I slept alot in the beginning of my quit and I let that be okay. Your body is in major change mode. Having a drink is fine if it's not a major trigger that will get you back to smoking, if so I'd stay away from it. The first few weeks of my quit, I was pretty lazy in some peoples eyes I suppose, but I believe I was being "gentle" on myself. It's okay to sleep in or nap it passes time at this point too. Soon your bubbliness will return and you'll have days then weeks behind you and all the selfworth and pride that comes with it, just hang in there, you're at the hard part right now, it will get easier.

Thanks but when will it get better? Right now I'm at work.I listen to people laugh and happy its friday, me no emotion. Everyone probally thinks I'm going through a divorce or something

TGIF, tomorrow you can just be at home, it is HARD but it is so worth it, so obviously you're married, you not you're not getting a divorce, hopefully your husband is supportive and let him nurture the heck out of you this weekend. Gentle be gentle it will get easier, promise.

I felt the EXACT same way! It does take a while to get back to "normal", but it will happen. Your body is adjusting to the change and you have just said goodbye to an old friend, a little bit of depression will happen. After about two weeks I started feeling better though. Just stick with it, you will be back to feeling bubbly soon, I promise!

I got to be the odd one here. you are going through a Tobacco
divorce. It has lived with you all these years, now your divorcing it for a better life.
It is trying to make you so miserable you won't let it go. But your stronger then it, so kick it in the Butt real hard. Be happy have a great week end

Hi, Erica. Congratulations of 5 days quit. That is an amazing accomplishment. :)

DO NOT HAVE ANY DRINKS!!! Alcohol reduces your inhibitions and your control. I've seen so many quits lost over a few drinks.

You may well feel depressed. That is a normal symptom of withdrawal. It has to do with the nicotine's hijacking of the brain's pleasure/reward centers. You're brain will recover, but it will take time. Until then, accept it as a sign of healing which is a good thing. I know you don't feel like it, but please think of it in that way.

Also, reward yourself often (daily is good). Rewards act to offset the loss of nicotine in the pleasure/reward centers. Sort of like excercising an atrophied muscle.

Rewards don't have to cost much, they just have to make you smile. Window shopping, taking the scenic route home, a walk in the park, bubble bath, a cup of special coffee or tea, whatever makes you smile and/or gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Keep in mind that you are doing an amazing and wonderful thing for yourself and those that love you. Quitting smoking is a very precious gift. Cherish and nurture it. You certainly deserve it.

Keep up the great quit. :)

You know I quit 3 months ago and I now know I will never be the same. It is now that I accept it I know I have quit this time. Ive gained about 15lbs that I might have to just take. When I get mad or sad or hyper or anything I have to find something else to do. Which is doing and being different. I will never be the same but, I will never smoke again

I used nicotine for every emotional experience in my life--for 30 years.

When I quit, there was a stranger in my house--the real me.

It took me awhile to get to know her, but the real me has turned out to be far more fun to be around. Not at first. But, now.

The real me now uses her brain to search alternatives to smoking--which actually leads to experiences I would never have had if I'd just sat there and lit up a cigarette. She is more vibrant and exciting to be around. She can spend a whole day with non-smoking friends, without ever having to stop for a fix.

The real me has never been "bubbly". But, the real me has discovered that she controls how she chooses to be.

And, that's a good feeling.

Do NOT DRINK!!! Your defenses will go down a lot. Breathe! Walk around the block...three times. Drink water. Dance. Hit a pillow. Look up nicotine anonymous and go to a meeting. Remember, the craving goes away WHETHER YOU SMOKE OR NOT. Smokingh harms every organ in your body.

I know how you feel, you feel disconnected and not yourself. I to have experienced this, it is like you have lost your very best friend. This will pass this is not you this is just the nicotine playing tricks on you to get you to start smoking again, I know cause I have fell for it several times. If you have a couple of drinks I know it will make me want to smoke cause it impares your judgement and then you wont be a strong, but maybe a half of a drink would calm you down with your nerves and all. At least that helps me in times like these. I also recommend you sleep as much as you can and drink lots of water that will help you through this crappy depression caused from lack of nicotine.

I think everyone is different... At 5 days I felt like I was going crazy. At about 8 weeks or so I felt 100% me and more! At about 2 weeks I was me most of the time, but with still lots of cravings! This is a process, but a process well worth it! We don't want to die from this stupid addiction, we have to work through the tough times. I'm well into 2 months and I remember the days I felt what you are explaining, but I don't feel that way anymore and it's been a while since I have...I hope that helped a little... there is no specific time frame love!

I know. I remember the feeling of not knowing myself and not liking who I was. awful. BUT, today is day 61 (i smile) and I think I'm somewhat normal again. Honestly, it does go away and you will be you....
Don't be afraid,it honestly does pass. Drinking won't help if you associate it with smoking (ohhh yeah, who doesn't)... just don't drink now as an answer. It isn't one.
You can do this....just keep going, you've made it 5 days. CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done.
Barb

Thank you Barb, u r a sweetie, thanks for your wisdom I appreciate it greatly.

oh my gosh
don't even get me started
i quit many many drugs cold turkey
all at once
everybody said it was a mistake
but i felt like i had to do it that way

it was horrible
and i was such a bitch the first few days
and i wasn't me
but now
i'm at 27 days sober from everything
and i am more me than i have ever been

and it's not fair
addiction isn't fair
it doesn't care at all about you
which is why you need to kick it

i'm not sure the mental addiction ever goes away
people say "once an addict, always an addict"
and it makes me kinda mad, cause people can change
but it does have some truth
even now
all the physical cravings are gone
but there are still days where i want to pick up a cigarette or pop a pill

but you can't
because your old friend addiction will come back
and we both know he's not one who lets go easily...

Geez hun, I've got 5 days until my quit date and I already feel that way. I am trying not to beat myself up though. At least today I do believe it will get better, tomorrow that may change. For me right now it's learning to live with these cravings and let them pass w/o compulsively lighting up.
Glad your sharing this, it helps me to know thatt I'm not alone. SG