Facing difficulties

Did anyone quit cold turkey and was feeling the same or if someone can share with me their experience? And how long will this last and how can I stop my anxiety.

Well done! You have broken its back now. The thing that will get you is your head. Curiously enough good times or news are just as dangerous as bad.

The corona virus is putting a scare into everyone. Just think of how much better your chances of getting through it okay, if you do get sick, will be now that you don't smoke. Hopefully you won't get the virus but if you do you are in a much better position than you were a few weeks ago.

If you have to go with patches or lozenges then do so. There is no shame in it. It is far better than smoking.

Try to take it one day at a time. Ten minutes at a time if you have to. The anxiety will pass. It really does get better. I have not smoked for many years but I still remember thinking I was going to have these rotten feelings forever (you won't) and that I would never feel free (you will).

It has been months since the thought of smoking even crossed my mind. Today I thought of it because of corona. I thought how lucky am I to be a non smoker at this time.

Keep going. It truly does get easier. One day you will experience the magic of getting into bed in the evening and thinking, "Wow, I haven't thought of a cigarette all day."

Thank you for the positive comment Harry. I’m just wondering though is it going to be easier if I use the patch? Or since I’m 18 days in, I should just keep going with it and that the patch won’t make much difference?

Hi well done. I’m on day 24, not as much experience as others who have been quit for longer. I have found the patch works for me - When I get tired I sleep and rest which I have found helps. I also drink heaps of water, eat good food, read, music (Spotify have fantastic meditation and calming music). Sometimes I think I may be going crazy as I dance around the house singing I am free! Each day i am feeling better. Keep strong.

Hello zen,

Thanks for the advices. I’m wondering with the patch did you get any symptoms?

I’m drinking a lot of water but not eating well some days. I think be nervous and anxious takes my appetite away. :(

I don’t know if it’s because I quit cold turkey or quitting in general is hard?

Craving for cigs is gone which is good. But I’m always worried about the symptoms I’m going through.

Hi MSA, 10 years ago I quit cold turkey and lasted 3 years before i foolishly took up smoking again. This time after many attempts i have been off them for 21 months and i opted to use patches this time. I believe that whilst you have nicotine in your system you get more cravings, what i am saying is from my experience using patches the cravings although lighter last longer due to patches being used2-3 months. cold turkey, the intensity of craving was more but the cravings were less the longer you abstained so what happened to me was going cold turkey i felt on top of it after 3-4 months and using patches i felt on top of it after approx 6 months, if you need a patch definitely use one, and yes my body did go a little out of wack with sleep, shortness of breath ect.. but i came good pretty quickly. Good luck with your quit.

Thank you TWS for the motivation and the explanation. I think I’ll keep fighting with out the patches for a bit longer.

Can you please if possible explain they symptoms you were going through and how u managed through them. And how long they lasted for.

Thanks again and appreciate your response. 😊

Personally I would hate to see you use Nrt and hence nicotine now that you are free of that addiction. It is the psychological part or acceptance of this journey that you are having issue with. Everyone does . (well most, but i didn't) be joyful that you have quit, read Allan Carr's book for better understanding of nicotine and you. Click on my name here and find the link to his book through stories I have posted. You can do this!

Hi MSA, I would like to encourage you also to read Alan Carr book it really does explain a lot, especially what you can expect withdrawal and cravings wise, also getting to know your enemy(cigarette), he actually covers so much more then this as well. It would be a good investment for your quit, I think he does videos for those who don't read also. Anyway well done for your success so far and definitely learning more will be of great value to your quit.

Hi Msa I have had a few weird experiences during my quit journey. Not sure if they are related to the patch or not. Yes, have had strange sleep patterns, I am learning to go with it and accept it. If they become to bad I take the patch off at night and put a new one on in the morning. Keep positive and strong.

Thank you all for the support and help!! ❤️

I’m feeling better today. Hopefully to more better days.