Diary of an Ex-Smoker...Part Two

When Harvard released a study that concluded most college-educated men would prefer to date an overweight girl over one who smoked, my eyes were opened wide.

Being a chubby smoker, I had one of my first 'well-hell' moments. "Well, hell -  that's why I'm still single!" It was time to quit. And so... painful as it was, I reluctantly embarked on my path to become an ex-smoker. Believe me when I say it was like losing a dear friend.

I started on my journey watching an American Cancer Society video on "How to Quit Smoking". 

 The experts said smoking encompasses a three-part addiction - Physical, Emotional and Habitual,

and that is why it is so hard to quit.

Got it.

• Physical Addiction - I learned my "Physical Addiction" to nicotine would be under control in about two weeks. Getting through that two week period without 'losing it'  - so to speak - would prove to be a problem. On my many attempts to quit smoking, I found that by 'Day 5' of smoking cessation, I was somewhat "difficult" to be around. Once, the easy-going and fun 'Joanie' turned into her evil-twin and alter-ego 'Joanne' it wasn't pretty. On one such attempt I quit my job amidst a flurry fit of expletives. My nurse manager promptly dragged me into her office, sat me down and beginning with a ..."for the love of God..." she handed me a lit cigarette. So much for going "Cold Turkey". After a few deep inhalations, I kindly requested to have my job back.

• Habitual Addiction - Getting up in the morning and having a cup of coffee and a cigarette, lighting up as soon as I got behind the wheel of my car, meeting a friend for a cocktail and having a smoke... all were examples of the habits that I had to change if I was to be a successful "ex-smoker". My morning cup of coffee was changed to hot tea. I washed all my linens including my curtains and wiped down as much as possible in my apartment with Lysol, my car was detailed, I cut myself off from alcohol completely as I soon learned that my resolve to quit smoking would weaken after only one cocktail.

• Emotional Addiction - Stress, loss, happiness, joy, anger, excitement, sadness, friendship. All were tied to smoking for me in one way or another. The birth of a baby? Have a smoke! Somebody died? Busy shift at work? God, I need a cigarette. Exciting news? Put the kettle on and get a pack of smokes, I'm on my way...This 'quitting-smoking-thing'. It was going to be a lot tougher than I had thought. 

My BFF - back in the day

Diary of an Ex-Smoker Part III

Diary of an Ex-Smoker Part I