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...
Well it's time I update my progress with getting ready for my 'Quit Date' this Friday.
That wonderful pink cloud I was on last week was short lived I might say. Again, I think it was kinda like... Ok I can do this, so now I deserve a reward and so I go the self-destructive route and go back to smoking, Last Friday I smoked almost a half of a pack. That's a lot after going the 3 days before that and only smoking a total of 2. Realistically I know that each time I light up it's that much longer before the intensity of these cravings will ease up. I did identify one trigger I didn't think was going to be that bad. For the rest of this week and escpecially all of next week I've got to stay away from smokers. I do OK for about an hour, when I get around them. Next thing I know I'm lighting up. Yesterday the mood swings got really bad and I got pretty low. That's kinda dangerous for me be/c I'm Bipolar II. And I'm always on the low end. The Wellbutrin, for my depression, was just increased to 300mg not quite 2 wks ago, so that really hasn't leveled out yet. I'm not going to give up and let the nicotine win.
I've cut back now again, trying to learn to live w/these cravings instead of satisfying them by lighting up. I went and replenished my supply of Twizzler's candy. I've found that they are good to replace that hand-to-mouth habit and the oral fixation thing. I'm drinking lots & lots & lots of water; eating alot more fresh fruit, and barely able to drink 1/2 cup of decaf coffee now - I switched to drinking a glass of OJ first thing in the morn instead of coffee. When I'm on the puter and start feeling that urge, I'm getting better at getting up and doing something until the craving passes.
That's all for this time, sorry this is so long, I've got to learn to shorten these posts.
Happy Hallow's Eve to All..^
That wonderful pink cloud I was on last week was short lived I might say. Again, I think it was kinda like... Ok I can do this, so now I deserve a reward and so I go the self-destructive route and go back to smoking, Last Friday I smoked almost a half of a pack. That's a lot after going the 3 days before that and only smoking a total of 2. Realistically I know that each time I light up it's that much longer before the intensity of these cravings will ease up. I did identify one trigger I didn't think was going to be that bad. For the rest of this week and escpecially all of next week I've got to stay away from smokers. I do OK for about an hour, when I get around them. Next thing I know I'm lighting up. Yesterday the mood swings got really bad and I got pretty low. That's kinda dangerous for me be/c I'm Bipolar II. And I'm always on the low end. The Wellbutrin, for my depression, was just increased to 300mg not quite 2 wks ago, so that really hasn't leveled out yet. I'm not going to give up and let the nicotine win.
I've cut back now again, trying to learn to live w/these cravings instead of satisfying them by lighting up. I went and replenished my supply of Twizzler's candy. I've found that they are good to replace that hand-to-mouth habit and the oral fixation thing. I'm drinking lots & lots & lots of water; eating alot more fresh fruit, and barely able to drink 1/2 cup of decaf coffee now - I switched to drinking a glass of OJ first thing in the morn instead of coffee. When I'm on the puter and start feeling that urge, I'm getting better at getting up and doing something until the craving passes.
That's all for this time, sorry this is so long, I've got to learn to shorten these posts.
Happy Hallow's Eve to All..^
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
When I quit the first time ( 20 years ago) I didn't get that way. The smell was awful. It didn't smell good at all. Maybe I have more receptors than I did then. Who knows.
Remember that the people smoking now may quit next month!
Keep trying!!
One thing to keep in mind is that a symptom of nicotine deprivation is depression. By cutting back, you are placing youself into a partial withdrawl condition.
I cut back during the Wellbutrin's two week "ramp up" time, thinking I was getting a head start on the quit. About a week later, after cutting back by about 1/3, I started doubting whether I'd be able to quit when the time came the following week. It seemed as if the Wellbutrin had quit working.
Then I read about the depression side effect of quitting. As a test, I went out and smoked three cigs in about 20 minutes. Oh, my! The depression lifted before the third cig was finished, my attitude and confidence returned, and that third cig was my last.
As for the hand/mouth thing, try this: Find a drinking straw about the diameter of a cig (Cracker Barrel straws are perfect). Cut it to about the length of a cig. Put a couple of tight, short folds in one end (the "fire" end) and crimp them by biting. You can adjust the crimp tightness until it feels just like taking a drag on a cig when you suck on it. Makes a great prosthetic and you can "smoke" anywhere.
For me I had to suffer through about 6 weeks of cravings. I'm day 52 and my cravings are far and few between and when the cravings hit me I just tell them to go away and they do... I smoked for 14 years... We can get thru this, You have to want it, work hard for it and then enjoy the reward of better health=)
Good luck. You can do it. If I can, anyone can!