Poison No More
Day 14 and the last week has been hard. Felt like I was slipping into depression. I’m 64, recently retired, and my thoughts have all been doom and gloom lately. I must also say I am quitting alcohol at the same time as well…. Not a good idea kids! Then I read on multiple sites that quiting nicotine can cause depression and anxiety. Well I’ve smoked for 40 years and never realized how it affected serotonin and dopamine in the brain…. Wow, withdrawal is very strange, but makes perfect sense after my research. Restlessness, panic, fear, depression can be present during withdrawal and make you wonder if you are crazy. I have been able to not smoke and it is getting better day by day, I have poisoned myself long enough, at 64 it may not make a difference long term, but I hate being tied to anything that is shortening my life at this age. Anyone trying this stay strong and stubborn! It does get better, I already can abstain when the thoughts of a smoke hit. It passes faster day by day. Can anyone out there relate? Thanks for listening!
Yes, many fear quitting smoking which causes much anxiety. I don't understand why when it is the most amazing and worthwhile endeavor. Until I joined a site like this, I never believed that I could quit. Learning about the addiction to nicotine, the affect of long term habit and the psyche. We can change routines, and replace those jolts of dopamine and stay in the good mood. We can change how we thing about smoking which makes it so much easier and less fearful.
Stay with us and fight! We smoked more when drinking alcohol because alcohol diminished the effect of nicotine, so we reached for one sooner to get our fix. Of course we smoked mindlessly as well.
Cutting back on caffeine is wise as well. Nicotine reduced the effect of caffeine. As we well know, too much caffeine causes the jitters and those are misinterpreted as anxiety when quitting smoking. While there are so many benefits to quitting smoking, it takes the rap for other things on the way.
Be happy of your decision to be a non-smoker. Do not "abstain" but know that you "Choose" this positive change. You will never regret it. The mind is a powerful tool. You can make it work for you rather than against you. Cravings are nothing but thoughts and we can dismiss them . Never debate, for you have already made your decision. .......Choose life and freedom.
Hi Poisonfree. I also quit at age 64. Nearly 7 years ago. Did it cold turkey. My craving was called Margaret Thatcher. I "fought" with her morning, noon & night for a few years until I had very few urges to even think about smoking. Every day free is one day added to the total. Money saved, fewer wrinkles and sagging skin not to mention relief for all those organs tormented for years. Quitting means you give yourself a "pay rise" and save over $1000 per month. In my case I am saving about $1600 a month. It also means you get a face lift without going under the knife. Wrinkles diminish. You lose your anti social status because you no longer stink! If we had such a toxic friends we would ditch them. That's what cigarettes are. Enjoy finding your new "friends". There's just a few pluses for you.
Lia, thank you for your support and reply. I totally agree with your positive outlook. Today is a good day. I woke with no anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. The worst may be over. I will never smoke again… for all the reasons you mentioned!
Peace!
Hi, and Oh Man, can I relate!!! I am 62, been smoking since I was 12 years old and on Day 20 of my quit journey. I can soooo relate to the feelings of depression, hopelessness, fear and anxiety. You have helped me so much today, to put into place what has been happening for me...Thank you so much for sharing Friend
Getting better everyday. Still tinges of anxiety and depression, but beginning to be manageable. Chewing gum, mints when craving sneaks in.