Growthtrac Community

[veggiemelt]

Hi Guys,

I have what may appear to be a somewhat odd prayer request. God has allowed some really profound growth and changes in my marriage and in my life, but there is one battle that I struggle with daily and I seem to lack the strength or possibly even the will to do it on my own. I smoke, and I need to stop. Most people quit for health reasons or because they just decide to give it up and they find the will to stop.

My problem is, I am an emotional smoker - the attachment is something like how people will find comfort in food. There are a million reasons for me to quit and I really don't even want to smoke, I actually hate it with a passion, but for some reason it has an emotional hold on me and I can't seem to let it go. My husband has been really pushing me to quit, he does not like it at all, in fact it actually hurts him.

Aside from any other reason I should quit, He needs me to quit simply out of love and respect for him. I think about it every day and sometimes get through severals days without a cigarette, but then something draws me back and I just can't say no. It is sort of a battle of wills within myself I think and there is an element of completely letting go that I can't seem to face but it is tied to much more then just the cigarette itself. I am so disappointed in myself that I can't seem to just turn and walk away. I hate myself for it, but I keep going back. And it is hurting my marriage at a point where everything else in my relationship is beginning to turn in a new direction. I don't want to destroy everything that God as blessed me with and yet - I can't seem to find the strength to stop myself from lighting up again.

As much as I want to quit and need to quit for myself, at this point in my life - I feel strongly that I have to do it now out of love and respect for my husband and my marriage.
Any prayer support is greatly appreciated as this hold and what it represents seems to be beyond my own capacity to break free.

[FaithHopeJoy]

Veggiemelt

Just as you have been there for others with struggles, so we can be here for you now. Thank you for asking . I will pray for your victory in the battle to give up smoking. It is so good to read of God's provision and blessings in your life:

God has allowed some really profound growth and changes in my marriage and in my life

Upholding you in prayer, dear sister in Christ.

[km]

Many will be praying for you (returning the favor, some of us).

Have you tried the nicotine gums/patches and such (to help with addiction facet of quitting)? I've known some people who've had some success with that as an assist.

[veggiemelt]

Thanks guys. And thank you for the suggestions. I am not actually addicted to nicotine and most of the time to not actually inhale the smoke as it gives me a headache. It is more a matter of just lighting it up and holding it in my hand with an occasional puff to keep it lit. Soooo, the normal aids are actually of no help as they give make me sick from the nicotine. I tried an anti anxiety medication as my doctor feels that it is truly an emotional outlet for anxiety or feelings that I don't let come out - a way to silence myself by sucking it back in and a friend to listen to words I do not say. The medication actually cured the urge entirely, however i found I was allergic to it about a week in and had to stop taking it.

I fear this is just something I am going to have to find a way to either deal with or overcome on my own somehow. I kind of understand why this has been such a tough battle, I sort of have a greater appreciation for how difficult some of my husband's struggles were and how hard it was for him to let go and find a road to recovery. I think that is why God has allowed me to struggle here - to gain an understanding of something that words could never express. But I believe it is time now for me to move forward and find the will to conquor this addiction or crutch or weakness or whatever it really is. I believe that I can now and I am ready - but I need a little backup - so thanks guys for holding me up here.
I Love you guys - veggiemelt

[rdsmith3]

veggiemelt

I pray that you will overcome this habit.

Usually bad habits have to be replaced with good ones. It is hard to stop the behavior altogether.

My wife used to smoke, but she quit, praise God. She had success with hypnosis. I think I would be reluctant to try that, but it worked for her.

[SAM]

Veggiemelt - praying that you can hand over the emotional attachment to cigarettes into the hands of God each moment of the day. When you start feeling the need, if you can, read God's word to fill that emotional moment. Or, say - "Lord, I don't like this feeling right now, can you please take this burden from me?" If you have to say it 100 times a day at first, do so. As the days go by, I know God will rescue you from this emotional attachment to cigarettes.

Praying for the miracle you are seeking.

[resecured]

veggiemelt,

Sending prayers your way. I know that when my husband was trying to quit, chewing gum (regular type) helped him alot. He acted like he had a monkey on his back for a few months but he has never regretted it for a moment. He said that one of the greatest joys was the fact that food tasted great once again.

-RJ-

[j3anjean]

Just saw this Veggie-I quit about 2 years ago. I will be praying for you.