
Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group
The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...
72 hours will get your through the physical addiction. During that time you may experience the "quitter's flu" in that you'll feel drained, a little achy, and may have a drippy nose.
But it wasn't until days 5 - 8 that I experienced what I came to know as the emotional withdrawal. Without my normal coping mechanism, I was jittery, couldn't breathe, cranky, panicky, etc.
That's pretty much all abated now and I'm still smoke free. It's all about knowing what to expect and having a plan.
It's very easy for an addict to transfer addictions when giving one up. I must urge you to reconsider.
At some point you are going to have to trust that you are strong enough to follow through yourself, for yourself.
The best piece of advice I can give you is to be present in your quit. Suck it up. Because your full experience, including all the negatives, is what is going to keep you from restarting.
And, personally, it's an amazing confidence builder to get through it on your own.
What worked for me is keeping busy. Any time I felt an urge I got up and moved.
I want and need to quit. But frankly, I'm too depressed to take the confidence route, which I agree would be better. But this is the best I idea I have, right now.
And stay in touch.
I'll also be moving in a week or so, so if I drop of DS for a while don't worry about me, k? I won't start this thing until after the move and I'll journal about it.
Bessley- I understand what you mean. But to be truthful I am in an unhealthy mental state. I would like to do this to get the worst over with, otherwise I can guarantee I will be running out the door by the end of the first day to buy a pack. I feel like, once the physical symptoms are over, the psychological ones will resolve themselves. I will be in a new environment. I will have much less stress on my shoulders. Ect. No, I don't think it's the way to go for 99% of people here. but in my case, I believe it's my best shot. I won't be wasting time. I'll be healing.