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...
I started smoking when I was 17. Unfortunately I picked it up because all of my friends were doing it. Typical story, I know! I never thought at 24 years old I would still be doing it! I've flirted with the idea of quitting for a while now but as always I would make excuses as to why I NEEDED to smoke, and why I should wait to quitfor there were too many things on my plate. (Not to mention my circle of friends were all smokers!) A lot of big changes were happening and I ended up losing most of my "friends" due to their stupidity, non-loyalty, and emotional abuse. Irealized now is the time. The past year had been very hard on me and I decided to give up and walk away from everything that has been damaging me. False friends, alcohol, and cigarettes among many other things! Now let's get to the point before you all fall asleep on me! :)
Tomorrow marks a week that I am cigarette free. Cold turkey which I didn't think was possible for me, but I've gotten through it. Among other things I suffer from horrible anxiety/panic attacks. So far I get mini attacks here and there whenever I truly have a craving. I suffer from insomnia so that is not any different other than my body feeling more tired. I occasionally go into a rage whenever someone stresses me out. (Which doesn't last long if I ignore them.) I am a bit irritable. The only thing that really bothers me are the headaches and the slight pain in the middle of my chest. Have any of you experienced them? I've also felt a bit confused and forgetful. Other than that I don't feel as depressed anymore. I believe that is because I know I am doing something positive for myself, which is always a plus! Does anyone have any tricks to keep yourself calm/get your mind off of things when you suffer through a craving? How long do these cravings truly last? Will it get easier?
I'm new to this site, and look forward to reading your stories and making new friends! Hopefully together we can help each other kick our dirty habits and stay healthy and tobacco free for good!
Much love,
Crystal
Tomorrow marks a week that I am cigarette free. Cold turkey which I didn't think was possible for me, but I've gotten through it. Among other things I suffer from horrible anxiety/panic attacks. So far I get mini attacks here and there whenever I truly have a craving. I suffer from insomnia so that is not any different other than my body feeling more tired. I occasionally go into a rage whenever someone stresses me out. (Which doesn't last long if I ignore them.) I am a bit irritable. The only thing that really bothers me are the headaches and the slight pain in the middle of my chest. Have any of you experienced them? I've also felt a bit confused and forgetful. Other than that I don't feel as depressed anymore. I believe that is because I know I am doing something positive for myself, which is always a plus! Does anyone have any tricks to keep yourself calm/get your mind off of things when you suffer through a craving? How long do these cravings truly last? Will it get easier?
I'm new to this site, and look forward to reading your stories and making new friends! Hopefully together we can help each other kick our dirty habits and stay healthy and tobacco free for good!
Much love,
Crystal
You are a lot stronger than you think :)
Sorry to hear about your anxiety/panic attacks. Have you tried the slowly breathing in through your nose and blowing out through your mouth as if you were blowing out a candle.
And get yourself a kind of mantra you can repeat when a craving hits. I used NOPE (Not One Puff Ever) when I first quit.
You can also use the 5 D's when you get a craving, let's see if I remember them all
Delay
Distract
Deep breathing
Drink lots of water
& DS, come here and vent and tell us all about it.
And pleas pledge and do roll call with us every morning, it really helps.
I love your great attitude and welcome to the family Crystal.
(((hugs:))) for support
I am so happy for you that you are quitting at 24. By doing this now you are avoiding many years of damage to your body & thousands upon thousands of dollars. If I may be so bold to suggest it, if you took the money you normally spend on cigarettes & started investing it now, you will be on your way to a pretty nice savings....you could take a major trip, put it toward a house, put it toward your retirement...so many options! Beyond health & money, you are also going to be preserving your looks ; ).
It's okay that some parts of it are unpleasant right now, there is another side & you are already on your way there!
Continued success to you.
This place has a whole lot of wonderul caring people.
Come here often.....I have found the rollcall and the pledge to be very helpful.
Love 'n hgs,
Elsie