Trident Vitality Helps Me Forget About Smoker Cravings

  
      May 30^th, of this year is the last day that I smoked, so far. I am getting a little help from Bupropion. Bupropion is also commonly known by other names. Wellbutrin and Zyban being the most familiar.  (Yes, Bupropion is an anti-depressant, but for some people helps squash cravings. I am giving it the wide category of cravings because I think it can help with a host of addictions. For example, I found I no longer wanted coffee—I am a coffee addict. I was no longer attracted to sweets either.) Hmmm, yes I actually lost a few pounds, at first. I also had another odd result--it is more difficult to maintain focus -for me- , I am not saying this will occur with everyone who tries it.


So, in an odd way, decreased focus helps me not to smoke because if I start thinking about it, I rarely carry the thought through. I forget about it.  I wonder if anyone else has had this experience? Of course in conducting work throughout the day--if focus is important for you; be alerted.

I did not want to try any stop smoking product with nicotine in it. No gum. No patches. I did not want to try the electronic cigarettes, either. I discovered the Bupropion did not totally remove the urge to smoke as I have seen claimed in some advertisements. However, it was the help I needed.

I did not torture myself by telling anyone, including myself, that I was quitting smoking. I took the following actions:


1.     I set goals, or landmarks: My first goal was to stop smoking in my car.
2.      I kept triggers at bay by keeping them out of site—for example, my husband and adult son had no intention of quitting smoking. I asked them to simply keep cigarettes and lighters out of my site.
3.      I had my teeth cleaned.
4.      When I wanted a cigarette, I would distract myself (a fairly easy accomplishment)
5.      I discovered that when I wanted a cigarette, if I took a breath as if inhaling a cigarette, it felt similar to smoking. Breathing in this manner both distracted and satisfied me.
6.      I have loved ones that smoke, I simply removed myself from their immediate environment when they smoke. I do not nag them.

My dividends:

1.   I no longer “need” a break ever 2 to 2.5 hours. (I am more productive? –maybe- )
2.   I no longer spend time looking for cigarettes and a lighter, or emptying ash trays.
3.   I no longer burn holes in clothes, new car seats, furniture…
4.  I rarely wake up with headaches; which saves me a lot of time in getting ready as I was having to wash my hair daily because it helped get rid of headaches.
5. I don't need to treat my eyes with eyedrops nearly as often because I have red eyes less often.
6.  Last, and most important—I fully enjoy spending time with nonsmokers (as opposed to the time I wasted excusing myself from good company to go have a smoke.)

I chew a lot of gum. No, not the nicotine gum. My favorite chewing Gum is Vitality by Trident. I find it very satisfying. It has enough substance (strength, texture) to it that I can blow big bubbles when I am by myself. The flavor of 1 piece lasts a long time. This Trident line is so tasty and satisfying, it is hard to believe the gum is sugar free. My goodness, I can get rid of the 5 calories in this gum by chewing the gum. I am careful to mind my manners. Some people find bubble blowing gum chewers as irritating as smokers.

So, Trident gets a high 5 from me for Vitality--Awaken…(a peppy peppermint with a dash of Ginseng). However, I also tried Stride which is made by same manufacturer as Trident –Cadbury Adams, USA LLC--. I was very disappointed, especially after Vitality. The gum had inferior chew appeal and when left in the hot sun, the gum dissolved in my mouth. Ick. Trident Vitality did not do that.

My last tip—I have not smoked today. I make no promises for the future. However, when I seriously contemplate smoking a cigarette—I remember that I would have to start my tobacco sobriety date from the last smoke. That would make the battle from May 30^th¸ meaningless.

By now you have probably guessed my last resource. Yes, I do the “One day at a time.” If I have to, I break it down to one minute at a time, one breath at a time.

I have no intention of fighting with or alienating smokers. I do want to share one last thought with you, however.  …Shhh, even geniuses look stupid with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths.