Oh, bullshit. (Pardon my language.) Of course you can do it. Without the patch if need be. It's easier than dieting. Easier than giving up TV or pleasure reading. Easier than vigorous exercise daily.
I smoked for a whole lot of years, and I quit when a dear friend in my critique group died of an illness related to his smoking--for a lot fewer years. Were there times it was really hard? You betcha. Did I cheat? Not until I'd been clean for six months. Do I still cheat? Maybe once a year, if that. Have I relapsed and gone back to smoking? Not really. Did I gain weight? A little, but I can't really blame the non-smoking, since I viewed it as license to overindulge. Was it worth it? Oh, yeah, big-time.
My doctor said it was probably the best thing I could possibly do for my health, both long-term and immediate. Better than exercising, better than eating right, better than weight loss. Quality of life and length would both be positively impacted. He was right.
I have colds far less often. My sinuses may be permanently damaged, but I have fewer sinus infections. I never get a respiratory problem which involves a cough. I smell okay (I think!). Food tastes way better. I can exercise without huffing and puffing as much as I did a decade ago.
I found holding my breath when the craving got bad was helpful in waiting it out--and invisible to others until my face got red. Try it.
It helped to stay away from places where there's smoking whenever possible. The sight of people enjoying cigarettes, even the smell, is too tempting for the first several months. Not allowing anyone to smoke in your house is wise, including people who live there. I cannot buy cigarettes, ever, nor can I ask people I know to give me one, ever.
The only exception to that is if we learn the earth is going to be pulverized in a short time. I'm buying a carton of Marlboroughs and a good big supply of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, several cases of wine, and just waiting.
You can do this, and we can cackle together at the nursing home about it when we're in our upper 90s. Deal?
Maryn, clean except for her mind