Few years back, I was in Malaysia on a business trip. I did not really get much "pasalubong", just two pairs of sunglasses for my cuddle pup; some chocolates and souvenir items for the hubby and my home buddies. While waiting at Kuala Lumpur's cool airport though, I happened to pass by a drugstore and saw some Nicorettes. Without really thinking about it I had my seldom-used (often-used now) card swiped for a USD150.00 bill. I got some patches and gum, for first and second stage Nicotine withdrawal, and excitedly boarded the plane home.
My Mom's been a smoker for most of her life. Her love for that cancer stick is something a non-smoker like myself will never comprehend. I tried smoking in High School and College (some of my pals then were smokers too). Every time I'd try, I would get dizzy half-way through a single stick. All I got were coughing spells, headache and stinky hair. So much for trying to be an "active" smoker.
The Nicorette set I got was for her. This was like 3 years ago. She tried... and she tried in vain. Leftover Nicorettes are now expired. I was surprised when the hubby mentioned to me, around two weeks back, that mommy told him she finally decided to quit smoking effective March 1, 2009. My good husband promised to treat her to a nice Japanese lunch twice a month, if she's successful in her resolve. Mommy confirmed that she's actually going to bid her precious (think Smeagol/Gollum) adieu. It's the first time ever I heard her make that kind of statement. She is now on the 5th day of her supposed "Marlboro-free" life. She was (fingers crossed) a heavy smoker, consuming one to two packs a day. It must be a very difficult stage for her. She's been extra cranky the past days. I guess withdrawal from any kind of addiction is like being on an emotional roller coaster ride...it can cause depression and even insomia. You can find helpful articles on smoking at http://quitsmoking.about.com.
Withdrawal from any addiction is tough. One can get help from physicians and/or community support groups. My two cents, for non-drug-related-not-so-serious addiction, going cold turkey is the best route to take. With strong willpower and some encouragement from loved ones and friends, you can kiss unhealthy habits goodbye!
My Mom's been a smoker for most of her life. Her love for that cancer stick is something a non-smoker like myself will never comprehend. I tried smoking in High School and College (some of my pals then were smokers too). Every time I'd try, I would get dizzy half-way through a single stick. All I got were coughing spells, headache and stinky hair. So much for trying to be an "active" smoker.
The Nicorette set I got was for her. This was like 3 years ago. She tried... and she tried in vain. Leftover Nicorettes are now expired. I was surprised when the hubby mentioned to me, around two weeks back, that mommy told him she finally decided to quit smoking effective March 1, 2009. My good husband promised to treat her to a nice Japanese lunch twice a month, if she's successful in her resolve. Mommy confirmed that she's actually going to bid her precious (think Smeagol/Gollum) adieu. It's the first time ever I heard her make that kind of statement. She is now on the 5th day of her supposed "Marlboro-free" life. She was (fingers crossed) a heavy smoker, consuming one to two packs a day. It must be a very difficult stage for her. She's been extra cranky the past days. I guess withdrawal from any kind of addiction is like being on an emotional roller coaster ride...it can cause depression and even insomia. You can find helpful articles on smoking at http://quitsmoking.about.com.
Withdrawal from any addiction is tough. One can get help from physicians and/or community support groups. My two cents, for non-drug-related-not-so-serious addiction, going cold turkey is the best route to take. With strong willpower and some encouragement from loved ones and friends, you can kiss unhealthy habits goodbye!
photo from www.geckoandfly.com
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