains way of trying to induce a dopamine release that was typically always present but now is no longer there. Trying to fill the void of sorts.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behavior that is essential to survival. It's the driving force behind our cravings for food, water, reproduction, physical activity, etc. For example, when someone is hungry dopamine levels will drop and cause a craving for food. Once the stomach is full, signals are sent to the brain and it releases dopamine to create that satisfaction/euphoria feeling. Nicotine itself has the ability to bind with dopamine release receptors in the brain and cause large amounts of dopamine to be released. Kind of makes sense now why it used to be so easy to go most of the day without eating. Also explains why the first few days of the quit are so difficult. The brain has been trained to think that nicotine, because it causes the release of dopamine, is a necessary component for survival. That's why the cravings are so intense at the beginning and why you feel like you can't live without it. Overtime, the brain adjusts and rewires and begins to release dopamine more appropriately. However, because we do have addict brains, there will always be an imprint/pathway that will always desire nicotine. A reminder to the brain that "nicotine is essential for surivival". That's why just one more, one time, one can, won't work. It instantly reinforces that imprint and it comes back to life.

It also explains why the KTC method works. Another instinct we have is to form groups for survival. When in a group, we feel stronger and more empowered to fight anything. Helping each other through these trying times strengthens our bonds and guess what else it does? Yup, it releases dopamine. That's why many of our users are so passionate about this site and what it stands for.

So in short, the secret to getting through the fogs and funks is to KTC it up, eat, drink water, workout, and quit like fuck! Proud to be quit with all you bad ass quitters!
Excellent post Awkwood. I love seeing new quitters putting in the effort to understand what the hell is going on with this quitting business. It shows you are serious. You are right about the group thing. It was easy to let myself down in hundreds of stops but the thought of letting down this community is really unthinkable. The tighter the quit web you can weave the better. Nice job bro!
I got faith in you my brother and I know damn well you have faith in yourself! Stay quit! Damn proud be quit with you!
Awkwood is a bad ass April Ape. All the Apes should be reading his post right about now. Most of us are in the 30-40 day "funky" window.
QLF with Awkwood!
Let's read it again....

Quit with you again Awkwood.
Well done young man. EDD ODAAT.
I believe.....

Offline trigerhapy

  • Master of Quit
  • *******
  • Posts: 29,815
  • Quit Date: 01/05/15
  • Interests: Quit for LIFE
  • Likes Given: 4
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #41 on: February 10, 2015, 01:23:00 PM »
Quote from: pab1964
Quote from: rdad
Quote from: Awkwood15
Day 26 and I have been in a bit of a funk these last couple days. I started thinking about this funk and began wondering what the hell it really was. I started some research about nicotine effects and withdrawals and I think I may have figured it out. This probably is nothing new to many of you and I'm sure some of our fellow MD quitters can shed more light on the subject, but for me it was sort of an Ah-Ha moment. I think the fog and funks set in during periods of reduced dopamine levels due to the reconditioning of the brain. It's the brains way of trying to induce a dopamine release that was typically always present but now is no longer there. Trying to fill the void of sorts.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behavior that is essential to survival. It's the driving force behind our cravings for food, water, reproduction, physical activity, etc. For example, when someone is hungry dopamine levels will drop and cause a craving for food. Once the stomach is full, signals are sent to the brain and it releases dopamine to create that satisfaction/euphoria feeling. Nicotine itself has the ability to bind with dopamine release receptors in the brain and cause large amounts of dopamine to be released. Kind of makes sense now why it used to be so easy to go most of the day without eating. Also explains why the first few days of the quit are so difficult. The brain has been trained to think that nicotine, because it causes the release of dopamine, is a necessary component for survival. That's why the cravings are so intense at the beginning and why you feel like you can't live without it. Overtime, the brain adjusts and rewires and begins to release dopamine more appropriately. However, because we do have addict brains, there will always be an imprint/pathway that will always desire nicotine. A reminder to the brain that "nicotine is essential for surivival". That's why just one more, one time, one can, won't work. It instantly reinforces that imprint and it comes back to life.

It also explains why the KTC method works. Another instinct we have is to form groups for survival. When in a group, we feel stronger and more empowered to fight anything. Helping each other through these trying times strengthens our bonds and guess what else it does? Yup, it releases dopamine. That's why many of our users are so passionate about this site and what it stands for.

So in short, the secret to getting through the fogs and funks is to KTC it up, eat, drink water, workout, and quit like fuck! Proud to be quit with all you bad ass quitters!
Excellent post Awkwood. I love seeing new quitters putting in the effort to understand what the hell is going on with this quitting business. It shows you are serious. You are right about the group thing. It was easy to let myself down in hundreds of stops but the thought of letting down this community is really unthinkable. The tighter the quit web you can weave the better. Nice job bro!
I got faith in you my brother and I know damn well you have faith in yourself! Stay quit! Damn proud be quit with you!
Awkwood is a bad ass April Ape. All the Apes should be reading his post right about now. Most of us are in the 30-40 day "funky" window.
QLF with Awkwood!

Offline pab1964

  • Family
  • Master of Quit
  • *******
  • Posts: 70,816
  • Loving the quit life
  • Interests: God family crappie fishing
  • Likes Given: 85
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #40 on: February 05, 2015, 12:49:00 AM »
Quote from: rdad
Quote from: Awkwood15
Day 26 and I have been in a bit of a funk these last couple days. I started thinking about this funk and began wondering what the hell it really was. I started some research about nicotine effects and withdrawals and I think I may have figured it out. This probably is nothing new to many of you and I'm sure some of our fellow MD quitters can shed more light on the subject, but for me it was sort of an Ah-Ha moment. I think the fog and funks set in during periods of reduced dopamine levels due to the reconditioning of the brain. It's the brains way of trying to induce a dopamine release that was typically always present but now is no longer there. Trying to fill the void of sorts.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behavior that is essential to survival. It's the driving force behind our cravings for food, water, reproduction, physical activity, etc. For example, when someone is hungry dopamine levels will drop and cause a craving for food. Once the stomach is full, signals are sent to the brain and it releases dopamine to create that satisfaction/euphoria feeling. Nicotine itself has the ability to bind with dopamine release receptors in the brain and cause large amounts of dopamine to be released. Kind of makes sense now why it used to be so easy to go most of the day without eating. Also explains why the first few days of the quit are so difficult. The brain has been trained to think that nicotine, because it causes the release of dopamine, is a necessary component for survival. That's why the cravings are so intense at the beginning and why you feel like you can't live without it. Overtime, the brain adjusts and rewires and begins to release dopamine more appropriately. However, because we do have addict brains, there will always be an imprint/pathway that will always desire nicotine. A reminder to the brain that "nicotine is essential for surivival". That's why just one more, one time, one can, won't work. It instantly reinforces that imprint and it comes back to life.

It also explains why the KTC method works. Another instinct we have is to form groups for survival. When in a group, we feel stronger and more empowered to fight anything. Helping each other through these trying times strengthens our bonds and guess what else it does? Yup, it releases dopamine. That's why many of our users are so passionate about this site and what it stands for.

So in short, the secret to getting through the fogs and funks is to KTC it up, eat, drink water, workout, and quit like fuck! Proud to be quit with all you bad ass quitters!
Excellent post Awkwood. I love seeing new quitters putting in the effort to understand what the hell is going on with this quitting business. It shows you are serious. You are right about the group thing. It was easy to let myself down in hundreds of stops but the thought of letting down this community is really unthinkable. The tighter the quit web you can weave the better. Nice job bro!
I got faith in you my brother and I know damn well you have faith in yourself! Stay quit! Damn proud be quit with you!
Tobacco is so addictive it took me a year after a massive heart attack, in which doctor confirmed caused from dipping to finally put a lid on the bitch! ODAAT EDD

Offline rdad

  • Quit Pro
  • ***
  • Posts: 8,904
  • Quit Date: 11/22/13
  • Interests: All Shooting Sports, Reloading, Fly Fishing, and Music.
  • Likes Given: 7
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #39 on: February 04, 2015, 01:30:00 PM »
Quote from: Awkwood15
Day 26 and I have been in a bit of a funk these last couple days. I started thinking about this funk and began wondering what the hell it really was. I started some research about nicotine effects and withdrawals and I think I may have figured it out. This probably is nothing new to many of you and I'm sure some of our fellow MD quitters can shed more light on the subject, but for me it was sort of an Ah-Ha moment. I think the fog and funks set in during periods of reduced dopamine levels due to the reconditioning of the brain. It's the brains way of trying to induce a dopamine release that was typically always present but now is no longer there. Trying to fill the void of sorts.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behavior that is essential to survival. It's the driving force behind our cravings for food, water, reproduction, physical activity, etc. For example, when someone is hungry dopamine levels will drop and cause a craving for food. Once the stomach is full, signals are sent to the brain and it releases dopamine to create that satisfaction/euphoria feeling. Nicotine itself has the ability to bind with dopamine release receptors in the brain and cause large amounts of dopamine to be released. Kind of makes sense now why it used to be so easy to go most of the day without eating. Also explains why the first few days of the quit are so difficult. The brain has been trained to think that nicotine, because it causes the release of dopamine, is a necessary component for survival. That's why the cravings are so intense at the beginning and why you feel like you can't live without it. Overtime, the brain adjusts and rewires and begins to release dopamine more appropriately. However, because we do have addict brains, there will always be an imprint/pathway that will always desire nicotine. A reminder to the brain that "nicotine is essential for surivival". That's why just one more, one time, one can, won't work. It instantly reinforces that imprint and it comes back to life.

It also explains why the KTC method works. Another instinct we have is to form groups for survival. When in a group, we feel stronger and more empowered to fight anything. Helping each other through these trying times strengthens our bonds and guess what else it does? Yup, it releases dopamine. That's why many of our users are so passionate about this site and what it stands for.

So in short, the secret to getting through the fogs and funks is to KTC it up, eat, drink water, workout, and quit like fuck! Proud to be quit with all you bad ass quitters!
Excellent post Awkwood. I love seeing new quitters putting in the effort to understand what the hell is going on with this quitting business. It shows you are serious. You are right about the group thing. It was easy to let myself down in hundreds of stops but the thought of letting down this community is really unthinkable. The tighter the quit web you can weave the better. Nice job bro!

Offline Awkwood15

  • Quitter
  • **
  • Posts: 295
  • Quit Date: 2015-01-10
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #38 on: February 04, 2015, 01:25:00 PM »
Day 26 and I have been in a bit of a funk these last couple days. I started thinking about this funk and began wondering what the hell it really was. I started some research about nicotine effects and withdrawals and I think I may have figured it out. This probably is nothing new to many of you and I'm sure some of our fellow MD quitters can shed more light on the subject, but for me it was sort of an Ah-Ha moment. I think the fog and funks set in during periods of reduced dopamine levels due to the reconditioning of the brain. It's the brains way of trying to induce a dopamine release that was typically always present but now is no longer there. Trying to fill the void of sorts.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behavior that is essential to survival. It's the driving force behind our cravings for food, water, reproduction, physical activity, etc. For example, when someone is hungry dopamine levels will drop and cause a craving for food. Once the stomach is full, signals are sent to the brain and it releases dopamine to create that satisfaction/euphoria feeling. Nicotine itself has the ability to bind with dopamine release receptors in the brain and cause large amounts of dopamine to be released. Kind of makes sense now why it used to be so easy to go most of the day without eating. Also explains why the first few days of the quit are so difficult. The brain has been trained to think that nicotine, because it causes the release of dopamine, is a necessary component for survival. That's why the cravings are so intense at the beginning and why you feel like you can't live without it. Overtime, the brain adjusts and rewires and begins to release dopamine more appropriately. However, because we do have addict brains, there will always be an imprint/pathway that will always desire nicotine. A reminder to the brain that "nicotine is essential for surivival". That's why just one more, one time, one can, won't work. It instantly reinforces that imprint and it comes back to life.

It also explains why the KTC method works. Another instinct we have is to form groups for survival. When in a group, we feel stronger and more empowered to fight anything. Helping each other through these trying times strengthens our bonds and guess what else it does? Yup, it releases dopamine. That's why many of our users are so passionate about this site and what it stands for.

So in short, the secret to getting through the fogs and funks is to KTC it up, eat, drink water, workout, and quit like fuck! Proud to be quit with all you bad ass quitters!

Offline pab1964

  • Family
  • Master of Quit
  • *******
  • Posts: 70,816
  • Loving the quit life
  • Interests: God family crappie fishing
  • Likes Given: 85
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #37 on: January 26, 2015, 02:53:00 PM »
Quote from: TLOC81
Quote from: canless2014
Quote from: pab1964
Quote from: Awkwood15
Quote from: pab1964
Checking up on you my brother, how's going?
Doing great brother! Thanks for checking on me. Work has been kicking my ass and so has life but my quit is strong! The two week rewind was a little rough but I can honestly say now, that for the first time in my life, I actually laugh at my cravings and triggers. It amazes me how deep this nicbitch had her claws in me and how hard she fights to keep it that way. I'm pretty clear of the fog now and I think hitting the gym regularly has been a big help with that. I still have the dip dreams but am sleeping a lot better. The dreams aren't as profound as the other one I posted about. These seem to glorify the act of dipping but it's too late. Between my drive to quit, you guys, and the impact that other dream had on me... I'm unstoppable and it feels amazing! Am I invincible? No. Becoming complacent? No. There is a huge difference between where I was and where I am now but I still have a long way to go. The way I'm looking at it is I have roughly 5,475 days of avid use to make up for. Today is day 16. I'm proud of my two week accomplishment but as you can see I'm not finished yet, and I never will be!

I QUIT all day, EDD, with all of you! Now let's go smack that nicbitch around!! 'bangin'
Hell yes! Keep that attitude we will celebrate our first 5 year quit together! I stay quit with you my friend and brother!
Gonna hold you brothers to that 5 year celebration. Quit with you today Awkwood and pab, ODAAT
The nicbitch has been calling all day today and I needed a little KTC action to get rid of her. Just read the posts on this page and am good to go until tomorrow. Keep up the quit and thanks for all the good posts.
Write date down get my digits if I'm still alive I will be celebrating! Proud to be quit with all you Apes!
Tobacco is so addictive it took me a year after a massive heart attack, in which doctor confirmed caused from dipping to finally put a lid on the bitch! ODAAT EDD

Offline TLOC81

  • Quitter
  • **
  • Posts: 1,017
  • Quit Date: 2015-01-13
  • Interests: Quitting chewing tobacco for good
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #36 on: January 26, 2015, 12:26:00 AM »
Quote from: canless2014
Quote from: pab1964
Quote from: Awkwood15
Quote from: pab1964
Checking up on you my brother, how's going?
Doing great brother! Thanks for checking on me. Work has been kicking my ass and so has life but my quit is strong! The two week rewind was a little rough but I can honestly say now, that for the first time in my life, I actually laugh at my cravings and triggers. It amazes me how deep this nicbitch had her claws in me and how hard she fights to keep it that way. I'm pretty clear of the fog now and I think hitting the gym regularly has been a big help with that. I still have the dip dreams but am sleeping a lot better. The dreams aren't as profound as the other one I posted about. These seem to glorify the act of dipping but it's too late. Between my drive to quit, you guys, and the impact that other dream had on me... I'm unstoppable and it feels amazing! Am I invincible? No. Becoming complacent? No. There is a huge difference between where I was and where I am now but I still have a long way to go. The way I'm looking at it is I have roughly 5,475 days of avid use to make up for. Today is day 16. I'm proud of my two week accomplishment but as you can see I'm not finished yet, and I never will be!

I QUIT all day, EDD, with all of you! Now let's go smack that nicbitch around!! 'bangin'
Hell yes! Keep that attitude we will celebrate our first 5 year quit together! I stay quit with you my friend and brother!
Gonna hold you brothers to that 5 year celebration. Quit with you today Awkwood and pab, ODAAT
The nicbitch has been calling all day today and I needed a little KTC action to get rid of her. Just read the posts on this page and am good to go until tomorrow. Keep up the quit and thanks for all the good posts.
Tedx on addiction
Transcending addiction Tedx

Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it a thousand times. -Mark Twain

Offline canless2014

  • Quitter
  • **
  • Posts: 2,027
  • Quit Date: 2014-06-30
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #35 on: January 25, 2015, 09:14:00 PM »
Quote from: pab1964
Quote from: Awkwood15
Quote from: pab1964
Checking up on you my brother, how's going?
Doing great brother! Thanks for checking on me. Work has been kicking my ass and so has life but my quit is strong! The two week rewind was a little rough but I can honestly say now, that for the first time in my life, I actually laugh at my cravings and triggers. It amazes me how deep this nicbitch had her claws in me and how hard she fights to keep it that way. I'm pretty clear of the fog now and I think hitting the gym regularly has been a big help with that. I still have the dip dreams but am sleeping a lot better. The dreams aren't as profound as the other one I posted about. These seem to glorify the act of dipping but it's too late. Between my drive to quit, you guys, and the impact that other dream had on me... I'm unstoppable and it feels amazing! Am I invincible? No. Becoming complacent? No. There is a huge difference between where I was and where I am now but I still have a long way to go. The way I'm looking at it is I have roughly 5,475 days of avid use to make up for. Today is day 16. I'm proud of my two week accomplishment but as you can see I'm not finished yet, and I never will be!

I QUIT all day, EDD, with all of you! Now let's go smack that nicbitch around!! 'bangin'
Hell yes! Keep that attitude we will celebrate our first 5 year quit together! I stay quit with you my friend and brother!
Gonna hold you brothers to that 5 year celebration. Quit with you today Awkwood and pab, ODAAT
"Post roll. Post more if you want to. That's the beauty of the place: We ask you post roll. We ask you to be honest. That's all. No more. No less. Be there for your brothers and ask for help when you need it." - Wastepanel 10/6/14

"What would you do to save your own life? If you were fighting cancer today would you suffer through Chemo, surgeries, try new a therapy? change your diet, go to church? What intolerable hell would you endure to simply live. When you have thought long and hard about that, think on this. Why not apply that attitude to your quit. Suffer through the temporary discomfort of withdrawal to achieve your freedom from a slow painful demise via nicotine. Your in the ring already- fight like you mean it." - Skoal Monster 10/8/14

Quit Date: 6/30/2014 at 4:30 PM

HOF Date: 10/07/2014

Offline pab1964

  • Family
  • Master of Quit
  • *******
  • Posts: 70,816
  • Loving the quit life
  • Interests: God family crappie fishing
  • Likes Given: 85
Re: Awkwood quits, again, for the last time.
« Reply #34 on: January 25, 2015, 03:05:00 PM »
Quote from: Awkwood15
Quote from: pab1964
Checking up on you my brother, how's going?
Doing great brother! Thanks for checking on me. Work has been kicking my ass and so has life but my quit is strong! The two week rewind was a little rough but I can honestly say now, that for the first time in my life, I actually laugh at my cravings and triggers. It amazes me how deep this nicbitch had her claws in me and how hard she fights to keep it that way. I'm pretty clear of the fog now and I think hitting the gym regularly has been a big help with that. I still have the dip dreams but am sleeping a lot better. The dreams aren't as profound as the other one I posted about. These seem to glorify the act of dipping but it's too late. Between my drive to quit, you guys, and the impact that other dream had on me... I'm unstoppable and it feels amazing! Am I invincible? No. Becoming complacent? No. There is a huge difference between where I was and where I am now but I still have a long way to go. The way I'm looking at it is I have roughly 5,475 days of avid use to make up for. Today is day 16. I'm proud of my two week accomplishment but as you can see I'm not finished yet, and I never will be!

I QUIT all day, EDD, with all of you! Now let's go smack that nicbitch around!! 'bangin'
Hell yes! Keep that attitude we will celebrate our first 5 year quit together! I stay quit with you my friend and brother!
Tobacco is so addictive it took me a year after a massive heart attack, in which doctor confirmed caused from dipping to finally put a lid on the bitch! ODAAT EDD