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Finally broke free from weed yesterday. Just trying to suppress cues to vape now. That's gone overboard. At least I have months free from cigarettes and it's still a challenge to not get caught up in the tobacco hype. That's just bad news and no good to me. Hah! I learned here that quitting is a process or journey to conquer SF mountain. And not a single event or destination. Thanks all for the platform to share tips and tricks and encouraging inspiration to take on big tobacco and everything else we really don't need. Yes stop thinking you need it. Move on up as the benefits of quitting are enormous.

1. Know Your Triggers—and Plan for Them

Smoking is often tied to routines, emotions, or situations (like after meals, driving, stress, boredom, or socializing).

What to do:

• Identify your personal smoking triggers.
• Replace smoking with a new habit: drink water, chew gum, take a walk, or use a quit aid (like nicotine gum or lozenges).
• If you always smoked with coffee, try tea or change your routine a little.

2. Don’t Rely on Willpower Alone—Use Support

Nicotine addiction is physical, mental, and emotional. You don’t have to go it alone.
 What to do:

• Call or text a quitline like Quit BC at 1-877-455-2233 or talk to a quit coach.
• Use nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches, gum, or lozenges to ease cravings.
• Tell friends or family you're quitting, accountability helps!

3. Take It One Moment at a Time

Thinking about “forever” can feel overwhelming. Focus on today, or even just the next 10 minutes.
What to do:

• Remind yourself: “I don’t need to smoke right now.”
• Breathe deeply. Drink cold water. Move your body.
• Celebrate small wins. Every smoke-free hour counts.

I’ve been dealing with a lot of the usual stressors lately. Strained relationships,silent treatments,angry comments,conversations that go nowhere and the like.
I would always go out to smoke during these times. It definitely was my go to to help relieve the stress.
I’m surprised that i haven’t relapsed.
Over the years I have worked on my trauma, and have found new ways to cope. But not quite there yet. I’m not sure I’ll ever be there.
However I’m not giving in so easily to smoke so that’s a plus !
Im a Christian and do believe in prayer. It does help. If any of you could pray for me that would be kind. Sending good thoughts my way I’m also grateful for. 🙏

One day, one step, one breath at a time… 

Quitting smoking is a powerful act of self-care. Every time you say no to a craving, you're saying yes to your health, your freedom, and your future. It's not always easy, but you're stronger than you think  and you're not alone. 

Need support? Call Quit BC at 1-877-455-2233 To speak to a quit coach.

Keep going , every smoke-free day is a victory!

Hello
It’s been 11 days since I quit smoking.
I have to confess that I had one cigarette on Thursday. So what happened ? Well I was still struggling with wanting to smoke but able to keep myself in check with my strategies ( keeping busy, avoiding triggers etc.)
THEN a test came. I was with my daughter waiting for her extensive dental work to be done. Waiting for over 2 hours. Got up to stretch my legs and there was a girl smoking. I was able to stave off the temptation to go over to her and buy one from her but it was hard.
I went to the washroom and when I was done the smoker came in. I left the washroom.
I couldn’t believe what I saw on coming out ! There on the floor ( hadn’t been there before ) was a unsmoked cigarette! Wow. Well this time I really couldn’t resist but picked it up. The floor was clean by the way. Still not a good thing to do I know. So when I went home I smoked it. All of of it. But kinda glad I didn’t try to eke it out by having a few puffs and saving it.
I will continue to keep my commitment though. I haven’t smoked since. But it does show me I can’t resist yet to a free cigarette lying on the ground. Lol Stupid eh ?

When quitting smoking, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with triggers — those moments, emotions, or routines that make us want to light up. 

Whether it's your morning coffee, a work break, stress, social outings, or even boredom… those triggers can hit hard. The good news? You can recognize them and prepare for them.

 Identify your triggers: When do you feel the strongest urge to smoke? What happens right before?

Make a replacement plan: Take deep breaths, drink a glass of water, chew gum, go for a walk, fidget with an elastic band ; even the smallest actions can help you ride out the craving.

 Remember why you quit: For your health, your family, your freedom, your wallet… your reasons are powerful. 

Over time, those triggers will lose their power. Be patient, kind to yourself, and most importantly.  Don’t give up!

You have the power to turn old habits into new strengths. 
One day at a time.