I thank God for giving me strength by using the 12 step program to stop smoking cigarettes. I used to smoke 40-60 cigarettes a day. The day I stopped smoking I had no desire to stop, but I asked God to stop me smoking. That night I went to bed and the next day I suffered the worst withdrawals that I ever did. But God was faithful and He knew I was powerless, so He gave me power and strength that I never knew I had possessed, and in baby steps one hour at a time I overcame the craving for cigarettes.
Just like my sobriety, I always thank God with the full realisation that all things are possible if I believe. I never thought I would stop drinking or smoking.
I sometimes think it's too bad that in A.A. and even in N.A. tobacco addiction is considered an outside issue.
I think the difference is nicotine doesn't ruin marriages or land people in jail or the nut house.
It just kills.
In 2009 eight five thousand (85,000) people died in the United States alone from abusing alcohol.
During that same time four hundred and thrity five thousand (435,000) died in the United States from using tobacco products in the manner they are intended to be used.
And in my town, the local authorities had to become involved to 'persuade' 2 out of 3 of our local A.A. clubhouses to obey Wisconsin's indoor clean air act and put up no-smoking signs.
Congradulations Gonee!! I'm done also and it took many relapses to be free today...just for today. Last relapse was in 12 of 2008 or 7 and I went out with another home group member as fast as I could say, "Sure I'd love one" and then became the smoke snorting pig I had been for years before. I drank more civily than I smoked I think...might be in err there...however for today...most importantly, I'm done. Great celebration bud, thanks for the share. (((hugs)))
