I think it has to do with coming to terms with the reality of physical addiction. Basically accepting the fact that I can not have just one. My body doesn't want just one. It wants 20, every day.
It took me a while to accept and understand this, and I still have the occasional fantasy of "just one." What's kept me on the straight and narrow has been reading the stories here and the information in the Freedom From Nicotine book.
And over time, that pesky little voice has quieted down a lot. Tell it "no" enough times, and it will go elsewhere.
I agree with what Sly says. The same Sly that will have a year smoke free in just a couple of weeks. The addictive thinking never ends in active addiction. I'm sure that I have another relapse left in me but not so sure about another recovery or that I'd have the will to even try. I can't , We can. By building up my fellow quitters I also build myself up. People helped without regard for reward because they needed to do these things to stay alive themselves. Recovery is life whereas addiction is ultimately death. Recovery is the ability to see past the immediate gratification to what the consequences actually are. Supporting and receiving support works for me. Excellent for us. breather
Even if you are 100% dedicated to quitting withdrawal symptoms may put these types of questions into your mind:
• What if I have just one tiny little puff? Is that so bad? • I’ve done such a great job so far, one quick drag is like a little reward for doing so well... • Do I really want to quit? If I really think about it I really like smoking and maybe I’m just the kind of person who smokes... • If I’ve come this far I can certainly come back and reach this stage again...
This is your addiction talking.
Veteran members,
Please help us explain what is addictive thinking. What are your strategies for fighting it?
