@kommonwealthGC1 Welcome to the Ex. It took me 50 years and many attempts to quit. When I found the Ex, I learned how to quit for the first time. Buying a pack every few weeks is keeping the addiction going. Your brain still wants and needs nicotine. Make the break; you can do it. Sorry for you health scare, but quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself.
You can win that internal battle by educating yourself about nicotine addiction and putting a plan in place with how you'll deal with cravings, identifying your triggers and creating the new associations you'll create instead of smoking. This comes into play when you're having cravings in the morning. What can you do instead of smoking? Change up your routine. Go for walk, read material on the Ex, if you drink coffee, for example, drink it in a different place, etc. Be creative.
And you just found an amazing group of quitters here to support you on this journey to becoming an Ex. There will be ups and downs, but that is part of the journey. We're here for you, so just reach out anytime we can help or want to share your experience.
This link is a great place to get you started on the right track. https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex
Consider taking the Daily Pledge to stay on track one day at a time.
Look forward to celebrating on the 12th.
Stay busy and stay close.
Barb
