(no my OC, I am attempting to help spread this that I saw first on https://programming.dev/post/33666663 because I think it helps to know that it is not too late to make changes even for major things like smoking and our health!)

  • nysqin@feddit.orgEnglish
    14·
    3 days ago

    Same, I’m also almost 19 months in, after so many tries.

    How did you do it?

    Turns out what I needed wasn’t an iron will but to understand why I smoked. I tracked every cigarette for two weeks, writing down the time and the reason - boredom, a context switch (“I just arrived at the office, now I need to get ready”), anxiety, needed a break…

    Once I had that, I could start identifying the reasons for my cravings more easily, which in turn made it easier to switch to a healthier alternative, knowing the craving would pass.

    Another two weeks later, I had already cut down my consumption from like 20 to 5 cigarettes a day, which felt wildly empowering. At that point, quitting entirely felt doable, so I did. That feeling made me excited to quit.

    I mean, it was still not a walk in the park, but motivation was so much higher than before. I still used nicotine spray for a while to help with the worst cravings.

    • Rolder@reddthat.comEnglish
      7·
      3 days ago

      My dad quit smoking and what was the kicker for him was the oral fixation aspect. He bought a big box of plastic straws and just chewed the shit out of them whenever he felt the urge. Worked pretty well too

    • UnrefinedChihuahua@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      5·
      3 days ago

      I became a step dad and it became massively important to me to not pass the habit along, as well as to do my best to ensure I’m around and healthy to see them grow up.

      • nysqin@feddit.orgEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        Right, kids change things. My father used to smoke and the memory of both the visuals and the smell are so vivid, I didn’t want my kids to remember me like that. Good on you!

    • cassie 🐺@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      2·
      2 days ago

      congrats on nearly 2 years, that’s a huge accomplishment!!

      you’re right on, imo “iron wills” are not an ideal approach to addiction management and it seems way better to come to understand the default behavior first and implement alternatives so you can incrementally resist more when triggers happen. I’m not a smoker but I see this point made in research into food, gambling, and porn addiction and it makes sense - you’re setting yourself up to take control of the behavior which is a very empowering feeling even if it’s partial control in the short term.