How do I get back in the saddle again?

[fenderbender]

Here's the situation. I've been a pack a day smoker for 35 years. I picked up my habit long before I became a Christian (12 years ago). I had no trouble whatsover getting off of the hard drugs (20 years plus in that scene) and quitting drinking (alcoholic). But I have tried virtually everything to quit smoking, some before and some after I started my walk. The patch, the pill (Zyban), cold turkey, the gum, LifeSign (little beeper thingie), hypnosis (before I was Christian), cutting down gradually, and every combination of the above that is not detrimental to your health. I would estimate 30 attempts. Longest period that I quit was 3 years, sevel times for a few weeks.

It's not that I don't want it bad enough. I have lung problems from childhood pnuemonia that gets severe and very painful at times, especially after a cold. I can feel myself dying slowly from this crap. I've also heard and tried to apply every cliche christian advice passed my way in the last 12 years since I turned Christian, all to no avail.

What gives? I want to quit so bad but I've failed so many times. I know I need to get back in the saddle again, but every time I fail it gets harder. Seems like I have no problem for a week or two, but as soon as I start feeling better, I blow it.

I've been gearing up for another round, but I'm wondering if I can survive another failure.

Pray for me?

Mike

 

[faithfulchild]

Hi Mike,

I have found that when I in fact planned to quit I could not seem to do it. Many times when I was getting near done a pack I would tell myself when I am done this pack I HAVE TO QUIT. However before I was done I had to buy just one more pack and then I will quit. I could not bear the thought of my last smoke for the rest of my life! However as it turned out the last one was timed perfect...I had one left before going to bed. Got up next morning, no cigs left so temptation wasn't there for me, THAT day. Day 2-3 to day 7 was somewhat of a struggle, oooh the thought of just ONE more pack, however I knew where that would lead to. I must say it has gotten easier. I pray God will provide me with the extra measures I need to win the battle this time.

Mike I pray God provides you with the extra measure of faith, hope, courage and strength to prevail...

God Bless!

 

[Darrell2006]

I also want to quit, I've heard advice of telling eveyone your quitting, and announcing it, for what it's worth, the first time I quit I didn't tell anyone, if someone asked about it I would say I didn't want to talk about it, because I didn't even want the thought in my head, then after two weeks, and through the withdrawl, I was able to just say I don't smoke, hopefully that helps someone.

Daryl