Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
| Messages 1 - 231 of total 231 in this topic |
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 11, 2007 - 09:52pm PT
|
I quite smoking years ago but continued on with that damn dip (Skoal) and have year after year gone through about a can every four days. That's enough to basically keep a little pinch between the cheek and gums most every waking hour. Not a big pinch, but enough to develop one hell of a nicotine addiction. Often I would get up in the morning, pipe down some java, start writing and start dipping and keep at it till mid afternoon. My wastebasket would look like a toxic dump and everyone would be digusted with my spitting and so forth. Now I'm stopping, and I'm feeling like my insides are going to blow up and my mind melt out my ears. If I was any more anxious I'd have to be tied down. No hunger, no fatique, little appetite, but forging on.
It's an altered state . . .
JL
|
|
darod
Trad climber
South Side Billburg
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 09:56pm PT
|
You can do this man, I know you can, if a simple mortal like me did it a couple of years ago you'll get through it no doubt, it ain't gonna be easy, but you'll do it.
|
|
dank
Trad climber
the pitch above you!
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 09:56pm PT
|
Sounds like you owe yourself a bong load!
|
|
Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 09:57pm PT
|
Good luck with that John,
Jeebus, I mean: holy withdrawal Batman.
|
|
Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 09:59pm PT
|
Sounds Epic!
and you can certainly regard as one. Climber's know how to make the best of bearing pain and discomfort.
Best wishes and respect, wishing you full power be master of your life
Karl
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:01pm PT
|
Take time off!
Shut down the systems and remember your judgment may be impaired for 3 peak days...I know you know just a reminder.
I quit years ago. Used to dump my butts in this empty painters bucket behind my house. One day after a rain I looked in it. Looked like this bird decided to drink the nicotine laced water and it had killed it instantly.
Nic is so weird - I still get these little threads late at night a little voice that says "you can't quit, why quit, set things up so you can smoke" I shake it off and generally things are fine.
I had to completely quit caffine as well during the detox period mine went on three weeks.
Hang on Juan.
|
|
crotch
climber
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:03pm PT
|
Just like a long cold night waiting for the sun to come up. It will. You just have to endure for a little longer.
|
|
Rocky5000
Trad climber
Falls Church, VA
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:04pm PT
|
Good luck and hang tough. Just keep firmly in mind what your handsome mug would look like after oral cancer.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:06pm PT
|
Either hang tough or just say to hell with it and go get a pack of Camels.
|
|
Jay Wood
Trad climber
Fairfax, CA
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:10pm PT
|
A tennis buddy- over 60, was just telling me that he quit after smoking for 40 years. 9 months now. He said he feels better, less back pain. He looks younger, too.
Congratulations.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:17pm PT
|
Come to think of it, I'll fly out there and we'll get a carton.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:19pm PT
|
I used to smike cigs;....decided that to quit, I would ride my bicycle across the continent;...THAT would MAKE me quit. I started in Oceanside , California.....started pedaling, and went cold turkey with the smokes. Day one Oceanside to Fallbrook ( 13 miles to my parents house ). Day two, Fallbrook to Joshua Tree (still no smokes...), Day 3 easy to 29 Palms , and 2 more days to Vegas......by the time I reached Vegas, I was sore, bored with talking to myself, and WAY hurting for some tabacci......bought some smokes, got a hotel room, and puffed away. 33 days later, I arrived at Surf City, North Carolina;.....legs like a frogs and arms like a T. Rex.....rode my bike down to the waterside of the Atlantic Ocean;....and had a smoke. I havent' smoked a cigarette in about 10 years now, but I still like the smell of burning bacci leaves. I've had a few smokes with you , John, back in the day......it was fun as a kid, but not for gentleman OUR age.....try the patches , eating alot of popcorn, and some serious suffering;.......(Just a pinch between the cheek and gums keeps your hands free to ride them wild broncos....). Good luck.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:28pm PT
|
These are the best.
|
|
Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:29pm PT
|
John,
“There's a big hold about 10 feet higher! It’s in the bag, man!”
Hang in there, my friend.
Rick
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:38pm PT
|
Hey man, want a cigarette?
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:40pm PT
|
citric acid will help with the nicotine cravings - big time. OJ is good, grapes, etc...
kick it. i smoked for 22 years off and on - mostly on. if a weenie like me can do it, you *certainly* can.
tom
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 10:42pm PT
|
These cats are smokin' junk.
|
|
nita
climber
chico ca
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:02pm PT
|
John, My Brother-in-law, Fred- smoked for over 20 years,he also
chewed nicotine gum for 5 years. A friend told him about
Chantix (varenicline) tablets. Fred -absolutely swears they
saved his life. He has no cravings and no desire for nicotine.
Good luck.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:06pm PT
|
Glad you are quiting. But does it not make more sense to taper off slowly?
Largo has a vice? Say its not so.
You are a Stonemaster for God's sake.
JDF
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:07pm PT
|
Doesn't seem to be hurtin' him.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:09pm PT
|
Or him...
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:10pm PT
|
man - that just looks like a bad idea...though i'd prolly try it once...
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:11pm PT
|
Good for you, Largo. Nicotine is supposedly a more difficult withdrawl than even heroin, I've heard.
Stay the course, and take things easy. Don't put yourself in situations that need a calm focus or restraint in public. Keep busy with stuff, but not stuff that...umm...how to say it delicately....not stuff where innocent bystanders might get hit with the verbal schrapnel that could easily misfire in such a stressful time.
|
|
WoodySt
Trad climber
Riverside
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:14pm PT
|
I've been trying to get off chocolate cookies for fifty years. I'm not going to make it.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:15pm PT
|
She's right...quitting might be a bad idea.
|
|
bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:23pm PT
|
john, stay the course. after 7 - 8 years of going through 750 ml of really good (12 - 25 year old scotch) every three-four days, i'm now going into week four of a strict "one beer, one metered shot scotch" regime, with the goal being just drinking when i want to...not every damn day....social drinker. like i was so many years ago.
yesterday i had the best bouldering day i've had in three years. smoked the ass of a bunch off a bunch of kids who aren't even old enough to buy their own beer.
talk about positive reinforcement!!
i seen pics of peeps with C from chew. you do not wanna go there.
sending swole "healthy lifestyle" vibes your way, babe. swear to god, if you die before me i'm gonna be PISSED!11!
(p.s. i've been taking "mindfulness meditation" workshops. not for everyone, but it's werkin' fer moi.....)
good luck, man. as you know, life is one fukkin' really swell bitch, then ya croak....
|
|
Dynoho
Sport climber
Huntington Beach, CA
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:25pm PT
|
I started with the Redman, then Cope. I even smoked for a couple of years to get off the dip. Now, it's been 12 years on Nicorette. It only comes out for food and it stays in while I sleep. Even if you ween yourself off of the nicotine, you will still suffer from the effects of the oral fixation. For that you will have to substitute with whatever you deem appropriate.
|
|
bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:31pm PT
|
p.p.s. -- if you stay on the dip, could you send a word? i got a few more books i need you to sign....... ;-}
|
|
Watusi
Social climber
Joshua Tree, CA
|
|
|
Mar 11, 2007 - 11:58pm PT
|
It's harder than HELL!!!!
I used to smoke only when I drank, (never in the morning as it would make me ill!) But as I started to drink more frequently, I smoked more as well..So I've been cutting back on the drinking and my smoking has decreased as well! Good Luck John!! You'll do it I'm sure!
|
|
bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:09am PT
|
bachar -- for me, quitting cigs was a cinch. no stress at all. just decided to do it and i did. that was '2005.
cutting my whisky consumption down is, literally, a life-or-death stuggle. it's a different scene, but seems to me the medical community has made things a snap for nic folks. i mean, where's the "patch" for booze??....there's no silver bullet. yet.
i guess it's a measure of the respect i have for the people on the forum that i can even post this h3r3.....
normally, i would consider this kind of sh#t in poor taste...but as pete spears just croaked out WAY too early, i beleive those of us in his generation have a responsibility to one another to honestly confront those things that challenge our mortality...
i'm jus' sayin', is all....
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:15am PT
|
You thought you were smart switching from cigs to dip.
But that was a big mistake - you went from filtering the drug into your body in a fairly natural way - to doing something analogous to mainlining.
Your addiction escalated.
Never ingest nicotine into your system the rest of your life and you will have a fine opportunity ahead of you - to find out what you're really made of.
Might as well bail on every other habit forming or mind altering chemical as well - including aspirin - and go for a real ride.
|
|
bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:17am PT
|
werd, ray. sound like you're already where i want to be.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:23am PT
|
Four years straight-edge last month.
I drink coffee again.
Ray
|
|
Watusi
Social climber
Joshua Tree, CA
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:25am PT
|
Then I remembered this add...
|
|
bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:32am PT
|
HA!
mike, a few years ago i was in a doktroz office and they had that poster on the wall.
i talked the nurse out of it, and now it's on the wall of my garage climbing wall.
too classic. one look at my x-rays, she peeled that sucker off, rolled it up, and gave it to me.
i paid 60 finnsons to get it framed, all proper like....
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:36am PT
|
When I taught 5th grade on the Lakota Souix Indian Reservation in Oglala, So. Dakota, I noticed early on that some of my 5th grade students CHEWED tabacco!.....5th graders!.....When I asked my class what was up and just how many chewed, ....every hand in the class went up....they ALL DID! Majority rules, so I let them chew;...only at recess, mind you, and when they came filing in after recess, they all marched past the sink in the classroom to fish out a fingerful of skanky skoal.
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
Back in the mix
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:48am PT
|
Largo, you can do it. You are the master of your own destiny. Just keep telling yourself that when your mind tries to trick you into succumbing to the demon.
I quit chewing cold turkey August 05. Hardest thing I've ever done. First two weeks were an inhuman hell, then it got worse. I was way worse off than you, rolling thru a can every 1.5 days on the outside, sometimes a can a day when binging (stressing), I'd had a chew in daily for probably 5 years and off and on for 10 (mostly on).
I know what you mean about the writing, I constantly had a dip in at work, and I worked all the time. Couldn't stop working so had to change the culture of work, so as to not associate it with chewing. Removing trashcans, new diet to keep the mind occupied, changing my whole daily routine helped me immensely.
Whoever mentioned satiating the oral fixation upthread nailed, I chew gum like a mf'r when I jones, or when I'm not.
Every dip you don't take is a victory. The demon urge will never go away (as told to me by my wife's 75 year old grandfather who hasn't smoked since 1965) but there resides inside you a strength to beat it down when it rears it's ugly head.
Do it. I'm rooting for you.
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
Back in the mix
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:48am PT
|
Largo, you can do it. You are the master of your own destiny. Just keep telling yourself that when your mind tries to trick you into succumbing to the demon.
I quit chewing cold turkey August 05. Hardest thing I've ever done. First two weeks were an inhuman hell, then it got worse. I was way worse off than you, rolling thru a can every 1.5 days on the outside, sometimes a can a day when binging (stressing), I'd had a chew in daily for probably 5 years and off and on for 10 (mostly on).
I know what you mean about the writing, I constantly had a dip in at work, and I worked all the time. Couldn't stop working so had to change the culture of work, so as to not associate it with chewing. Removing trashcans, new diet to keep the mind occupied, changing my whole daily routine helped me immensely.
Whoever mentioned satiating the oral fixation upthread nailed, I chew gum like a mf'r when I jones, or when I'm not.
Every dip you don't take is a victory. The demon urge will never go away (as told to me by my wife's 75 year old grandfather who hasn't smoked since 1965) but there resides inside you a strength to beat it down when it rears it's ugly head.
Do it. I'm rooting for you.
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2007 - 01:33am PT
|
Thanks for the raw raw. I've always been a super addictive kind of dood. Maybe my greatest accomplishment is giving up all rec. drugs before my oldest daughter was born July 10, 1988. None sense, not even a bong hit. Anf that's something coming from me. But I was always working those hacks, never big time but I had to have five or ten of them a day, and pack on walls. Then the liquor started getting a bit much and I tappered that way back, almost to nothing, a few months ago. Now the chew, and next, I suppose, is I'll have to get off coffee.
The idea of being substance free is a dream of mine.
We'll see.
JL
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
Back in the mix
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 01:39am PT
|
JL, I've got the SuperAddictive gene (my grandpa was a 40 year member of both AA and GA, mortgaged his house on the sly to cover his gambling debts, seriously self destructive behavior) in spades and I keep thinking the only way to truly clean the self is cold turkeying everything.
Good friend of mine did it last year, straight edge for the last 18 months or so and he claims to not want a cup of coffee, not want that bongrip, not want to drink. Said it took about three months to feel that way. And he's a hardcore partier for sure.
I think the lack of coffee would leave the biggest hole in my psyche.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 01:43am PT
|
For me the worst part of being substance free was that the appetite depressing effects of caffeine were gone and my weight ballooned.
After getting stable, off nicotine for a while, I felt I could drink coffee again, enjoy it without it being being a terrible crutch.
There was no way I could end my smoking problem (10 cigs a day)
while using caffeine.
For me personally I feel I've reached a realistic balance and feel good about where I'm at.
Now if I could just do one-arms again...
|
|
slobmonster
Trad climber
berkeley, ca
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 01:57am PT
|
F*#kin' A. I have a lipper in right now, and must cop to having one in most of this whole gosh-darned day. I started chewing Beech Nut and Levi Garret cutting trees in New Hampshire, and soon thereafter discovered the positive performance enhancement (*sound like an Enzyte tagline?*) that Skoal provided to my studies, climbing, test-taking... sh#t, if I had a hankering to take a dookie, in goes the dip, and I'm almost immediately on the toilet.
I quit once, for nearly six months. Cold turkey, I dumped out the remainders of two cans in front of my very recently-ex girlfriend; it was an action symbolic to both of us, I think. Later that year I got canned from my job, and driving home bought a can without any hesitation whatsoever. Now I'm back on.
It's gross, an antisocial behavior, and will probably rot my lip one day. At this point in my smokeless tobacco "career," I can keep in a dip without most people noticing. Not quite as disgusting as an old guiding buddy who swallowed all his spit, but close. The moments without Skoal, my mouth is full of either Doublemint or sunflower seeds.
At times, I think having something in there helps me keep my damn mouth shut...
Good luck with your resolution John. Keep me posted on any tips and I'll publish them in the next Falcon "How to Quit" manual.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 02:29am PT
|
If someone told me that they knew for sure that no matter what I did, I'd be dead in a year - and there was some way I could believe them (ie: clear evidence of divine knowledge) - I'd light up for sure. I doubt, however, that I'd drink.
|
|
Anastasia
Trad climber
California
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 04:17am PT
|
My father smoked since he was twelve. Right before he quite he was smoking three packs a day. Then after an illness he quite cold turkey when he was fifty-one.
It was very hard for him, but it was worth it for he is still around today at the ripe age of Seventy-Four.
Note: He replaced his cigarettes with butterscotch candies.
You can do it Largo, just keep that in mind when the urges hit.
|
|
Josh Higgins
Trad climber
San Diego
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 07:38am PT
|
You can do it! My dad quit 2 packs/day and gained a huge amount of weight eating that he never really lost. Watch out for that pitfall! Mind over matter. You're strong.
Josh
|
|
TradIsGood
Happy and Healthy climber
the Gunks end of the country
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 07:43am PT
|
I read somewhere that at one time there were only two US magazines that contained advertising that did not take advertisements from tobacco companies - Reader's Digest and Hustler.
A guy told me once about quitting. He read that the urge (to smoke) would only last about 45 seconds. He asked himself what kind of man would he be if he could not stand the "pain" for 45 seconds.
The chemistry of the brain is pretty powerful. Might be helpful to see a psychiatrist that specializes in addiction.
|
|
Prod
Social climber
Charlevoix, MI
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 08:49am PT
|
Hey Largo,
I have had a lova affair with nicotine since I was 13, nearly 24 years. I have found the only way to kick it is to quit all of it cold turkey. In the past I had tried to quit smoking via dip, then I'd be in a bar and not want to dip so I'd have a smoke. Beer and a ciggie, I still miss it, even better a beer a tequila a ciggie and a dip, now that's living. Anyway I wrote this very effective contract to quit.
Nicotine Cessation Agreement
Between
Guy Robert Kenny Jr.
And
David Hoyt, Derek Chowen, David McCormic, and James Mabee
I Guy Robert Kenny Jr. do here by declare that I will not willingly and knowingly consume cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or cigars. The penalty for the aforementioned violations will be the payment of $200 for each offense to each of the 4 people listed and signed below. The only allowable exception to this rule will be a 1 hour window directly following ejaculation of (my own) seminal fluid that was NOT caused by manual stimulation. During the period of time directly following ejaculation I may enjoy as many cigarettes as can be consumed in 1 hour WITHOUT penalty of payment.
This contract is valid starting at the time of signing through September 1, 2004.
Date_
___
Guy Robert Kenny Jr.
___
David Hoyt
__
Derek Chowen
___
David McCormic by proxy via Derek Chowen
__
James Disney Mabee by proxy via David Hoyt
It worked like a champ.
Good luck
Prod..
|
|
TradIsGood
Happy and Healthy climber
the Gunks end of the country
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 09:20am PT
|
stich - disease model stuff is way out of date.
You need to look at modern stuff - the role of dopamine, serotonin, etc. Tons of research has been done specific to brain, chemistry, and neural response since the 1980's.
Sure the addict needs to commit, but doing it with the understanding of brain chemistry can help, and a physician may be able to provide information specific to the addiction to improve probability of success (if the right physician is chosen).
|
|
roslyn
Trad climber
washington
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 09:34am PT
|
that nicotine is addictive stuff for sure. My mom smoked insto her seventies, it wasn't until a bout of pneumonia that she quite cold turkey.
if it's chew you crave (other than the nicotine) you can get herbal chews
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
Back in the mix
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:10am PT
|
I tried the herbal alternatives, jerkey chew, mint chew, etc, while trying to quit previously. Just acted like a gateway back to the real deal.
I can't remember where I read it but something about changing the culture of your addiction, i.e., when you'd normally dip, go do a set of dips or pushups and your mind is distracted from the urge, eventually your mind associates the your new culture with your old urge.
Worked for me anyway.
|
|
Wild Bill
climber
Ca
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:44am PT
|
Dammit Largo, take it easy on the cold turkey thing.
What about the patches or gum?
The whole family watched for 20 years as my mom struggled with quitting. This was before it came to light that nicotine is as addictive (more, maybe) than heroine. So her inability was viewed, even by her, as a weakness. The old girl finally pulled it off, and she's still kicking.
Of course you can do it. I'd just hate to see you go postal* on us during withdrawal. Obviously we're all pulling for you.
I'd say 'good luck' but there's no luck involved. It's steely nerve from here on out.
 Bill McMahon
* To our ST friends in the postal service, no offense intended.
|
|
TwistedCrank
climber
Hell
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 11:15am PT
|
Quitting is a life-long withdrawl. I'm down to a cig or a dip every 2-3 years. I started quiting about 15 years ago.
My peak usage was wake up in the morning, before I could see straight pop in a Cope and suck down a Camel straight. After breakfast I moved on to the hard stuff. Blech.
It took me a year of sobriety before I could get serious about getting off the nicotine. At that point I was sucking those pouch dips - mostly so my wife wouldn't see the chew bits in my teeth. I went on the patch and chewed the sh!t out of my pencils at work for a few months.
Tapered the patched until my last week, then started cutting the patches in half, then cutting those in half, then cutting those in half, etc. I've still got a 1mm by 1mm patch in my wallet "just in case".
As for the "once every could of years with a cig or a dip", I'm serious. I'm not totally quit yet but I'm slowly and surely getting there. It's pretty good now though.
Now I can quit other "bad" stuff too. I've been off coffee and on green tea for two years now. However a prostate issue encouraged that.
I'm so feckin lily white it makes me want to puke.
Whatever happened to the good old days of being young, stupid, indestructable, and able to pump hard cracks off the sofa?
Brwaha.
|
|
Gary
climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 11:59am PT
|
Google oral cancer. You'll quit. And quit cold turkey. Patches just keep reinforcing the habit.
|
|
asioux
Trad climber
pasadena,ca
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:06pm PT
|
Good luck with dealing with the temtations and withdraw. A friend of mine quit smoking and took up chew. He finally quit that. What helped him was chewing gum. The nicotine gum, and then finally regular chewing gum. He also carries tooth picks with him and chewed on that. Good luck John, stay strong and never give up. Nictotine is a terrible addiction. Drink tea and stay positve. Armando
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:09pm PT
|
I say we get a couple pitchers and some hand roll.
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2007 - 12:13pm PT
|
Wow, the oral fixation part of this sort of caught me off guard. I''ve got this keyboard smoking, a squeeze bottle of herb tea on my left, a sleeve of carefree bubblegum on my right (and a couple sticks in my cakehole) along with various tic tacs, jujubees, lozengers, et al, and aside from getting up every few minutes and circling around like a dog before it lays down, I guess it's all good.
JL
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 12:57pm PT
|
I must not have some gene or have a different brain. I could smoke and smoke cigarettes and never get addicted. But Opiates, that warm fuzzy feeling.
JDF
|
|
TwistedCrank
climber
Hell
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 01:03pm PT
|
Wow, the oral fixation part of this sort of caught me off guard.
The oral fixation is one thing. The oral fixation with a hand pumping a smoking stick up and down to the lips is in different league altogather.
I thought quiting nic from dip should be easier that the butts for that reason. YMMV
|
|
mcKbill
climber
Grundy Center, Iowa
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 02:15pm PT
|
Good luck with your quit John. I've been off nicotine (cigarettes) for over 8 years now.
SHORT TERM nicotine replacement is a great way to wean yourself off. Read the instructions (nicorette gum is a 12 week program).
I noticed where someone said they have been using nicotine gum for 12 years, and I hope that was a typo.
You've already done the hard part, which is getting started and telling folks in your reference group.
If you need more focused support there is a great online support group I found during my first year: AS3 = alt.support.stop-smoking (folks can read/post there via. Google groups).
AS3 on Google
Everyone is welcome around that campfire, but keeping up with the group is exhausting.
Good luck to you and everyone who is struggling to break their addiction to nicotine.
mcKbill
|
|
Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 02:33pm PT
|
Good luck, John. I want to pipe in with support, not pratical advice.
Like most of us, I smoked a pack a day in the Valley—unfiltered Camels. I had this idea that I would quit sometime, and finally woke up to the fact that sometime and now were on the same side of the history divide--if not now, then when?
So I quit every month for a year or so. Just about the time I would think I had my habit broken, I would decide to take a drag or bum a smoke—usually in a bar, late at night, sometimes just bored. Within 2 or 3 seconds, I'd be back to a pack a day of my unfiltered Camels.
So I decided to focus on the trickery of my own mind working against me. The last time I quit, I didn't tell anyone. I carried an open pack in my shirt pocket. Folks would bum smokes from me and sometimes ask if I was quitting. I would say I was just cutting back. I maintained that fiction in varying degrees for a year—those Camels in my shirt pocket got very stale. In about a year, I stopped thinking about smoking and my urges to take a drag were gone.
Stick with it.
Best, Roger
|
|
L
climber
The City of Lost Angels
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 02:41pm PT
|
Hey John,
Congrats on making the decision to quit.
Walking in circles like a dog getting ready to bed down is one of the most creative tactics for beating the addiction I've ever heard of! Too funny.
|
|
Jefe'
Boulder climber
Bishop
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 02:51pm PT
|
About time Largo. Harrison was a bad influence on you.
|
|
BadInfluence
Mountain climber
Dak side
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 03:15pm PT
|
No one likes a quiter ;)
yup up in Montana my ex's Father chewed skol straight. never spit once swallowed everything. one time after dinner ex's father said "if you're a real man you'll take a dip and swallow everything like i do". never took the dip and he almost shot me the next day when we were bird hunting.
Cowboys are a breed of thier own.
it' all in the mind after 3 days so they say
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2007 - 03:24pm PT
|
I think the biggest surprise here is that I can't concentrate for sh#t. I've been staring at the same paragraph for like two hours. Normally I'd have a gigantic plug of Skoal in my gob and be firing away at the trashcan and typing like a madman. It's ain't happening righ now, that's for sure.
JL
|
|
golsen
Social climber
kennewick, wa
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 03:28pm PT
|
Juan said, "I must not have some gene or have a different brain. I could smoke and smoke cigarettes and never get addicted. But Opiates, that warm fuzzy feeling. "
Was it your intention to give LEB a chance to slip in here with all the medical stuff she learned about addiction in a textbook but never experienced? Thanks Juan.
John, i hear you on the concentratoin stuff. I been there. Oh wait, I am still there. Plus I do believe that there have been studies showing nicotime helps your concentration. I think we just need to train our brains to do without....
|
|
looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 03:31pm PT
|
Any of us who have been around the block a few times have picked up bad habits of varying degrees and can vouch for the extreme difficulty in breaking them.
Hang tough John.
|
|
Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 03:51pm PT
|
I never seemed to get addicted to the stuff back in the day, so I could always take it or leave it, blessed I guess.
My wife Debbie took a long time quit cigerettes, getting down to one a day that she just couldn't kick for the longest time, but did.
Part of your problem is the habit of your work, which you just tried do change one bit of... probably pretty hard thing to do... maybe you should think about changing more so that that "something is missing" feeling is more like, "holy sh#t, what am I doing."
Use your understanding on the mind to suggest ways to help you... it's not just the nicotine.
|
|
golsen
Social climber
kennewick, wa
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 03:55pm PT
|
Sheeesh.
Now I feel really bad. LEB nah nahed me...Time for a pinch here!
|
|
golsen
Social climber
kennewick, wa
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 04:11pm PT
|
Sorry LEB, it was meant all in good fun.
I realize you probably have med training in this area. However, and unfortunately, some of us have first hand experience in this area.
Some of that experience are times we would just as soon forget and experiences that the finest Dr's wont ever learn unless they have been there.
Kind of like climbing.
nah nah....(just kidding) :)
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 04:22pm PT
|
Largo reports:
" I can't concentrate for sh#t."
is that the only symptom Largo?
Give it time.
Both my parents quit age 39.
The old man reported freakouts and looking for packs he'd thrown in the ditch for years.
The old lady said it was nuthin, no withdrawl and I quote
"that's all bullsh't" she said.
Maybe that's the right attitude?
|
|
L
climber
The City of Lost Angels
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 04:24pm PT
|
golsen--Getting nah-nahed by LEB is an HONOR! Don't feel "bad", feel "brief and to the point".
John--You're going through withdrawals. Concentration will suck for a while, but once the toxins are out of your system, you'll be back to your good ol' key-scorchin' self. There's a homeopathic Quit Smoking formula in healthfood stores that really helps with withdrawals, I'm told.
|
|
the Fet
Knackered climber
A bivy sack in the secret campground
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 05:19pm PT
|
Sheeit, I can help you quit in 1 minute.
Stuff a whole can in your lip. Get lots of saliva going and....
swallow the whole goddamn thing. After blowing chunks, you'll never want that crap in your craw again.
Seriously, good luck.
Cravings always seems to come in waves for me, distract yourself and in a few minutes it shouldn't be quite so bad.
Luckily I never got addicted to anything much, but I love food and drink. I just lost 12 pounds towards my goal of dropping 20. What helped me was fasting for a day; I realized that the hunger didn't get worse after a while, it just stays the same. For me I'd rather power through something tough. e.g. if I have a long descent hike, I'd rather push and get it over with, than stop and take breaks and prolong it. It's probably the same way for lot's of folks, hence the success of cold turkey.
|
|
bobmarley
Trad climber
auburn, california
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 06:38pm PT
|
hey largo, i saw this thread and can relate for sure. i started dipping when i was 15, along with the other soccer players. went to europe at 18 and started smoking but quit that pretty easy a few years later. but it took me years to ween off the chew. coppenhagen was my preferred. i could go without and then have a couple beers and get a gnarly urge! i weened off real real slow. that worked for me and now i don't even crave it. when i see dudes with a big ol dip it looks disgusting, but i laugh because i used to do the same goddamn thing.
|
|
Jaybro
Social climber
The West
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 07:58pm PT
|
I don't get how spicy stuff will tone down addiction, Lois, maybe a substitution?
I love dried, hot, wasabi-ed soy beans. Any wasabi event is never complete until you feel it in the back of your head, then coursing all the way through, to, your eyeballs, which at that point can't focus. One of wasabi's advantages is that it doesn't leave your mouth damaged like after; harrar((?) (that ethiopian pepper)), habanero, serious thai, etc. kind ot like coke, it rushes through and leaves you craving more, isn't that sorta like a definitive, addictive dealio?
though, if it gets you away from nicotine, who cares?
|
|
Jaybro
Social climber
The West
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 08:24pm PT
|
Do I like spicey food because it distracts me from addictions I do not yet recognize?
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 09:10pm PT
|
Here's another cheer for Largo! Everyone here's rooting for you.
I have always known how lucky I am, nicotine-wise. I have a big brother who I looked up to like he was God, when i was a kid. he started smoking cigs at 12 years old(real smoking; he probably tried them before that).
When my dad caught him, he made him EAT a pack of cigs. Or a cigar. Or something like that. Thinking it would do the trick.
Not a dent.
But!
When I was 12, and the kids my age were beginning to play with cigs, he took me aside and said "Don't do it. Look at me. I smoke a pack a day(at 15 years old) and I can't stop. I stink. I spend my money on smoking. Smoking isn't cool; it's stupid. if you want to really be cool, be the one who doesn't smoke."
I listened to him. Have had less than 2 cigarrettes my entire life, and those were had before he gave me those words.
.
.
.
.
..
....Now pot, on the other hand.... I was stoned at all waking momens, unless there was none to be had, which was rare, from 14 to 21 years old.
.
.
.
Finally put it down, only to see(in hindsight) my drinking escalate.
.
.
.
.
Sober now for 10 years, 5 months.
.
.
.
.
Still drink coffee, but it is a fairly low amount and I can go without it(when I choose too, like on a weekend out climbing). Give it up???? Not ready for that one yet.
.
.
.
And sugar..... I seriously could feel my intelligence dropping in the last year - my ability to focus, stay awake for more than 6 hours without a nap or, in an emergency where sleep wasn't possible, a coffee fix. And the worst - specific words were escaping me. I couldn't call them to mind, like a person in senility. It was actually a little frightening. And I was making TONS of spelling mistakes.
Anyway, a month ago, I took a serious and intentional cut in sugar and processed foods in general. Was also hoping to lose weight with the change(I lost 2 pounds, but think it's back). But at least I can think again.
And yet, I'm still not willing to cut the sugar out completely. Even though I know what it was doing to me.
Oh! Interesting - The circumstance that led me to acknowledge my sugar addiction was....well, it's a little embarrassing....
One of my clients has a dog, and I boarded the dog last fall, and noticed she was drinking too much water. I knew she was ill, and even called them on vacation to tell them, even knowing(or at least I thought I knew..) that they were very worrying sorts of people and I might be ruing their trip.
Anyway - they got back and neglected to deal with it. i thought they had taken here for a check up, and they didn't.
So sad.... The dog went for a hiarcut, and when she came back - she was SO thin, everyone knew something was wrong. But the dog people must have been in denial, and didn't take her to the vet! The neighbors were asking me about the dog, and I said I was sure they must have taken her in...
Then, a few weeks later, the lady emailed me on a Saturday and said she was very worried because the dog seemed to be having vision loss, as she was bumping into things.
I knew it was bad, and said "Animal Medical center, 62nd and 2nd, open 24 hours." And the mom came back saying they were going to wiat to see the regular vet on Monday!
I felt awful, and couldn't believe they could wiat. I suggested they think about that decision, but the good news is that the 24 hour vet is...24 hours available, si they can go at any time.
By Monday, her vsion had worsened. She had diabetes, and the vet said "Why did you wait so long?"
Now she also got Glaucoma, and within 2 months, the poor dog is completely blind.
This is a whole, long story....because I have gotten a huge increase in caretaking for this dog. They couldn't deal with it at first; they felt so guilty, and the dog was so F'ed up - running head on into things, freaking out and going buts on the street, and such. I have learned to become her "Seeing Eye Person"(honestly), and we have beautiful sessions where I learn to guide her, and she learns to trust my guidanace.
Anyway...seeing that happen to this dog, I also remembered some of the people throughout my life who've had dianbetes. And, realizing my mind was being affected by my nutriotonal imbalance...that's why I made the cut on sugar/processed foods.
Chemicals - whether they are illegal, over the counter, accepted as 'food"...whatever. So many of us are so bent out of shape because of them.
(sorry for the long ramble)
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 09:22pm PT
|
I think Largo is going to crack or do the best writing of his life. Its really a crap shoot at this point?
??????????????????????????????//
JDF
|
|
BadInfluence
Mountain climber
Dak side
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 09:26pm PT
|
Dude being this is physcosomatic there are 2 things you can do to fight urge of your normal routine.
1. find the largest flat head screwdriver you have. heat it up cherry red and place on your forarm for 5 seconds. this surely will take your mind off on having a dip.
2. grab a new fresh can of your normal chew. eat the whole can. after you get done puking you will never want another dip.
let us know which one you choose
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 09:28pm PT
|
#1 above is called the G. Gordon Liddey method.
|
|
Rocky5000
Trad climber
Falls Church, VA
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 09:47pm PT
|
This is becoming one of the most interesting threads in a while. So many different approaches to the problem, so many honest stories of defeat along with some victories. There seems to be no consensus on what works, therefore each person has to work it out for themselves, fighting all the way, of course.
I'm personally lucky to be not a very addictive personality - except in the typical hetero-male way of never being able to say no to a female. I tried once or twice and gave up like wet cardboard.
"What that? Pick you up at eight? And don't be late?"
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2007 - 10:12pm PT
|
I appreciate all the support--it's unbelievable, really--and it's especially good to hear of other war stories (like from Roger B. and his Camel straights) about other nicotine addicts like myself who quit and are still alive. Today I've chewed about four packs of gum, eaten a pound or so of hard candy (the newest thing are red hot jawbreakers) and just got some faux-dip made out of mint. This seems to help as well. It's a grind but doable. But man, that's a really longstanding addiction I had have) going there . . .
I remember at one time decades ago I couldn't imagine not being baked at least half of the time, and that attitude totally changed. So will this . . .
JL
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
Back in the mix
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:15pm PT
|
In keeping with the quitting spirit, I've sworn off coffee and alchohol. Two cups of english breakfast tea kept the caffeine headaches away and I managed to walk right past all the organic beans without snapping and buying a quick pound or two at the store tonight.
Plus I'm out of w33d. Being non chemically induced is quite interesting.
Sobriety is the new f*#ked up.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:18pm PT
|
when I quit smoking
I'd get the sweats.
It went on for over a week,
everyday covered with a light
patina of body sweat.
I'd walk around thinking,
"I'm sweating."
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:24pm PT
|
Fear helped me quit. I had a major problem with coke, speed, shrooms, LSD, marijuana and alcohol. Two of my friends were busted and did hard time. I missed being busted by a hairs breathe. I Quit immediately. The alcohol was the hardest to quit as I drank either a fifth of hard alcohol a day or a case and a half of beer. One of the funniest thoughts I can remember having after starting drugs is " gee, they never told me drugs were fun". "They" being those in authority who were always saying drugs were bad. I guess it just never clicked with me as a young person that that would be why so many people became addicted. Jees, what a gumbie I was. I went from being basically a choirboy to a hardcore drug user in less then a year. In 1979 I spent over $5000 dollars on drugs. That was my first year of using drugs. I was 19. I was 26 when I quit. My last year I figure I spent close to $40,000 dollars on coke alone. I guess I shoulda switched to pepsi.
My recommendation. Scare the crap out of yourself. Go visit a cancer ward. Especially ask to visit someone with mouth cancer.
If you don't want to do that, then try accupuncture. Seems to help.
John, Good luck. I really encourage you to give this a good go. You wont regret the temporary suffering. I am sending you good thoughts.
John
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:27pm PT
|
Oh yeah - I just wanted to say "good for you!" to bvb too.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:27pm PT
|
Largo,
the worst thing that could happen is that you will be somewhere and suddenly find yourself completely overwhelmed with an unreal nicotine fit so severe that you won't even know that's what it is.
That all your senses will say the situation is critical, a kind of paranoid claustrophobia will hit, your head will feel like it's floating, something will become a target and you will completely flip out in a hysterical psychotic rage, commit multiple violent felonies and spend the rest of your life in Supermax.
So don't worry.
|
|
Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:30pm PT
|
I have some fireman friends who are addicted hard. They are in a constant state of quiting/endulging, and mostly endulging.
Here's what I think ya'll should do.
Take the chaw and stick it up your a*#.
It's a mucus membrane in there and sure to absorb the nicotine. You don't have to worry about spitting or swallowing the juice. All your friends who thought you quit won't know you have a secret up your...uh...sleeve.
There may be some rectal equivilent of spitting that you need to deal with, but hey, that's the unknown and you're the pioneer. (proabably not though, I didn't search the net but I reckon all the kinky stuff has been done)
I figure the least you'll accomplish with this "Largo than Life" method is cut back on your intake.
After all, you can't stick a pinch between your cheeks every five minutes....!
:-)
Karl
|
|
Gary
climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 10:59pm PT
|
Very funny, Karl. What does ass cancer look like?
I smoked for two years. I quit when I got pneumonnia. It was impossible to smoke with that crap in your lungs. After two weeks cold turkey, it was a snap to quit.
So there you go, Mr. Long. Catch pneumonnia.
|
|
Anastasia
Trad climber
California
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2007 - 11:14pm PT
|
Karl,
Is this a new form of ass chewing?
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
|
Mar 13, 2007 - 12:45am PT
|
Here's another "quiting" story for ya, John;.....So I tried to quit by biking across America;...all I did was spend 33 days puffing cigs across America;....BUT;.....not to give up....I tried AGAIN!....this time, North to South......Flew up to Seattle, took a bus to Blane, Canada, had my "last smoke", crushed the pack and all the cigs, and pointed the bicycle towards Tijuana, Mexico. This time I made it as far as Bellingham (Day one), bought a pack of Marlburo Gold 100's, got a hotel room , and filled my lungs with the sweet nicotine!......17 days later, rode into Tuijuana, had a smoke, and went back out to J. Tree for more climbing and more smoking. I think what finally made me quit was a combination of getting older (more scared of health risks), and meeting my wife (she don't need my stinky habit ...)..Nicotine;....powerful juju.....Again;... good luck, John.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Mar 13, 2007 - 12:56am PT
|
Largo in 2 Days time.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 13, 2007 - 12:57am PT
|
triple homicide
better yet - Largo might be the next OJ!
|
|
Wild Bill
climber
Ca
|
|
|
Mar 13, 2007 - 12:59am PT
|
LOL, jeesus Juan, you better watch it. Don't you and Largo both live in SoCal?
Besides, you should be nicer, he needs a little support right now.
Here Largo, this is waiting for you in your sweet dreams:
|
|
Wild Bill
climber
Ca
|
|
|
Mar 13, 2007 - 01:02am PT
|
Oops, wrong picture. Damn computer. Gotta check it in the morning.
Here, sweet dreams Largo:
|
|
Apocalypsenow
Trad climber
Cali
|
|
|
Mar 13, 2007 - 04:04pm PT
|
I on ocassion smoke, always American Spirits. I can smoke these for two, three months and then just stop. Been doing this most of my life, and recommend these "smokes" to anyone trying to quit.
|
|
James
climber
A tent in the redwoods
|
|
|
Mar 13, 2007 - 04:20pm PT
|
From the meadow it looks big but you climb El Cap one move at a time- One step at a time. Good luck shaking that monkey.
|
|
rhu
Sport climber
AR
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 12:57am PT
|
Good decision to quit cold turkey. A study at the University of Minnesota recently put some weight behind this method. It basically says that when you smoke fewer cigs you smoke them more deeply to make up for the lower levels of nicotine in your body. The details are kind of boring but you can read the abstract here http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/ in the December 2006 issue.
I would assume that a dip functions in a similar manner.
My mom quit smoking a little over a year ago and it still drives her crazy sometimes. But some attitude every now and then is so much better than losing someone that you care about through cancer.
ps She does not have that ciggy odor anymore which is a nice little bonus.
|
|
Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 01:15am PT
|
Kodiak;... the only bear you'll ever pinch........
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 01:27am PT
|
i want a cig too
it's been 4 days since i had *one* and that was the first in three weeks. i felt really stupid smoking with my arm in a sling, feeling the shoulder repair throb and knowing i was just killing the growth of small blood vessels in the shred zone.
i want one right now, but i'm not gonna go have one. instead i'm gonna bitch about it here and go do something else...
nick o'tine's a f*#king bitch. but on some days, she's MY bitch...
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 01:33am PT
|
Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you. Hang in there pagan. Healing is a good thing.
Moosie
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 01:40am PT
|
thanks moosie ! very much...
tom
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 14, 2007 - 02:15am PT
|
Well, I made it through two days so far. No nicotine. I'm always a little weird but moreso now. I seem weird to my very own self. That's hard to do and I deserve some little credit for the feat.
I wish I could somehow bottle the ingredient for how I am actually doing this. I don't fathom how will power works, or if it's will power or something else that keeps me on the straight and narrow. I simply am not chewing any more, and that's it. How I stick to that decision is a mystery to me because I am famous for waffling on tough decisions.
I have a can of Skoal right here on my desk and sniff it like ten times a day and every time it seems to smell more and more toxic. One more day and I think I'm out of the red zone and then it's the long slow burn to stay off.
I'm doing it somehow, pushed along by unseen hands. . . The spirits want me to stop and so do my kids and my own good sense. F*#k, I've been doing the nicotine thing, massively, for basically 35 years. Most all the Stonemasters worked not only the hemp, in terrible excess, as it were, but tobacco in all forms and variations, most notably the iconic Camel straight, good to roast you windpipe, wrinkle your lungs and rifle enough straight nic into your gizzard to bickle the knees and curdle the brow.
I mean, sh#t, do people realize how absurdly strong those staight Camels are, or the alternative, the nefarious Lucky Strikes ("They're Toasted," whatever the hell that meant--but they too were wicked strong.) And how about the old Chesterfields? Sans filtros. Strong as Hiroshima. Lung busters.
Dood,s amigos, senoritas - I've maintained a love affair with tobacco since I was a young boy, sneaking out back to huff down a few purloined butts when dad wasn't watching. Now I've come full circle and am battling to get my freedome back. But Lord, what fools these mortals be with all that blasted tobaccy!
All along I thoght I was getting away with something, driving around with a "hack" hanging off my lip. I led pitches on walls while working a butt. Seemed pretty suave at the time. Maybe it still is.
Such a funny life . . . and it's a relief that something like this proves to one and all that I'm as common as water, just another boy trying to find his way.
Grateful, spaced out, hangin' tough, most of the way home . . .
JL
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 02:34am PT
|
right on Largo
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 02:48am PT
|
Science is revealing that everything is made out of energy. Our thoughts are the guide to this energy. Both what you contain in your conscious mind and what you contain in you subconscious mine control the energy that is you.
The path to spiritual enlightenment is to purify your subconscious along with your conscious. When you concentrate on positive things, that is what you eventually receive. From what you have said, you have been concetrating on cleaning up your life in an effort to give something good to your children. This concentration has created a sort of bank account of positive energy which can be viewed as will. The bible talks about storing up your wealth in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts. The wealth is positive energy which helps you do the things that you want to.
You seem to be a positive person John. You encourage people and support worthy causes. This creates a positive follow of energy which you can then use to help you break energy patterns which don't serve you.
The other thing that is supporting you is the positive energy that you receive from your friends and family. Many people here on supertopo have offered you their good vibes. This is how we support each other. The bible would call it prayer. New age believers call it good energy or sourse energy. The words don't matter. It is the underlying good intentions that is the driving force of your success.
Jesus taught that we are one. One body, one mind, one spirit. When we support one another, we are supporting ourself. When we heal ourself, we add to the healing of everyone. This is of course only a brief description of what is a vast totality of energy of which we are a part. Some day science will realize that spirituality has answers as hopefully spirituality will realize that science is integral. They can and should compliment each other. They both seek the Truth.
I am happy for your success today and send you my best wishes.
Moosie
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 10:15am PT
|
Moosie - you rock dude.
I send some you thankful energy ;-)
You too largo ;-) no cigs for me, no chew for you...
This was a lot easier every other time i quit - this is the first time i'm not puffin mad bowls to scratch the jones...
Orange juice helps. Grapes help. Remembering my grandmother sneaking out of her oxygen tent to have a smoke in the hallway helps. Emphysema...ironic considering she was a nurse in a cancer ward for her entire life...Sis has been off H for one year. She dropped the smoking habit at will...go figure...
Tom
|
|
Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 10:47am PT
|
"I mean, sh#t, do people realize how absurdly strong those staight Camels are.." apparently, the native weed was way stronger as smoked by the aborignal peoples, the "post-Columbians" reduced the strength by horticulture to make it an acceptable vice.
|
|
Mick K
climber
Northern Sierra
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 12:48pm PT
|
Way to Go Largo.
I quit cold turkey about 3 years ago after 20 years on the nico-weed, first cigarettes and then chew. I got addicted by working in the tobacco fields in CT at the age of 15. I was hooked before I ever smoked a cigarette.
I was at a can of Skoal a day when I quit cold turkey. I just decided I was never going to chew again. The first few weeks were so bad that I will never quit chewing again and therein lies my motivation never to start again. I still crave it 3 years later.
|
|
Jefe'
Boulder climber
Bishop
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 01:18pm PT
|
Such a funny life . . . and it's a relief that something like this proves to one and all that I'm as common as water, just another boy trying to find his way.
Grateful, spaced out, hangin' tough, most of the way home . . .
Juan, it's about time you fessed up.
An Upland amigo, Jefe'.
|
|
L
climber
The City of Lost Angels
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 01:20pm PT
|
Largo--You're an inspiration to all of us...even those who don't do nicotine. We've all got vices--some are simply a nuisance, others are deadly. And watching someone break the bonds of addiction empowers each and every one of us with the understanding that we can do it, too. Thank you for sharing your process and progress with us.
Pagan--Way to step up to the plate! It's all about consciousness, isn't it?
I remember walking through the cancer ward when I was 11 and my dad was sick. There were people with their jaws cut away, part of their throats missing, their faces mutilated. I watched a lady in the smoking area put a cigarette up to the hole in her trachea and inhale. Never smoked, never will. My three younger siblings, however, are all totally addicted. They witnessed the same horror show, but for some reason weren't able to connect the dots.
|
|
JLP
Social climber
Fargo, MN
|
|
|
Mar 14, 2007 - 02:05pm PT
|
I smoked about a pack/day for about 7 years. Quitting was rough. Tried a bunch of patches, etc., but cold turkey was the way. I can't imagine what a 20+ year addiction would be like.
After that first 3 weeks of being locked up in my room, the next toughest thing was to break all the associations. For example, after certain foods there was a craving, after certain smells, certain experiences, certain moods. That lasted a long time - many years.
I fell off the wagon, so to speak, after 2-3 years. I was on a wall and my partner was smoking. That experience helped me more clearly see why so many drugs have been consumed on El Cap. Nothing like a little something-something to ease the nerves up there. It felt good to be smoking - just for a few days I told myself. So 2-3 weeks later I was smoking a pack/day again. And for several years after that I still smoked on and off, but mostly off. I was a party smoker. I quit for good about 5 years ago. I actually smoked 1 cig maybe 4 years ago, and hated it. Today I couldn't imagine it. It's just too gross, too counter to my lifestyle. I'm finally clean, but my aerobics are behind people who never smoked - and probably always will be. That's a bummer for me.
I guess it all sounds difficult, but that first 3 weeks is indeed the toughest by far. After maybe 2 months, it was not something I thought about every day.
My mother actually quit through accupuncture. 1.5+ pack/day smoker (for 20+ years) one day, completely content non-smoker the next. No withdrawl symptoms as all. It was amazing. Not sure everyone would have the same success, though.
JLP
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2007 - 12:12am PT
|
Just a quick update for anyone who might someday have to brave the same epic. This is basically the end of Day 4 and it really didn't get too hard till today. I appreciate that many people have much heavier burdens than my silly nocotine addiction but it really felt pretty hard today - not staying off the snuff (easy), but just being with myself without some numbing agent.
I think this whole thing is a metaphor for the larger issue of believing that you always need something outside to provide satisfaction, be it a woman, a can of Skoal, a big wall, or a partridge in a pear tree. We don't, of course. Ultimately it all boils down to what kind of relationship we have with ourselves, and in giving up nocitine I learned that there was something rather huge standing between me and me.
I've been rambling all day today . . . The ground is shifting beneath my feet but it's all good.
JL
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 12:15am PT
|
That's what I did Largo,
I just rolled with it and tripped on how rad it got and talked about it.
|
|
Brian
climber
Cali
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 12:18am PT
|
John,
Just came across this today (after spending the morning on your routes up at Mt. Gorgeous). Just wanted to say "stick with it."
I hope all else is well...
Brian
|
|
L
climber
The City of Lost Angels
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 12:23am PT
|
Good for you Largo!!!
Fight the dragon--you'll be feeling better than you have in 20 years soon.
|
|
Watusi
Social climber
Joshua Tree, CA
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 01:22am PT
|
We're here rooting for you man!!
|
|
Jello
Social climber
No Ut
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 01:26am PT
|
I am watchin' this thread for content and results. Pullin' for you, Largo, and others who are tryin' to kick.
|
|
spyork
Social climber
Land of Green Stretchy People
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 02:27am PT
|
Hang in there Largo. I don't know you but I read a couple of your books.
I watched my old man get taken down by by cigs. It was hard to watch a once powerful man go that way. Emphysema, the respiratory therapy guy said its like having your chest crushed. He tried to get the monkey off his back but he couldn't.
My boys watched him fade away. Don't think they will smoke after that.
Steve
|
|
dipper
climber
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 02:45am PT
|
John,
We've never met, prolly never will. I've read of your exploits over the years and been amazed, stunned and certainly entertained.
Sharing this most difficult pitch with us, punting the cursed weed, trumps them all.
PDH to be sure, but it'll go.
I am touched by all the supporters that have chimed in.
Acupuncture, mindfullness meditation, slowing down and being present are all on your rack.
best wishes,
richard
PS This thread is right up there with a few others in terms of * (5 star). Thanks to all you knuckleheads for not spoiling it with nonsense.
|
|
Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 09:54am PT
|
This thread needs a portrait of the man.
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 10:19am PT
|
"Ultimately it all boils down to what kind of relationship we have with ourselves, and in giving up nocitine I learned that there was something rather huge standing between me and me."
One small step/giant leap closer to inner peace...when one doesn't have to be doing, just *being*...
hang in there - it does get easier...its like the guidebook always says out here -'thin holds and sketchy pro lead to easier climbing, above...'
|
|
Crag
Trad climber
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 10:25am PT
|
John,
I grew up in house with a smoker but I didn’t start smoking until I left home. Sitting in a bar next to a new found friend he lights-up. A Marlboro red, the smell reminded me of home. Before I new it I was smoking ½ pack of Reds a day as if I had smoked most of my young life. Fast forward….at the age of 43 I am nicotine free, (1 year & 3months) and have zero cravings even after climbing which used to be ritual of sorts.
Toward the end of my smoking career I was strictly a social smoker or situational. Even had people tell me they wished they could smoke like me. It never really developed into a pack-a- day habit but I must confess that I did enjoy it for the most part. I used to fool myself that if some of the greatest climbers are/were smokers it can’t really be all that bad. When I first read Touching the Void and the comment “we’re glad we didn’t bring cigarettes” was proof to me that I could still be very active and a smoker.
I still wish I could smoke but I know first hand how detrimental it can be to ones life. About 2 years ago I started road biking mainly for fun and fitness and although it may just a placebo I believe the increased cardio effort has helped clear my system and reduced my cravings. Either that or going down hill at 50mph has only replaced what nicotine used to supply. I truly believe to make a long lasting change cold turkey is the only way to go. (YMMV)
Best of luck
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2007 - 10:38am PT
|
Damn, Ricky, that's really pulling deeply from the way-back machine for that belaying shot. Where is that, anyhow? Idyllwild?
Note the cig. in my right hand - almost hiding, but there nonetheless. Crazy, ain't it?
JL
|
|
JLP
Social climber
Fargo, MN
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 02:13pm PT
|
" When I first read Touching the Void and the comment “we’re glad we didn’t bring cigarettes” was proof to me that I could still be very active and a smoker."
I actually had the opposite experience. I tried to slog up the side of a real mountain for my first time in winter. Not only did it nearly kill me, the contrast between my efforts and the efforts of those around me was very apparent, more so than I had imagined it could be.
In the end, if "active" to you means humping a day pack up to the base of a climb, then smoking isn't going to have a very significant effect - especially if "smoker" means around a 1/2 pack or less a day. However, if "active" means doing even the occasional marathon, trail race, backcountry ski run, winter ascent, etc., then smoking more than 1/2 pack a day is most definitely going to push you to the back of the pack. Nobody I know who does these latter, more intensive aerobic activities very well smokes, or ever has.
JLP
|
|
A(ndanother) Crowley
Gym climber
YourNightmares
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 03:03pm PT
|
LMAO!
John, I always knew you were a pussy, ever since you cried when you had to lead my pitch on Stoner's Highway.
Spare us the whining, please!
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 03:06pm PT
|
|
|
Crag
Trad climber
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 03:35pm PT
|
JLP, I fully understand your point of view and yes admittedly when I was younger I felt I could achieve I high state of aerobic acitvity without the smoking holding me back...yes foolish youngster I was. Still I am amzed at the photos and things Iv'e seen first hand.
http://www.bicycle-gifts.com/jpg/q45.jpg
|
|
Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 07:51pm PT
|
Hey Largo,
Sounds like you are dealing with it, and not a moment too soon. Your friends and family will really feel so much better to see that you're taking care of yourself better healthwise, and trying to kick some nasty habits. It is amazing how much stress we all place on our families and friends when we don't take care of ourselves.
So, quit for yourself, and quit for your family and friends. It isn't over, and it is never easy, but you're making the right decision.
My father-in-law in his seventies, retired Air Force Lt. Col. and pilot, smoked up until the day he went in for open heart by-pass surgery. He smoked just before the actual procedure. He was instructed not too, but he did it anyway. We nearly lost him due to complications during the post-surgery recovery with a serious case of pnuemonia. They wouldn't have operated if they knew he lit-up just moments before the operation. That's a serious no go. My father-in-law is a brave man, and so are you. He battles everyday, but he is smoke free now for the last 7 + years.
Man is an addictive creature. We should all just pick the right addictions. Climbing is a good one ;-))
By the way, you don't have to quit coffee, just go decaf. I did several years ago, and I'm much less stressed and my heart doesn't race without all the caffine now. I love the ritual of a cup of coffee in the morning. Decaf is fine.
Good job and keep it up. Friends and family are rooting for ya.
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 07:52pm PT
|
Yay Hankster!
Good think everyone's kicking their habits now....If any of you are thinking of going to the SushiFest, all I can say is: DON'T RELAPSE! Imagine if 4 or 5 of "us" were there, at day 3 in withdrawal....
SushiFIGHT, more likely!
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 07:53pm PT
|
Sometimes a few pictures helps.
JDF
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 07:54pm PT
|
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 08:53pm PT
|
that's sick juan...
though we do appreciate the thought ;-)
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2007 - 10:25pm PT
|
Hankster is going off a can of Copenhagen a day habbit and that's a freaking truckload of nicotine to simply quite cold turkey. I swear a can of Cope has got the equivalent of about sixty cigaretts worth of nic. You're my hero, Hankster.
JL
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 10:27pm PT
|
I know this guy - a neighbor of mine, he quit before I did. He was doin' - this is no lie - three to four packs of Camel straights a day. Saw him walking around looking a bit shaky for a while but he did it, straight up cold turkey. He's like 54.
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2007 - 10:55pm PT
|
Three to four packs of Camel straights a day is like 60 to 80 hacks a day, or basically 4-5 hacks an hour. That's smoking the whole freaking day, stopping only to take a drink and a leak and then one more hack. Geeze, no wonder the guy was looking a "little shakey." I can't even imagine his internal state comming off that much nic cold turkey.
JL
|
|
snakefoot
climber
cali
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 10:59pm PT
|
jdf, that looks like candida, not really smoking related, but nice visual anyway.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 10:59pm PT
|
It's true, this guy would go out for a smoke - I'd see him on his front porch all the time, he'd fire down 2 smokes back to back.
A little while later, he'd be out there again.
Said he quit because he didn't want to die.
Hey, where the hell is Yerian?
|
|
Rick A
climber
Boulder, Colorado
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 11:00pm PT
|
Johnny,
I think that was on a Tuolumne project we never completed.
Rick
|
|
TwistedCrank
climber
Hell
|
|
|
Mar 16, 2007 - 11:13pm PT
|
Ah yes, the long gone days of the three finger dip. I musta looked like a feckin idiot out there in the real world with a big ole fat lip and brown ooze dripping out the corner of my mouth, always looking around for corner to spit into. Fine memories these. Not.
After 15 years off the white circle on my jeans the worst thing I have to do is explain to my dentist every six months why my gums are so receded . Blech.
|
|
Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
|
|
|
Mar 17, 2007 - 11:11am PT
|
Hey Rick, that is a great picture of John. Certainly takes me right back.
Stick with it John. A psychologist friend of mind--a long time ago--said that anyone who can remember the moment they quit (any vice) is just a 'dry' addict. Insightful, I think.
Best, Roger
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 18, 2007 - 11:34am PT
|
...the "shower chew"?????
I'm sorry, Hankster. But.....EWWWW!!!!
I am so, so, SO very grateful for having never gotten sucked into Nicotine's grip. Believe me, it was simply a matter of dumb luck, and if I hadn't looked up so to my brother when he said "Don't Smoke" I have no doubt I'd have fallen into the abyss.
I feel for you guys, and KEEP ON QUITTING!!!! You're all Gods of Supertopo(since the god/goddess thing seems to be the current theme) today because of it!
|
|
L
climber
Sesame Street
|
|
|
Mar 18, 2007 - 01:43pm PT
|
Largo--How goes the battle?
Hope you're out on your muni on this fine gray LA day and not stuck at the computer like some of us!
|
|
Roger Brown
climber
|
|
|
Mar 18, 2007 - 02:00pm PT
|
John,
In 1990 I headed south on the John Muir Trail with a full pack of Camel Filters and a pint of Yukon Jack. I came out 31 days later alcohol and tobacco free. No tobacco since and no urge to start back. I went back to alcohol after 6 months cause I only quit that to see if I could :-) Probably quiting both at once was harder but how would I know. Just being a rookie backpacker with 80+ pounds of mostly the wrong stuff, not having tobacco or alcohol was the least of my problems. That trip left me with a bunch of great "Campfire Stories"..Hang in there John, it gets a little easier after awhile,
Roger Brown
|
|
Sparky
Trad climber
vagabon movin on
|
|
|
Mar 19, 2007 - 04:04pm PT
|
Largo and Hank-
Hope u guys are still in it. I also quit chewing the morning of 3/12 cold turkey. Even though I've had a romantic relationship with nicotine since I was 12, Palmalls, Camels straight, reds, skoal to cope to the bear back to cope back to bear...etc...I dropped it all a week ago using Orbits and baby carrots. The carrots help cause you can figit around with your fingers then chew it up and leave in the lip. Hey, what ever works. Less shaky today.
BTW, I completly understand the summit, post-sex, and especially shower chew.
KEEP POSTING NASTY CANCEROUS PICS>>>> THEY HELP!
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 19, 2007 - 04:13pm PT
|
YAY Sparky! Look how many of you guys are "calling it quits!"
Impressive!
And I think that carrot idea is probably a pretty good suggestion. I'm going to rememebr that one for people I run into who are quitting.
p.s. My best friend, Rita, died from Lung Cancer 3 years ago. She'd smoked heavily, but quit about 10 years before she was diagnosed. She didn't find out, as is often the case with Lung Cancer, until it was too late, even though she had excellent health insurance, and had been seeing a doctor about symptoms she was having(a cough that wouldn't go away, tiring easily with excercise, and the biggie - a feeling of weight on her chest). It didn't show up on x-rays, and if she hadn't pushed the doctor, they wouldn't have done the CAT which found "a dark spot" that was inconclusive, and led to the PET, which.... Well, she got her diagnosis. Inoperable, with 2 years to live.
|
|
SuperSpud
Trad climber
Cayucos, CA
|
|
|
Mar 19, 2007 - 07:28pm PT
|
"I appreciate that many people have much heavier burdens than my silly nocotine addiction but it really felt pretty hard today - not staying off the snuff (easy), but just being with myself without some numbing agent. "
My path through this life has led me to complete (successfully) several different substance abuse programs, during which I met a fair number of heroin addicts. To a person, each said that kicking heroin was easier than kicking nicotine.
Sounds like a pretty heavy burden to me, Largo.
Jeff Rininger
|
|
CathC
Social climber
Wyoming
|
|
|
Mar 19, 2007 - 07:29pm PT
|
hang in there Largo, my 2 girl friends just quit the chew too.. so far so good for them.. they got tired of me ragging on them and of course their kids too... but I don't know about giving up coffee..
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2007 - 01:39am PT
|
Just a quick update: The biggest epic of my life, quitting the nicotine. I'm not shocked that the success rate on qutting is so low. I should never have doubted that I could artificially manipulate my nervous systemt for 30 years (bombing it with nic) and not suffer a kind of rebound effect once I quit. I think it really takes a long time for your body to readjust to not being spun out by a stimulant like the vile and robust nic. Fun while it lasted.
JL
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 01:45am PT
|
Hey Largo,
I am glad to hear that you are still at it. Yep, nicotine is definitely a twisty drug. I know plenty of people that have said it was one of the hardest things to quit. And these are people who had some serious drug and alcohol habits.
We are all rooting for you !!!
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 01:48am PT
|
yeah, it'll take time Largo - like a year or so...
Hey - post a recent pic dog - check it out.
|
|
TopRopeGun
Trad climber
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 10:53am PT
|
Yo Largo!
Stick with it man! I used to dip furiously all summer as a Wildland firefighter...about the only vice you CAN have and still do your job on the line....nothing better than a fresh tin, and 14 hours behind the Stihl 046! It's a hard one to shake, but you can do it!! Best thing I ever gave up...although I had some forcible help...lil' drunk one night, grabbed a friends spitter on accident (looked just like the beer I was drinking) and took a deep pull.....once the heaving stopped...I was mentally done and DONE!
Your body, mouth, breath, and woman will thank you! It's damn hard...but a good battle...KEEP AT IT!
Good luck!
m
|
|
Wild Bill
climber
Ca
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 11:34am PT
|
Hi Largo, hankster, and the other 'quitters':
Reading these posts of support may not quell the urges.
But we're rooting for you guys! When things get sketchy remember that this is a good fight.
Yours in addiction,
Wild Bill
|
|
Sparky
Trad climber
vagabon movin on
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 01:45pm PT
|
Still clean but had a scare yesterday. Going through some gear I found a old tin of cope squirreled away. Drove me nuts (pun intended). The freakin sawdust looked doable.....
Nicotine is BAD.
Bad
Bad
Bad
Bad
Bad
sh!t
Tossed it and have been patting myself on the back all day today.
Keep up the fight!
-Jeff
|
|
Crimpergirl
Social climber
St. Looney
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 02:14pm PT
|
Keep at it guys. It's really inspiring to read the reality of this sort of stuff.
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 06:25pm PT
|
embrace the gangsters of your psychic under world - make friends with them.
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 06:28pm PT
|
Psssst hey man? Anyone want one?
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 06:48pm PT
|
"but when I want it, I want it sooooo godamn bad...."
tell me...then i come back to here and read more of this thread, and it helps...a LOT actually...
-tom
|
|
salad
climber
San Diego
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 07:03pm PT
|
no nic here since 12/31/06. no cravings. have run 373 miles since 1/1.
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2007 - 08:18pm PT
|
One of the amazing things for me is how the stopping of something (in my case, nicotine) can fire such an incredible amount of energy into both my mind and my body. This is like twelve days after I quit and last night I just lay and bed and buzzed till about 2. I'm not freaking out too much over feeling this late night manic hum but I think anyone coming off a really strong and genuine addiction has to be on the lookout for mental hyperactivity and to not take the content seriously. It's just a ton of white noise and it helps to go back to just breathing.
The thing about addictions is that you can have several but there's usually one that you use to sort of arbitrate both your self and reality. Even though I used rec drugs (like 20 years ago)and smoked vast tonnage of weed, and have had a few thousand drinks along the way as well, my mainstay was always the nic. So when I quit, it was in a sense like starting my life over. I love where I'm heading and I've never once had a strong enough craving to get close to going back to chewing, but the transition to the new world has been unexpectedly sketchy and weird. But let me tell you something that has set me straight --seing others still strung out. To wit - I just saw a neighbor of mine sitting on his front porch. He was huffing on a reef, had a soda on the step along with a pack of smokes and a big bag of junk food. Dood, that guy's got no shot at knowing what the hell is happening inside or out.
Decellerating into reality is a great adventure but I wouldn't go planning on too fast or too soft a landing if you've been into the substances like some of us who are still babbling on this thread.
JL
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 09:54pm PT
|
Cool Largo.
Did I miss the unicycle story?
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 23, 2007 - 11:50pm PT
|
I saw a pic of Juan the nic free Largo man on a Mountain Unicycle on the "Who the Hell are you People?" thread.
I figured there must be a story and that link is part of it I guess - just never heard of a mountain unicycle.
Thanks for the link Mimi.
Hey Hank Caylor how are ya?
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 24, 2007 - 12:00am PT
|
I remember being about 45 daze sober, and feeling as if I were walking a tightrope; that's how precariously I was stepping out in my new world. I really felt that, with one misstep, I'd come crashing down.
A few weeks later, I had a visceral sensation of having difficulty coordinating all my bodily motions,ie; walking, talking, and navigating the sidewalk I was on at the same time.
That feeling lasted for a few days. Then there came a moment where I felt SO raw, as if the air I was breathing was a foreign substance, and I intuituvely felt this must be the way a baby feels about oxygen when transitioning from the womb. At that time, I had yet another bizarre, yet incredible, sensation of my psyche sort of moving through a tube, sort of like is described in near death scenarios(only in reverse!) This happened while I was sitting in a room full of people(at an AA meeting). No one else was aware, of course, but I felt like the Red Sea had parted, and I was walking through. Reborn....no sh#t.
Pretty intense....
I also had a marvelous experience at about 3 months sober, where I was walking alongside Bryant Park at night. It was a very dark night, and a winter snow had fallen. The tree branches were coated with crystallized ice and snow was falling. I looked up, with the streetlights catching all tha light, and I felt - FELT - the awesome beauty of it. At that moment, a sense of such joy welled withim=n, and I heard myself yelling(inside, though I really wanted to do it out loud!) "I'M ALIVE!!!! HEY - I'M ALIVE!!!"
I can still feel that now, when I remember it.
And then....there ws the day I looked at a wondow box of flowers I had been passing daily, and I said to myself "wow, those leaves sure look more green toda.... Oh My God. They have ALWAYS been that color. It's ME who has changed!"
Clean is a pretty cool place to be. I got an incredible bargain when I signed on the dotted line about quitting. Haven't regretted it for one second. Even if those stupid "what if" thughts pop in my head, I am so lucky to have had experiences like the ones I wrote abut above. They tap me on the shoulder and say "Are you NUTS? Don't even THINK about it!"
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 24, 2007 - 12:07am PT
|
Ok, mountain unicycling...thanks again Mimi.
edit: what a beautiful story happiegrrrl.
|
|
healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
|
|
|
Mar 24, 2007 - 12:27am PT
|
I'd have to quit as I could never chew and ride a single wheel at the same time. Bravo for you...
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 24, 2007 - 01:07am PT
|
Happygirl, that's a great story and very powerful. It also underscores a basic and little spoken fact about coming out of any hard core addiction - you have to gradually wake up to reality, and there's some real weirdness along the way. Funky sensate stuff, preception stuff, all those blunted and muted faculties coming back on line and you wondering if it's all real or just -- something.
Nobody does any of this alone, without community. That's the joy and the blessing of it all.
JL
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 24, 2007 - 01:29am PT
|
ya know what ? i *don't* want a cig...
my addiction wants one, but *I* don't...
spot the difference and it suddenly looks a little easier...
(i, however, want a bong hit...grmble grmble...i reserve the right to fall off that wagon for sushi fest...)
nice, happie - many thanks for sharing that. it's personal for sure...
-tom
|
|
happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
|
|
|
Mar 24, 2007 - 10:23am PT
|
You're welcome.
Welll - I'll be riding my wagon for the sushifest. The good news, for me, is that everything I had hoped to find in the use of alcohol and pot(never did much other stuff) came to me through sacrificing those substances - cammeraderie, the "instruction manual to life," comfort in being myself, the ability to interact with people without being hypercritical of myself to the point of shutting down.
People always said I was great fun at parties; a good hostess, funny, interesting. But without the substances....well, I wouldn't have been AT a party without them! And I cerytainly wouldn't have thrown a party without getting mellow first. Luckily, I had a hefty tolerance, and even sloshingly drunk, I never passed out or threw up (well....once, I threw up, and it was a doozy).
As for the waking up - it was truly a gift for me, because I had never known these things to begin with(beauty in the world around me, subtle but powerful bodily sensations). I had been "in my shell" way before I ever picked up a substance and remember having those feelings of "not fitting" in this world even at about the age of 4.
I THOUGHT I knew psychic sensation....hahaha. Self-delusion. A way to keep myself cloistered from others was what it amounted to.
Anyway - alcohol was the "big" addiction for me, even though, by a lay person's standards(well, a drinking layperson, I should say), it didn't seem like I had a problem. Anyone in the know would have known differently.
So, I went lukewarm turkey with sugar several weeks ago, but haven't found grave changes like I mentioned above. Maybe it is because I didn't cut 100%, or maybe it is a different deal. My mind HAS sharpened back up, and that has been a huge relief.
But I know I am still having some nutrition addiction crap(not anorexia/bulimia or something like that; a more subtle gig, where I keep too busy/don't allow time to have nutritious foods. Then, I find myself in "sustenence crisis" where I need to eat "now," and go for the old stand-bys of take-out restaurant, sugar-laden muffin from the deli for breakfast, emergency snack of chips or chocolate energy boost, eating dinner at 9 or 10 pm.....
I am not prepared to commit to that one though. My life seems too hectic, the leap seems to span too wide a chasm. Yet I know the processed foods/sugar/salt hold me back in two significant areas of my life. Hopefully some day I will be able to walk through that, too.
|
|
juneau
Mountain climber
|
|
|
Mar 25, 2007 - 07:55pm PT
|
Yeah Largo,
Around this time of year I tell myself "i'm not gonna spend another rock season puffin' butts and I make a passive attempt at quitting only to give in in fear of life w/out nic. Yet now that I see there are fellow nic veterans toughing it out I am inspired to see what that white noise at 2am is all about and hang on!
-best regards
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 25, 2007 - 08:42pm PT
|
RE:
"That's the joy and the blessing of it all. "
this really is the new Largo
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 25, 2007 - 09:37pm PT
|
" this really is the new Largo "
Or another way to look at this is that this is the Real Largo that has been hidden under the crap. The detritous of past decisions hides the Truth of who we are. The trick is to seek the Truth about your inner self. Scriptures describe our composition as one of Love. The question then becomes, if we are Love, then why is my life so messed up or why is the world so messed up? The answer exists in the realization that we have Free Will. Our choices create our experience and our experience comes from having more then one physical lifetime. Over lifetimes, they add up to either ease of living or hell.
When you start to realize this, you can take back your power to be Love, to enjoy Life, and to live Large. This is not usually an instantaneous process because of the laws of karma. You must first balance or at least begin to balance your Karma before fully enjoying the fruits of True Freedom.
I have a bit of Karma to balance and a number of untruths to uncover within my psyche to finally experience True Freedom. Meaning, haha... that right now I still experience some considerable hell. OH well, I am awakening.
Keep going Largo, Sparky, Hankster and anyone else who is quiting an addiction. Victory is possible. How about an update?
Moosie
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 25, 2007 - 11:33pm PT
|
excellent post moosie (tips hat...)
-tom
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 25, 2007 - 11:33pm PT
|
Cool Hank - we should have coffee at the Roma sometime - I live on the hill.
Take care man.
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:04am PT
|
Beautiful Hank..... You are on belay. Climb on Brother.
And yes, the waves are trippy. Just watch out for that sleeper wave. It can certainly trip you up if you aren't alert. The best part is, if it gets you, you can still right the boat and keep on going. I have been put in the drink many times by my addictions. haha....Just keep getting up and it gets easier. Of course, it can help to look into why you thought you needed a drug to feel better. That is the path to complete victory over these types of things.
Ugh...I just reread my post and I sound like a brochure....hahaha.....I like laughing at myself. One of Lockers attributes that I admire. His ablitiy to laugh at himself.
Edit:
Send for my Booklet,
"12 steps to Freedom from Addiction" by John Moosie
Step 1. send John lots of money.
Hahahahaha........
Peace,
Moosie
|
|
bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:12am PT
|
largo, "decelerating into reality" perfectly describes my own slow-motion, self-imposed detox from alcohol.
on the positive side, waking up every morning feeling fresh, going climbing every day with no hangover, damn, talk about positive reinforcement...
you just gotta do what you gotta do, at your own speed, and under your own steam. no amount of badgering from freinds and family will ever change that.
i'm just glad to be alive, glad to still climb at a level that satisfies me, glad to have such wonderful children, happy to have a mate that loves me.
now if i could just do a few one-arm pull-ups again, well, then it'd ALL be good...!
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:21am PT
|
I'm just glad to be alive to and I can't climb at a satisfying level, have no family and no one who gives a rats ass about me but I'm still psyched to be here and be functional.
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 01:49am PT
|
Ray, I think that you would be surprised at how many people here give a rats ass about you. I know that I am glad that you are here. Maybe you have been looking at the negative sides of things for too long and need to see the positive things in your life. The world is a mirror. What you give out is what you get. If you want Love, then you gots to give a little. I know that I am learning that. I put myself in a bigtime hole by thinking that my problems were worse then anyone elses. I am not saying that you feel that way. I am just saying that the way out of any problem is to give what you think you are missing. The ego plays with your mind and causes you to miss what is all around you.
I care about you Ray, and I believe that others here do to.
John
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 02:00am PT
|
That's swell John.
I've chosen to strip my life down to the essentials and do the things I'm good at, the things that make me happy. This has worked way better than the alternative, of course I'm pleased for my friends who have found their fulfillment with family etc.
I think that even if a person doesn't maybe have what society says they need to be content, they can still thrive and be truly happy.
Thanks.
|
|
nita
climber
chico ca
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 02:01am PT
|
Hell-Ray, You have a great big Supertopo Family. I definitely
appreciate your helpful kindness. xoxo nita
Pegan you once talked about sense of community on S.T....
Testify again Pagan.
|
|
Sparky
Trad climber
vagabon movin on
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 02:07am PT
|
Still off the nic. Gettin easier.. so much so that bravery made me start to cut-off the Cutty Sark during the week. Damn vices got to go before I disapear.
Sick of substances making choices for me.
Thank God for Orbit....or perhaps the Wrigley Jr. Company in Chicago.
and thank you Easter Bunny
for leaving baby carrots alone.
-Spark
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 02:18am PT
|
Some people are just better off with a really simple life - I'm one for sure.
A well adjusted bachelor.
I'm still passionate about my work and thanks to the people who post here - getting back into climbing and the outdoors.
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 02:28am PT
|
I don't know about the adjusted part, but I am a bachelor too. My cooking sort of sucks. If I could just learn to cook or become use to eating only sandwhiches or if I could find someone to fix me a decent meal occasionally then I just might be considered well adjusted. Still haven't got that part figured out.
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:16pm PT
|
Hmm - I think I said something like -
I like it here.
Out there, when I tell people what I do for fun, most of them look at me like I'm from mars or something.
Here, most would say 'wimp, why just yesterday we went and did...'
I like that. Makes me feel like I'm actually yapping to people that know what the heck I'm talking about. Woody posted in my 'thank you for this' thread that we are all mutants here, just be glad to be a part of something.
And I am. Very much so.
That 'Thank you' thread came about one night where I was here alone and got some really bad news from a friend that was too far away for me to help. I got a lot of support from a lot of people here, and it helped to know I wasn't alone - that's special, something you don't get everywhere, something to hold on to and cherish. It is far too easy to feel alone in this day and age.
Mike Libecki made a comment when he spoke last month about climbers being a 'tribe'. I liked that way of putting it a lot, actually. I think he nailed it. Even those of us that may disagree - there is still some commonality that is central to how many of us define ourselves, imho...
We care Ray, we're here for you if you need us. Seriously ;-)
I think piquaclimber's show us your picture thread shows that more than any yapping I could ever put here in this text box. How many times have any of you gone back just to see what is new there, see who put something up to share - smiles and families and moments - we are *definitely* a community here, and it's so nice to be part of *something*...
This place rocks. Props to Chris M for letting us play here.
-Tom
|
|
L
climber
The Rebel L Gang
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:28pm PT
|
Word, Pagan. You rock!
|
|
Wild Bill
climber
Ca
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:38pm PT
|
Hey Pagan, between this thread and the recent pics thread I have been very inspired. There IS a community here. The pics thread has gotten folks back in touch with each other. And ST as a whole offers a chance to 'meet' and greet people from all over. It's our virtual campfire.
[No self-respecting climber settles for a little campfire, of course].
So, 'quitters,' it's Monday March 26? How goes your March Madness?. I am most interested in how you manage to deal with specific triggers. Caylor spoke of how getting his fix was imbued with routine. I'll never forget the 'shower chew,' and man, I'd hate to hear you explain your brown toes!
I'd bet that it's hard to describe the triggering events as being seperate from the routine ones. But have you discovered anything over the last few weeks?
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:46pm PT
|
Man I'm doin' great bvb and I been trading jokes like that for years.
Brian Eno said one of the reasons he left Roxy Music is that the music itself had lost a certain quality he called insanity...laughing...There's a certain madness to climbing that is absolutely one of the most divine and sane things in the world. Amazing.
in your best Ahhnold voice
I'LL BE BACK!
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 26, 2007 - 12:52pm PT
|
"There's a certain madness to climbing that is absolutely one of the most divine and sane things in the world."
gold. pure gold...I'm stealing that one Raydog ;-)
edit - ok - borrowing...
|
|
Sparky
Trad climber
vagabon movin on
|
|
|
Mar 27, 2007 - 02:22am PT
|
Ok....
I just bought my first house (townhouse).
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOD do I want a chew.
It's funny how such a present big point in life brings out such a big past mistake.
Actually, it's not funny.
It's fvcked.
I'm still happy sippin my Harvey's Bristol Cream
:-)
-Spark
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 29, 2007 - 11:37am PT
|
Just wondering how those who put down the nic are still doing??
I found putting down the chew was the easy part. It's th Jack in the Box that came up afterward that packd the punch.
JL
|
|
L
climber
The Rebel L Gang
|
|
|
Mar 29, 2007 - 11:44am PT
|
My hat's off to you, John. First, for cleaning up your health for yourself and for those two gorgeous girls of yours. And second, for being such an inspiration on this forum.
Have you stuffed Mr. Jack back in his box yet?
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
|
Mar 29, 2007 - 11:48am PT
|
Haven't had a cig or a puff of any sort for a while now...and just went 4 nights without drinking myself stupid at 7:15 pm each night...
This is new for me. funny - growing up now that i'm gonna be 40 in a month...
I hope everyone else is making it too...
-Tom
edit - now if I could just kick my sick taco habit...
|
|
C4C
Social climber
ADKS, NY
|
|
|
Mar 29, 2007 - 12:11pm PT
|
hey john, that mnt uni stuff is sick looking. there was somebody over on rc.com looking for you earier and since I haven't seen you on there lately I thought that I would give you a heads-up here. Glad you are doing well on kickin the habit. J in the B stuff will kill you faster than the nic!
|
|
juneau
Mountain climber
|
|
|
Mar 29, 2007 - 09:07pm PT
|
Hi everyone,
I wanted to report that I'm 72 hours nic free, all of my past efforts have lasted 48 hours or less so this is uncharted terrain now(for me). I feel good! Thanks Largo for the inspiration/support! To some it may seem like no biggie but when nic is apart of your day to day routine..it's a bit of mind chess.
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
|
Mar 29, 2007 - 09:24pm PT
|
Woooo Hoooo !!! This thing is growing. Excellent !
|
|
Wild Bill
climber
Ca
|
|
|
Mar 30, 2007 - 11:18am PT
|
hey juneau:
Way to go! I hope this post finds you well on your way to quitting. This thread shows that a lot of folks here DO realize that quitting nicotine IS a big deal.
It's way more than just a 'little willpower' - you are overcoming one of the most powerful drugs.
Hang in there, it's noble.
Bill
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Apr 6, 2007 - 01:32am PT
|
To all those who quit cigs, chew, et al, how's it all going?
I'm like 3 weeks into it (or out of it - nicotine, that is) and my energy is still swinging up and down. Such a strange landing . . .
JL
|
|
James
climber
A tent in the redwoods
|
|
Good to hear you're sticking with it. Keep it up Largo.
|
|
Crimpergirl
Social climber
St. Looney
|
|
We're all here with you still cheering for you!
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
Glad to hear you are still on the path...no cigs over here...getting a little easier too I suppose, after smoking for 25 years off and on (mostly on) I think I just don't want one any more...
|
|
Raydog
Trad climber
Boulder
|
|
Glad to hear you feel as stable as you do dog.
You're there man.
TaDa!
|
|
L
climber
The Rebel L Gang
|
|
Hey Pagan--Congrats on staying the course!
|
|
G_Gnome
Boulder climber
Sick Midget Land
|
|
I had all kinds of mad, excess energy for about 3 months after I quit smoking John. Unfortunately is wasn't useful energy, it was the kind that makes you run thru the desert jumping over cactus until you can't breath. It evens out after a while but you will always feel better than you did while using.
|
|
L
climber
The Rebel L Gang
|
|
Radical Riley--Ever read Sugar Blues? Whenever I start struggling with the sugar addiction, I read that little paperback. Reminds me of all the reasons not to poison myself...
|
|
John Moosie
climber
|
|
Oh man Riley, You identified one of my nemesis.
"I'm doing well with my own monkey....
7 days into eating healthy food...
No junk food, no sugars, and very little fat....it's a hard thing for me.."
Okay, if you can do it, then so can I. I have been weaning myself and upping the healthy food, but it is time to do better. Spring is here, good time to improve something. Cool...
John
|
|
Jefe'
Boulder climber
Bishop
|
|
Good job Largo. It's about time. Next time your in Bishop, look me up.
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Apr 6, 2007 - 04:11pm PT
|
"I had all kinds of mad, excess energy for about 3 months after I quit smoking John. Unfortunately is wasn't useful energy, it was the kind that makes you run thru the desert jumping over cactus until you can't breath. It evens out after a while but you will always feel better than you did while using."
That's a plain and simple fact. I figure this crazy energy surge -- both up and down -- is the rebound effect of artificially jacking my nervous system with nicotine for like 25 years. A mouthful of Skoal is about five times stronger than a cig. It really does jack you. Seems crazy now . . .
JL
|
|
L
climber
The Rebel L Gang
|
|
I tried Skoal once years ago on a canoe trip--mainly because all the guys had bets that I wouldn't.
That crap wasn't behind my lip more than 10 seconds before I got hit by this stomach-wretching rush that knocked me right out of the boat.
Rinsed my mouth in the Big Piney River while I was treading water because, seriously John, even a fish's toilet tastes better than that stuff.
|
|
Sparky
Trad climber
vagabon movin on
|
|
Still on course Largo. Same here with the Up's and Downs but who the hell want's to be on a merry-go-round?
-Jeff
|
|
mcKbill
climber
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
|
It's cool to read about more folks recognizing and trying to
end their addiction to nicotine. I'm sending out the best
quitting energy I can muster with meditations for those still
feeling the hooks of the 'nicodemon'.
Glad to hear you're still on your quit Largo, and I hope the
swings in energy become less annoying.
Sometimes, something as simple as concentrating on breathing
helps people get through the tough moments. Nice deep yoga
breaths while thinking about an ocean wave washing up on the
beach and then receeding. That kinda stuff always helped me
focus when my thoughts would get scattered lamenting the loss
of my 'old friend' the nicodemon.
Sending positive power for all you who dare to quit.
--Bill
|
|
TYeary
Mountain climber
Calif.
|
|
Never had been a smoker. Enjoy a Cohiba now and then. but really don't know the withdrawl "party" first hand. I've read that nicotine is harder than smack to kick. So hang in there John.
Is there an issue with replacing one addiction with another? Seems that's a problem with some as well.
Good thoughts and positive vibes out to you.
Tony
|
|
Sparky
Trad climber
vagabon movin on
|
|
|
Apr 10, 2007 - 03:43am PT
|
Be nice to hear from the people actually quitting.
-Spark.
|
|
James
climber
A tent in the redwoods
|
|
My friend John Schmid has been trying to quit smoking for the past four years. He goes through stages of Nicorette, the patch, and all the other rig-a-maroll. I went climbing with him last weekend. He was puffing like a fiend. Nicotine is hard to quit.
How's it coming Largo?
|
|
Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
|
|
Way to go Largo! You're the man, many don't make it.
I'm inspired now. I'm gonna give up eating steaks! I haven't had one since I was 12 but I figure I'll start with something easy and build on my success!
Next I'll give up chasing grades...
Peace
karl
|
|
Wild Bill
climber
Ca
|
|
Bump to check in with the nicotine withdrawal crowd.
Largo? Caylor, managing without the shower chew?
Hope things have settled down for you 'quitters' and would be interested in hearing how the cravings have changed over the last few months.
Bill
|
|
paganmonkeyboy
Trad climber
the blighted lands of hatu
|
|
i've had a couple smokes...even bought a pack of hand rolling tobacco and two other packs of smokes in may...but i really consider myself a non smoker now, as opposed to a part time smoker...i think its the habit i'm fighting now, more so than the cravings ? and the monkey see monkey want one cause i'm drinking on a saturday night, when i really don't want one...
how's everyone else doing ?
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Jul 3, 2007 - 02:58pm PT
|
I'm off the nicotine. No cravings at all. Never even think about it. Amazing. Thanks for all the support, folks. That was tough going for a while!
JL
|
|
J. Werlin
climber
Cedaredge
|
|
JL-- well done, mate. Feel good about yourself. Go buy yourself a nice dinner with all the money you've saved.
I try and psyche up friends, Who's in charge? You or that round can? Seems like 9 times out of 10 the can wins.
I was climbing at Hueco with two Swedes (Svante, at 6-7 with hands the size of an outfielder's mitt was a confidence-boosting spot) who tried to kick the chew. Within hours they were complaining of severe headaches and blurred vision. They started chain smoking cigarettes. Less than 24 hours later they were back on the chew.
I'm going to forward this thread to a chewing friend as inspiration.
|
|
scuffy b
climber
Bates Creek
|
|
Way to go, mates.
This is the best news I've heard in a while, really.
|
|
Indianclimber
climber
Las Vegas
|
|
|
Aug 24, 2007 - 11:22pm PT
|
You changed your life forever in four months,now that is a fight worth fighting
Congrats Largo
|
|
Sparky
Trad climber
vagabon movin on
|
|
|
Aug 25, 2007 - 03:13am PT
|
Same. Still off the chew feeling great! I always used nicotine as a crutch after hearing that it stimulates your creative juices....
Since I've been composing music (starting at 12 yrs.), I've been either smoking cigs, cigars, chewing or even yes, nawing on a plug. Now at 32, I've found I still can come up with great melodic themes and phrases. Great feeling to be..............
nicotine free!
|
|
Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Aug 25, 2007 - 12:30pm PT
|
I recently had to give up booze as well. That leaves me crutchless save for coffee. Very strange to be without repressing devices, and all the things I used to use to modulate my nervous system.
JL
|
|
Mimi
climber
|
|
|
Aug 25, 2007 - 01:34pm PT
|
Sounds like you're down to two vices, Largo, besides hanging on pro every now and then.
Way to go with kicking the tobacco.
|
|
nita
climber
chico ca
|
|
|
Aug 25, 2007 - 01:45pm PT
|
Yep, Way to go Sparky, hope your enjoying the townhouse.
|
|
Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
|
|
|
Aug 25, 2007 - 02:32pm PT
|
Bravo to John, and others, for quitting, or trying to quit, and for trying to understand why they're hooked, and should quit.
My mother smoked a half pack to a pack a day, from her early 20s until her 50s. (She's now in her later 70s.) When she started, the tobacco companies were aggressively marketing to young women, an untapped market. Promoting smoking as glamorous, in the early 1950s. My father also smoked a pipe for a while, but more for appearances I think.
Anyway, my mother up and quit smoking one day, soon after her first grandchild was born. We'd mercilessly harassed her about it for years, without effect. She's never smoked since, and in fact is now fairly intolerant of smokers. Perhaps it was partly just growing older, perhaps the new perspective of a first granchild. She simply stopped - no fuss.
My mother's experience brings to mind one of John's comments: "Very strange to be without repressing devices, and all the things I used to use to modulate my nervous system." In perspective of the comments on the ADHD thread, I wonder how many climbers in fact use alcohol or other substances as a way to moderate their behaviour, e.g. as a means of release? Given all the hormonal stress that adolescent males are already experiencing, and the possibility that committed climbers as a group are a little different, it seems possible. As those stresses decrease, in other words as we (hopefully) mature physically and emotionally, we have less need of such releases - but may by that time be hooked.
Only 18% of Canadians now smoke, and that's down from 24% in 2000. Even fewer in urban centres like Vancouver.
A few years ago, there were all sorts of lawsuits against "big tobacco" for its fraudulent practices, leading to big judgments. The sad thing is that those judgments will be paid by smokers in developing countries, e.g. China and India, who are now being aggressively marketed to.
|
|
labrat
Trad climber
Nevada
|
|
|
Aug 25, 2007 - 06:38pm PT
|
Good job Largo! Keep it up.
|
|
Bill Mc Kirgan
Trad climber
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
|
|
Nov 17, 2008 - 11:37am PT
|
I'm bumping this fine thread to brag on MY success quitting the nicodemon... It was TEN YEARS ago yesterday that I had my last cigarette. It was tough in the first days, months and years, but after year 4 I really don't think about those things except when I find myself annoyed and avoiding second-hand smoke.
To all of you who have succeeded in quitting I commend you! Celebrate each day of your new lives.
To all who struggle I keep you in my thoughts / prayers / meditations. I want you to know that EVENTUALLY those cravings will pass, and you will be the same loveable person you always were.
To all who've never tried, or have given up, please give it another thought. Please give yourself permission to try again. For me, past failure at quitting made me feel guilty, and it helped me to actually 'forgive myself' before I could muster the courage to try again.
The courage is not so much in trying as it is in telling someone else that this is your plan. That makes it real.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Bill
|
|
| Messages 1 - 231 of total 231 in this topic |
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!