CAMH

Home
Main Forum
Quit Smoking
Common Support Questions
21 Days to break a habit?

Advanced Search Form

21 Days to break a habit?

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 186

Positive thinking is very important but as Jim says always keep your gaurd up.

For the most part I feel I have this addiction beat but then out of the blue something can trigger it.

I hadn't craved a smoke in my car for almost 2 months ,then suddenly as I was driving this guy was leaning against

a bus stop all relaxed puffing away on a smoke and I wanted one.Maybe it was just because he looked so relaxed and I was having to

rush around that day. It didn't take long to get it off my mind but it is strange how the thought can catch us.

Your doing great keep it up

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2778

Hey Shannon!!!

You keep right on thinking that!

And keep those rewards coming!

Jim

Quit Meter

$48,667.50

Amount Saved
Quit Meter

Days: 1188 Hours: 6

Minutes: 3 Seconds: 30

Life Gained
Quit Meter

6489

Smoke Free Days
Quit Meter

194,670

Cigarettes Not Smoked

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 86

Hi Jim -

Thanks for grounding me again and reiterating the fact that no matter what if the habit breaks or not, I will have to continually be on guard, aware, and remind myself of NOPE!

As for the addiction, I think you are right...I think I will always be an addict.

But, I do think that I am pretty darn close to breaking the habits. I think that is because I have faced alot of "firsts"....first time in the car not smoking, first time on the patio not smoking, first time not smoking after a meal, etc....

Side note: I thought to myself if this guy could quit after 37 years, I can quit after half that...

Way to go to you Jim!

Shannon

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 792

Amen. Thanks Jim

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2778

Hey Shannon!!!

It's great to see you back on the boards and close to reaching your 3 week milestone! You have a great start on your quit...Awesome!!! You no doubt are becoming more comfortable as a quitter and have come a LONG ways from that person with those severe anxiety issues!

I'm really proud of you! I do hope that you are correct in that it will take only 21 days for you to break the habit! That shows real commitment, confidence and belief in yourself that you will continue to live by N.O.P.E.

As for beating the addiction, that may be a different story. I was addicted to those damn cancer sticks for over 37 years and personally, I think that I am still addicted. I can never let my guard down, have a moment of weakness and think that I could ever have another puff. I've broken the habit and have told my self that I will never smoke again, but I'm still just a puff away from a pack a day and will ALWAYS have to be on guard. That's where N.O.P.E. comes in. If you commit to that, you're golden!

Yes, you are correct, you'll still probably encounter triggers and crave and think about smoking. Those will fade with time. By always living by NOPE, you are indeed breaking the habit!

Way to go, Shannon!

Jim

Quit Meter

$48,667.50

Amount Saved
Quit Meter

Days: 1188 Hours: 6

Minutes: 3 Seconds: 30

Life Gained
Quit Meter

6489

Smoke Free Days
Quit Meter

194,670

Cigarettes Not Smoked

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11226

Hi Hopeful,

Great question! I'm interested to hear what the other members think about this. I am also curious:

What behaviours and thoughts need to take place during those 21 days in order to achieve success?

Addiction and a habit are quite different, would 21 days still be applied to an addiction? If no, what would be different?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 153

I absolutely agree hopeful2. Once we learn how to reward and soothe ourselves in another way and break the hand to mouth habit, I think we're well on our way to being rid of this nastiness once and for all. It's been almost 6months for me (although I'm yet to ditch the nicotinme - using NRT gum) but the only time I actually think of having a cigarette is if I'm stuck in rush hour traffic. I no longer think of having one when I first get up, with coffee, as a work break, etc. I've replaced those associations with other activities.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 86

Hello - As I approach three weeks smoke-free, I reflect on the notion that it takes 21 days to break a habit...

I, by no means, think that the cravings are going to suddenly go away on Day 21...but, I do feel that I am breaking the habit!

Any thoughts?

Reading this thread:

today's top discussions:

This Month’s Leaders:

Most Supportive

Most Active

Most Loved

21 Days to break a habit?