~ 11 Steps ~

Misery LOVES Company!

That's why I started this blog ... I didn't' want to suffer alone!

Good News, however ... Normally there are 12 steps to recovery for addicts and their addictions, from alcohol & Drugs, to eating & shopping, even to sex (if you can imagine that one) ... Did you know there are even 12 step programs for people addicted to 12 step programs??

I'm happy to report I've found a helpful program for us struggling with our addiction to nicotine that is only ELEVEN steps ... Saving us one whole step of misery!

Here I am, heading into my third week (Not quite as miserable today as I was one week ago)...

I wish I would have found this video prior to quiting but still find it helpful.

Watch the video, it's short ... I wrote notes below ... Still wishing all of you contemplating a 'target' date and those of you going through the struggle now much success ...

~~ The Eleven Steps ~~

1). Set a Target Date … This is what I did when I scheduled my hypnosis session.

2). Recognize your ‘Triggers’… Such as the ones I listed in the Smoothie post below.

3). List All Health Risks … After 30 years and the bad breathing I’ve developed , this wasn’t hard.

4). Tell Everyone You Know … I have actually been a closet smoker for the past 2 years, trying to hide it from everyone I know. So I had to share it with my new on-line support group!

5). Call Stop Smoking Hot-Line… Find your States non-smoking hot-line, many hospitals have support groups, or join a good on-line support group, LIKE THIS ONE!

6). Use Candy or Another Diversion to Combat Cravings …Like Ronald Reagan when he ‘kicked the habit’, I like Jelly-Bellies. I also eat A LOT of popcicles.

7). ‘Replacement Therapy’ to Occupy Time and Mind … I try to walk at least twice a day. Also do a lot of deep breathing. And of course, I blog about my experience!

8). Keep Going! One day at a Time … Or, as in AA, if one day is too much (as it was for me the first few days) you may have to take it one hour at a time.

9). Don’t Let ‘Temporary Relapse’ Derail the Whole Plan … This has always been my down fall often in the past. I may have the just one and let it grow until I just think I will stop again ‘in the future’. Stop Again, NOW!

10). Drugs! Call your Doctor if you Need … I DID! & I think it helps. (See my ‘Cold Turkey’ Post). Also Try a Hypnotist.

11). Success … Follow These Steps to Reach Your Goal! So far, so good for me … I hope you find Success here too!