I REALLY WANT A CIGARETTE

MummyAysha

I am two months pregnant today, I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks. Cut the story short I stopped smoking the second I found out and haven't had one since, I REALLY want one and I can't shift the feeling, I know if I was just at home alone then I would have had one and just carried on with my day.

(I know people will be commenting that it won't just be one and then I'll just give in next time but I won't, I know I won't)

Advice please!!!

Xxxxx

ecwk

Congratulations on quitting right away. You're doing the best possible thing you can do for your child. At the end of the day, smoking is a choice you make - it is not something you don't have any control over. Exposing your child to the harmful effects of cigarette smoke is, in my opinion, one of the most selfish and harmful things you can do. Speak to your doctor to get additional advice but I implore you to make the decision to not smoke for the sake of your unborn baby. Good luck.

lalala2004

Practically, I'd find other ways to keep you hands and mouth busy. Chewing gum and playing with a stress ball, maybe?

kalanieileen

I was a heavy chain smoker for years before I found out I was preggo. The minute I found out I was pregnant I stopped all smoking and vaping. Its definitely difficult and I applaud you for taking the same action! I've quit cold turkey before a couple years back; gum definitely helped me keep my mouth busy as well as suckers. I actually sucked on sugar free cough drops beginning of my pregnancy to keep my mouth busy. My OB told me there are measures that can be taken if I need to wean myself off of the nicotine. I am 13 weeks today and don't crave it as much as I used to. Except the occasional moments where I think man a stog sounds so good right now, but it's just a fleeting thought and I think about my baby growing healthy. I believe in you! And if it the addiction is too strong to handle, talk to your OB about what measures can be taken to help you out. Good luck!

sarahufl

Meh, I've always felt like smoking was such a filthy habit with no benefits to.....really anyone.....so stopping seems like the best for all parties involved.

saladflambe

I have never smoked, but I had to quit benzos (prescribed) when I found out I was pregnant and the cravings were insane. I would honest to god mentally imagine taking a pill...could taste it on my lips...in retrospect, it seems a bit nuts. I just remember how bad acute withdrawal was & remind myself if I ever take another benzo, I could very easily have to go through that hell again. And that...that is terrifying.

tripledaggerWed95976

I quit my two pack a day habit when I got pregnant. Every time I want one I just remind myself how overwhelmingly guilty I would feel and that it's honestly just not worth it. Also I am terrified that if I have even a puff I would go right back to smoking.

suchaglencoco

Did you used to go out a certain door to smoke? I suggest putting up a photo of a baby, an ultrasound if you have one, in case you have a weak moment and start to go smoke one.
I know it's difficult, I quit cold turkey almost 6 years ago and would still randomly want a cigarette for a few years, but it's the best for your health and little ones health not to pick up another cigarette.

alanna3622

QBF------------

(I know people will be commenting that it won't just be one and then I'll just give in next time but I won't, I know I won't)

Advice please!!!

Xxxxx

QBF -----------


I feel like maybe you don't understand addition if you are actually thinking that you would only have one.

It isn't just psychological -- addiction is physical. If you think your craving is currently powerful, then you would be amazed at the intensity of the next craving after you give your brain another taste.

Don't do that to yourself.

PrimRoseMama

MummyAysha said:

I am two months pregnant today, I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks. Cut the story short I stopped smoking the second I found out and haven't had one since, I REALLY want one and I can't shift the feeling, I know if I was just at home alone then I would have had one and just carried on with my day. (I know people will be commenting that it won't just be one and then I'll just give in next time but I won't, I know I won't) Advice please!!! Xxxxx

Don't do it. It can make you incredibly sick even if you crave it. You can't know what your addiction will whisper in your ear. I've been there and I didn't do it. I'm glad because just walking past smokers during pregnancy for me made me puke. Don't derail your efforts. I know the cravings can be intense. Try something else-- like chomping on some carrot sticks. You can even "pretend smoke" with one to take care of the hand motions.

Also these

You can find them in almost any store. You can eat them and "smoke" them. Lollipops work too. Basically anything to occupy the hands and ride out the craving. THE CRAVING WILL END.

PrimRoseMama

sarahufl said:

Meh, I've always felt like smoking was such a filthy habit with no benefits to.....really anyone.....so stopping seems like the best for all parties involved.

@sarahufl , yeah not helpful at all. Usually I'm not the reply police, but if you've never suffered addiction this kind of reply is really just salt in a very raw wound for someone suffering. Quitting smoking IS suffering. Suffering for the better? Yeah, but still incredibly hard on someone emotionally, physically and psychologically.

kalanieileen

@PrimRoseMama thank you... That comment also rubbed me the wrong way. Quitting an addiction is one of the best and most difficult things to do.

tripledaggerWed95976

When I think I can have just one, I remind myself of an old saying on addiction-- "one is too many, a thousand is never enough." I was addicted to cigs for 15 Years- I can say without a doubt I could not have just one. That one would only satisfy me for a few moments- and then I would need another. Take it one minute at a time, post ultrasound pics all around the house, chew candies or gum.. Whatever u need to do to get through the cravings. Know that it will get better/easier

stephweinstein

PrimRoseMama said:

sarahufl said:

Meh, I've always felt like smoking was such a filthy habit with no benefits to.....really anyone.....so stopping seems like the best for all parties involved.

@sarahufl , yeah not helpful at all. Usually I'm not the reply police, but if you've never suffered addiction this kind of reply is really just salt in a very raw wound for someone suffering. Quitting smoking IS suffering. Suffering for the better? Yeah, but still incredibly hard on someone emotionally, physically and psychologically.


@PrimRoseMama - I thought the same thing when I read this initial reply. Super judgmental and not at all helpful. Thanks for calling it out.

kittyminkbcw

@PrimRoseMama always the voice of reason. :x
OP try to find another oral fixation like pps mentioned.

groovylocks

Oh honey I'm due in 8 weeks, don't even smoke, and I have an inexplicable craving for them. I love the smell and I've smoked before so I know I'd love the taste. One likely does no damage but the problem is stopping at one and if you're addicted, that's really hard to do. Good for you for quitting op! You are amazing and fierce! Take up origami or knitting to keep the hands busy. My uncle said it works.

doozer1345

I fortunately hated the smell and taste of them as soon as I became pg. That has subsided now but it's been almost 3 months since I've had one. I try to stay away from my triggers. Obviously I can't have alcohol but I also stay away from coffee. I don't know if that may help you...

jonesl12

I quit smoking a year ago and quit vaiping the day I found out I was preggo. I don't miss it a bit but I used to keep red vines in my car and it helped when I wanted a cig. I don't /didn't smoke at home or work so the only trigger I had was going out and having some drinks . That's when I used my vape. It's hard and if I can quit and not miss it you can too, it just takes time.

snowhite12

Sunflower seeds and orbit bubble gum really helped my husband quit.

Soverthis

I used to be a smoker and quit 7 yrs ago. It is so hard. You can do it. Hang in there and resist. You don't want your baby to be around smoke or see you smoke. Best to just quit for good now. Good luck to you. 

kristint12912

PrimRoseMama said:

sarahufl said:

Meh, I've always felt like smoking was such a filthy habit with no benefits to.....really anyone.....so stopping seems like the best for all parties involved.

@sarahufl , yeah not helpful at all. Usually I'm not the reply police, but if you've never suffered addiction this kind of reply is really just salt in a very raw wound for someone suffering. Quitting smoking IS suffering. Suffering for the better? Yeah, but still incredibly hard on someone emotionally, physically and psychologically.


I was a chain smoker for 5 years. Now it's been 10 or so years since I smoked my last cigarette. I quit cold turkey and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

Having a background of an ex smoker who beat the addiction, I can say that what the poster said about it being a disgusting habit is true. It's also true that in OP's mind, having a cig is the best for all parties involved. OP will get a fix and the baby likely won't be affected by her cancer stick. So in OP's mind, she would be less stressed and the baby would be just fine.

The fact that the OP came here instead of just lighting up is awesome. I hope she never picks up another cigg again and makes it through this. I hope she doesn't subject her child to something notoriously bad for him/her. She is a good mom for putting up the fight.

The simple truth is, it's a disgusting habit. It is not in her or her baby's best interest. It may be hard to swallow, but I think it needed to be said. Sometimes the truth is the best weapon against our tendency to say "It's not so bad" and light up when no one is looking.

Bigboobsmcgee

Stay strong OP, think about how guilty you would feel after that one cigarette. It's not worth it.

skc040512

You can do it! Having never struggled with this myself, I can only imagine the cravings you're having! My granddaddy smoked for 68 years and quit cold turkey when I was in middle school. He started eating peppermints to keep his mouth busy and would fiddle with a pocket knife to occupy his hands - maybe you can find some sugar free hard candy and something mindless to keep your fingers going? Good luck!

DrillSergeantCat

Skcobb said:

You can do it! Having never struggled with this myself, I can only imagine the cravings you're having! My granddaddy smoked for 68 years and quit cold turkey when I was in middle school. He started eating peppermints to keep his mouth busy and would fiddle with a pocket knife to occupy his hands - maybe you can find some sugar free hard candy and something mindless to keep your fingers going? Good luck!

Crochet or knitting! 

GinnyJ2012

Just wanted to add my support OP! Stay strong!

MummyAysha

Thank you very much all you helpful ladies! And to the one not so helpful I appreciate your comment although I believe only support is needed on discussions like this. I was strong and didn't have that cigarette!! Hooray to me!! I had a SUPER long weekend and just needed 5 minutes, I sat out in my usual smoking spot in the garden, and had an apple instead and it really helped. So thank you again all you wonderful women xxxxx

Pascal86

Never been a smoker, but I have really been wanting a massage lately, so my advice right now is start saving up your usual cigarette money and then go get yourself a nice pre-natal massage with it. I know not helpful if you're trying to save money for more practical things, but it helps relaxation and like I said, I got massage on the mind right now I-)

sarahjo8

I am a therapist that specializes in substance use. I highly recommend this self-help website:

https://smokefree.gov/

I have many clients who wish to quit smoking but want to use their therapy time to work on other addictions so I typically recommend they use this website. It has great mobile apps if you have a smart phone! 

MommaChrissie27

Great job for quitting! I'm not a smoker personally, but I've heard that sucking on a lollipop helps a lot in giving up. It keeps your hand occupied as well as your mouth. Try to remember, too, that the craving feelings will only be temporary, but your baby will be forever! You're doing the best thing for your little one- stay strong!  :x

FiancB

You can do it! I know it's so incredibly hard to quit but if you give in and have one it will only drag out the process of quitting. You're hitting a wall right now and when you get to the other side it will be much easier. Stay strong! Keep yourself busy. 

@sarahufl, that was not helpful or productive, at all. Dear lord. 

cjt121413

I'm an ex-smoker too, so I get it. Everyone here (well, mostly everyone) gave great advice. It will get easier, I promise. A cigarette might make you feel better for ten minutes, but then you'll feel terrible and guilty. You are doing a great job! Gum has been the most helpful thing for me. ...and hard candies.

DrillSergeantCat

I'm just curious if @Sarahufl had added, "So good job!" would her comment still bother you all?

oceanchild

Way to stay strong OP!!! Cheering you on for another cig-free weekend! You're doing an awesome job!!! \:D/

PrimRoseMama

DrillSergeantCat said:

I'm just curious if @Sarahufl had added, "So good job!" would her comment still bother you all?

Yes, it would still have bothered me. Only because its really a lot of shaming and finger wagging vs. helpful or supportive advice on this issue. Many smokers understand logically and emotionally that smoking is gross. We get it and knowing it is gross doesn't help with quitting (it really doesn't). It just adds to the emotional turmoil and shame that can actually drive someone to want to smoke more.

Bigboobsmcgee

DrillSergeantCat said:

I'm just curious if @Sarahufl had added, "So good job!" would her comment still bother you all?

Her comment actually didn't bother me all that much. I'm all for the tough love though. She wasn't being mean, she was being honest.

DrillSergeantCat

PrimRoseMama said:

Yes, it would still have bothered me. Only because its really a lot of shaming and finger wagging vs. helpful or supportive advice on this issue. Many smokers understand logically and emotionally that smoking is gross. We get it and knowing it is gross doesn't help with quitting (it really doesn't). It just adds to the emotional turmoil and shame that can actually drive someone to want to smoke more. 

Ok. I really was curious. I've never been a smoker, but both my parents were until I was 14 or 15. I hated it, but obviously never understood the allure or struggle.

FiancB

DrillSergeantCat said:

I'm just curious if @Sarahufl had added, "So good job!" would her comment still bother you all?

It would help. It would be totally different if the poster weren't interested in quitting, but she is clearly trying to and is having a moment where she is needing some support. Calling her disgusting is not helpful or even particularly relevant to this conversation. I have railed on people for insisting on smoking pot when pregnant. This is not the same situation. 

 

I may be biased because this poster has a long history of tone deaf responses on a lot of different subjects. It's not a "habit" like chewing your nails, it's an addiction that is harder to quit than most hard drugs. 

I don't smoke but frequently talk to patients about the importance of quitting. Telling them "well, it's disgusting anyway" would probably get me a bedpan to the head and it would be well deserved. 

You (general you) never started. Good for you. Have a gold star sticker, get the hell out and continue considering yourself superior. 

sarahufl

FiancB said:

DrillSergeantCat said:

I'm just curious if @Sarahufl had added, "So good job!" would her comment still bother you all?

It would help. It would be totally different if the poster weren't interested in quitting, but she is clearly trying to and is having a moment where she is needing some support. Calling her disgusting is not helpful or even particularly relevant to this conversation. I have railed on people for insisting on smoking pot when pregnant. This is not the same situation. 

 

I may be biased because this poster has a long history of tone deaf responses on a lot of different subjects. It's not a "habit" like chewing your nails, it's an addiction that is harder to quit than most hard drugs. 

I don't smoke but frequently talk to patients about the importance of quitting. Telling them "well, it's disgusting anyway" would probably get me a bedpan to the head and it would be well deserved. 

You (general you) never started. Good for you. Have a gold star sticker, get the hell out and continue considering yourself superior. 

That is a bit extreme. Fine if you don't like me, I haven't lost any sleep over it.

Bigboobsmcgee

FiancB said:

DrillSergeantCat said:

I'm just curious if @Sarahufl had added, "So good job!" would her comment still bother you all?

It would help. It would be totally different if the poster weren't interested in quitting, but she is clearly trying to and is having a moment where she is needing some support. Calling her disgusting is not helpful or even particularly relevant to this conversation. I have railed on people for insisting on smoking pot when pregnant. This is not the same situation. 

 

I may be biased because this poster has a long history of tone deaf responses on a lot of different subjects. It's not a "habit" like chewing your nails, it's an addiction that is harder to quit than most hard drugs. 

I don't smoke but frequently talk to patients about the importance of quitting. Telling them "well, it's disgusting anyway" would probably get me a bedpan to the head and it would be well deserved. 

You (general you) never started. Good for you. Have a gold star sticker, get the hell out and continue considering yourself superior. 

She didn't technically call her disgusting, she called the habit disgusting. Semantics, I know.

Also, in this situation I think the OP could benefit from some tough love. At least that's how I view it. She is basically asking people to help her not feel bad if she has ONE cigarette while pregnant. Sure she could use support, I've been a smoker and I know how hard it is to quit, but she also could use a swift kick in the butt to keep her from caving in.

No one was being mean.

sarahufl

Bigboobsmcgee said:

FiancB said:

DrillSergeantCat said:

I'm just curious if @Sarahufl had added, "So good job!" would her comment still bother you all?

It would help. It would be totally different if the poster weren't interested in quitting, but she is clearly trying to and is having a moment where she is needing some support. Calling her disgusting is not helpful or even particularly relevant to this conversation. I have railed on people for insisting on smoking pot when pregnant. This is not the same situation. 

 

I may be biased because this poster has a long history of tone deaf responses on a lot of different subjects. It's not a "habit" like chewing your nails, it's an addiction that is harder to quit than most hard drugs. 

I don't smoke but frequently talk to patients about the importance of quitting. Telling them "well, it's disgusting anyway" would probably get me a bedpan to the head and it would be well deserved. 

You (general you) never started. Good for you. Have a gold star sticker, get the hell out and continue considering yourself superior. 

She didn't technically call her disgusting, she called the habit disgusting. Semantics, I know.

Also, in this situation I think the OP could benefit from some tough love. At least that's how I view it. She is basically asking people to help her not feel bad if she has ONE cigarette while pregnant. Sure she could use support, I've been a smoker and I know how hard it is to quit, but she always could use a swift kick in the butt to keep her from caving in.

No one was being mean.

Thank you.

It is a bad habit, I don't think anyone really denies that at all.

Also, if I were working in a patient setting with smoking cessation programs, OF COURSE I wouldn't say that. But I'm not. I am blowing time on a otherwise boring work day on an internet message board.

DawnSneed

I'm a smoker and when I am 5 weeks preg and I finally put the ciggs down and I'm 6 days without a cigg and hopefully I can stay that way I suck on candy and eat costantly now any advise..