It's been more than a month since I had a real cigarette.
Believe me, all smokers want to quit but quit quitting at the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms, for those unfamiliar, are your body's way of reminding you that it's time to smoke, and it will not stop nagging you until you light up. Remember the uneasy, something's-missing feeling you have if you step out of the house without brushing your teeth? Pretty similar to what you go through the first few weeks of quitting, but a lot more intense.
Another reason it's so hard to give up is because smoking makes you feel good, period...and when you quit, you take away that endorphin rush. Smoking makes you smell like hell, though, and that is the main reason for my wanting to kick the habit - not the health benefits nor the wrinkle-free skin...but the stink from my breath, on my fingers and on my clothes.
As is the case with most smokers, I made quitting my New Year's resolution, and I told my daughter about it. Predictably, and again like most smokers, I never pushed through with my promise. But the defining moment came a few days into 2011 when said daughter told me as I was enjoying my after-dinner puffs: "Dad, I thought you were going to stop smoking."
So that was it. I took the plunge because I didn't want my children to think of their father as one who does not keep his promises. So come on, withdrawal symptoms, let's dance.
There's a nifty device called the e-cigarette that can help quitters. I started by alternating the e-cig with the real thing until I weaned myself from the foul-smelling variety. After e-smoking full-time for about two weeks, I have reached the point where I just take the occasional puff at night, and eventually, I shall also do away with it entirely when the cravings stop (and they will).
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| More effective than chewing gum |
I didn't write this to promote the e-cigarette or extol the benefits of kicking the habit. My point is, the only thing that can make a parent go through hell and high water (and withdrawal symptoms) is his kids. Thanks for saving my life, Camy.
