I couldn't have made that first step without knowing I could rely on the patch. Plain and simple. Call me a chicken, weakling, nicotene addict, but the bottom line is I am NOT SMOKING.
I know I will have to deal with the nicotene withdrawls when I come off the patch in a few weeks. But if I apply it according to how it is suppose to be used, I step down in strength, so the "cravings" should be practically non existent.
My biggest fear when making that decision to quit was that I would not be strong enough to see it thru. And I told myself I could NOT SMOKE while wearing a patch. I haven't, and won't.
So, whatever I need to see me thru not sticking a cigarette in my mouth and lighting up, I'll do it (providing it's legal, that is :o)
I won't be "tempted to smoke" when I run out of patches, because I am already well on my way to facing my triggers which started a craving in the first place. Why would I be tempted to light up a smoke in 6 months when I'm a non smoker now? It's all mental, whether you use an NRT or not. To me, going "cold turkey" seems to be more of an invitation to start, if you are inclined that way.....
I congratulate you all on going cold turkey. But don't judge those who rely on "aids" (whether it be gum, licorice, candies, walks, cold water, or NRTs).
And as far as those who abuse NRTs - that's their new problem to deal with. If they want to spend another fortune on a different way to keep nicotene in their system, that's their choice. But the manufacturer's recommend you stay on the "program" for a set number of weeks, how long depends on what strength patch you begin with.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 24
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 366
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $162
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 55 [B]Seconds:[/B] 41