The smoking has ceased, but will it last?
So if you had been keeping up with the blogs so far, you will know that I stopped smoking last week. Another week has passed and I’m still off them.
I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’m immensely proud and dare I say it, a little smug about it too.
The word is out
It’s safe to say that the word is out there and some people are reading this blog.
I played in a media seven-a-side tournament out in UCD on Saturday and one of the lads from the Irish Examiner asked me how I was getting on and that he had been following the piece. I didn’t get his name, but big shout out to that lad!
I went to do a gig in Letterkenny with Des Bishop (pic above) on Sunday night and one of the technicians there asked me how I was getting on being off the smokes. There is no place to hide! That’s obviously a good thing.
Cravings
The tablets have obviously been a huge help, but you still need good old fashioned willpower. In case I needed a reminder that complacency was not an option, I had my first really strong craving since I quit.
I was on my way to Dun Laoghaire on the DART to do a gig with PJ Gallagher. Sitting there on the DART and all of a sudden, I felt a craving. I thought it would pass like most of them just do.
It didn’t.
I got a little anxious and remained determined to see it out. I got off at my station and walked to the Pavilion Theatre, but if anything it was getting stronger. I’ve no idea why.
It couldn’t have been pre-gig nerves as I had done gigs the previous two nights and this hadn’t happened.
Green room pacing
There was about half an hour to show time, but I paced up and down the green room like an expectant father in a waiting room in a maternity hospital.
PJ and Joanne McNally, who was also on, just laughed, but then realised that this was a serious bout of craving.
All of a sudden it was show-time and as PJ introduced me from side stage, I walked on realising that I was feeling anxious, wound up and somewhat tense.
Aggressive
Anyone that has seen me do stand-up will know what I am very easy going and have the demeanour of a happy-go-lucky fellah. At this gig however, I was not happy-go-lucky.
I was still getting the laughs, but when some smart ass tried to ‘heckle’, I just went for him. I say ‘heckle’ in inverted commas as it would be an insult to hecklers for what he did.
He was trying to be the funny guy in front of his mates and was basically repeating anything I said or just commenting. I went all Incredible Hulk and put him in his box.
It felt weird. I didn’t enjoy it. PJ was pissing himself laughing saying I should get like that more often and that he thought it was hilarious.
The acid test
Anyone who has quit smoking will tell you that the acid test will come when you decide to go for a few drinks. The two go hand in hand when you are a smoker. After the gig, myself, PJ and Joanne went to a pub and had some drinks.
I am proud to say, I lasted the entire night without even slightly wanting one. This is a big milestone. Obviously, I have a long way to go, but this was an important step forward.
Strengthening my resolve
It’s still a novelty in the morning at 8am precisely to receive the motivational text from the HSE Quit team. I know too that in my weaker moments, I can call their helpline for a chat. Reassuring.
On Twitter I was contacted by a guy who offered to help with the addiction. He specialises in helping people with psychological addictions using hypnosis.
I’ll admit, when I heard the word hypnosis, the skeptical alarm went off in my head (everyone has one, right?). However, he offered to give me a one hour session free of charge.
I thought, in the interests of the blog, at the very least it would provide research on another method of quitting. Also, I’ve been raised to never look a free thing in the mouth….or something.
Look into my eyes
So, with an open mind I went off to Blackrock to meet Jason. I know the tablets are working for me, but thought what’s the harm in adding another wall of security against my addiction?
Jason is a very affable man and soon had me relaxed. I know some people are dubious about this sort of thing, but I gave it every chance and listened to everything he said.
Under a spell
I went under hypnosis and it was surreal. It’s hard to describe it in full, but it was a very uplifting experience. I thought I had been under hypnosis for ten minutes max, but it turns out it was 40 minutes.
I came around from the hypnosis and I actually felt euphoric. No lie. Euphoric and deeply relaxed.
He recorded the whole session on my iPhone too so that I can listen back when I am feeling weak. It may not be for everyone, but I certainly wouldn’t be so quick to judge hypnosis as being some sort of gobbledygook.*
Radio days
As ever, I had my weekly visit into PJ and Damian on Classic Hits 4FM to discuss my progress and as ever, the listeners were brilliant as they texted in messages of support.
The lads reckon I look brighter already and that my complexion has improved. I’ll take their word for it! Here’s the interview:
*Disclaimer: Hypnosis is not a proven support recommended by the HSE.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
