
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...
Robin in Massachusetts
well i go with the cutting down.
lots of love, bettina
My life is better in so many many ways now that I'm not smoking.
Put away the money each day. Put it where you can look at it.
That helps.
And drink a lot of water. Drink water ever time you want a cig. By the time you finish the glass of water, you may be past the urge.
Over time, the brain shut down reward centers in an attempt to return to normal. Your response was to smoke more. This cycle continued until you reached a maintenance balance. At this point, smoking no longer actually provided pleasure as much as it satisfied a need.
When you quit smoking the nicotine level in your blood rapidly drops, even if you are using an NRT. This causes a corresponding drop in dopamine levels in the brain. Suddenly you find yourself at a below-normal dopamine level. This translates to a variety of symptoms, depending on the person. Mood swings, depression, sadness, anger, and unexplained crying or laughing are the most common.
What you are doing by occasionally smoking here and there, a few each day, is you are keeping yourself in a partial and extended state of nicotine withdrawal. It is similar to very slowly pulling a bandage off your arm while occasionally sticking part of it back down and beginning again.
You might want to try Zyban or Wellbutrin (two names for bupropion), if it is available there (and affordable). It is an antidepressant that could help compensate for the loss of nicotine. You might also try an NRT which will help wean you off nicotine in a more controlled manner than repeated slips. Chantix may also help, although I havent heard that it does anything for the depression issues of quitting.
Also, you need to give yourself rewards very often. They actually help the brains reward centers recover from the damage done by the nicotine, stimulating them to rebuild and reactivate. This process is similar to exercising atrophied muscles after an extended period of immobility.
Keep in mind that you are doing a wonderful and amazing thing for yourself and those who care for you. No matter how bad it feels, do not forget that it is temporary and is not doing any harm to you. What you are feeling is healing, even though it may not feel that way. You will survive. Trust me. Ive been there.
Peace and blessings to you.
Shevie
Quit May, 2005.