Introduction

[12Finally34]

Hi, My name is Carolyn!  I had the kit for becoming an Ex since February.  I have visited the lung specialist twice.  We have decided to set up a plan.  1 to use ibuprofen and Chantix.  2. to reduce my isolation and rejoin society.  3. 12 Step program for x smokers

I am a Teacher of Speech and Hearing Handicapped.  I am 66 years of age.  I lost my only son approximately 10 years ago. I have a supportive daughter and son-in-law.  I stopped drinking 28 years ago.  I say I like smoking but the more I research, I realize I am addicted to smoking.  I use smoking as an avoidance tool to not feel the deep hurt and lost.  I use smoking to cover the frustration and anger I feel when i allow others to invade my personal space.  I smoke when I have such a hard time accepting life on life's term (ex: 90 year old father being emotionally void).  I smoke when I think I can fix my younger brothers' illness and angry/envy because their faith in their HP is beyond my human understanding. I smoke when I realize I am creating a world of isolation and loneliness.  Fear of things I cannot change (high rent, high insurance rates, political/religious conversations, bias and just suffering amongst people).  

What making me wanting to stop is that I did a SCAT scan.

 I start my this introduction because I don't want to be alone with my struggles.  I am afraid I posted it in the wrong place please be patient with me.  I am one of the ones who may have to reread the comments and not personalize the suggestions or feel the comments are to harm me.

Thank you for reading.

[Jennifer-Quit]

Welcome to the Ex Community.  This is a wonderful place to receive advise, education, and encouragement to help you in your journey to freedom!  You never have to be alone in your journey as long as you stick close to this site.  You did post in the correct place and many more people will be along with links to reading material that will help.  Here is a link that will get you started. Best wishes to you!

Freedom!

[Roller831]

Welcome!  There are so many here who are willing to help!  This is a bad addiction for sure, but you are taking steps in the right direction!  

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Welcome! Keep reading and writing! You have made a wonderful decision! We'll show you how to carry it out!

[elvan]

12Finally34‌ Welcome to Ex, you have come to the right place.  You are so right that this is an addiction, it is not a habit and it is probably not something you "like" to do.  You have quit drinking, you are clearly familiar with the 12 step programs.  I would advise you to do all the reading you can about smoking addiction.  Read Allen Carr's "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking",  It is available on line in a PDF form.https://www.reddit.com/r/stopsmoking/comments/5n9i68/full_pdf_of_allen_carrs_easy_way_to_stop_smoking... I think there are other sites as well, please read JonesCarpeDiem‌'s page with the essay, "What to expect the first 140 days."  read YoungAtHeart‌'s 101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke.  Stay close to the site, blog, comment, get to know us and let us get to know you.  We all want to help.  You said:

"What making me wanting to stop is that I did a SCAT scan". 

Did you have the scan and do you have results?  

Again, welcome to EX.

Ellen

[maryfreecig]

Welcome. Thanks for giving the details of your story. You don't have to be alone anymore. You are in the right place for loads of support. So please feel right at home, read, learn, get more acquainted and blog when you want to! Yes you can, one day at a time. 

[JACKIE1-25-15]

to EX.   Congratulations on making the decision to quit smoking. You have come to the right place for a new day and a rebirth. This is all about you and what you are willing to do to be smoke free. Quitting smoking requires hard work.  It can be challenging at times but you will learn that it is doable if you adhere to NOPE not one puff ever no matter what. Start first, by educating yourself about nicotine addiction.  Education is the key to a successful quit.

Read: Freedom from Nicotine My Journey Home and Nicotine Addiction 101         Here are the links: http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html   and http://whyquit.com/ffn/

I also encourage you to read. Allen Carr’s book, “Easy Easier Way to Quit Smoking”.       

The link is here:  http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

 Go to http://www.becomeanex.org/how-to-quit-smoking.php#thl and get started. 

We will support you. You are on your journey to freedom

.

[MarilynH]

Welcome to the site, you've made the best decision that you'll ever make in your lifetime and we're all here for you and your precious quit, believe in yourself, be willing, determined and totally committed to succeed and you can and will be successful one precious smoke free day at a time or one second at a time but as long as you keep moving you will be living a life of Freedom. 

[Diannnnn]

Welcome 12Finally34. Thanks for sharing your story and glad you are getting your plan in place. It sounds like an excellent start.

These guys are wonderful and you are never alone here. I do understand the need to rejoin society...the little I have managed so far has been a tremendous help in keeping my quit going. 

While sometimes it is hard to hear or decipher, everyone on this site only has two goals; to keep their quit and to help us start and keep our quits. Most all have been through the wringer and back from what I can tell so they have invaluable advice to impart.

Glad to have you in the "neighborhood"!

Dian

[shashort]

Hello and welcome to the community. This is a great place to be as 1 you don't have to be alone when you start this journey 2 we all have been where you are now so we totally understand. Have you mde your Quit date?  Read and learn all you can as that will help you understand this addiction. We all are here and eager to help you be successful. You can do it!!!