Any help is great help
I was hoping to be able to get some feedback on how some of you have dealt with quitting. I went cold turkey and I haven’t had a cigarette in 11 days. I just wanted to see what side effects have been experienced by others. Surprisingly my cravings have not been that bad but I feel my anxiety has been through the roof. I don’t feel motivated to go out and socialise and I get nauseous and dizzy from time to time. Does it get better after the two week period? What else could I be waiting for experience also ?
Hi Jason, welcome! Congrats on 11 days! I just hit 25 days and my anxiety was worse the first few weeks. I noticed it get better after the 2 week mark but I also started drinking a lot more water and green tea. The green tea is so helpful with cravings and stress/anxiety. Someone else on here suggested ginger candies to help with the cravings and it also helps with nausea.
I copied a link for you to read up on if you like. https://teafloor.com/blog/how-green-tea-helps-you-quit-smoking/
This forum is amazing for advice and support so don't be afraid to reach out. We are all here for the same reason. Keep up the good work!
Hello and welcome Jason. Yes do ask if you have any concerns. Every quit is different and you will find lots of stories here to learn from. Some have a harder time than others, and I had no cravings after the first three days when I was detoxing from nicotine. That is phase 1. Phase 2 is the 80% part of the psychological journey where you accept the idea of being a non-smoker. Some fight it, just not ready to accept that they will never have another cigarette.
By reading you will learn that the cigarette did absolutely nothing for you but cause you anxiety and stress. It stole our money and gave nothing in return except diminished senses, loss of health and even took some of our self respect. In beating down the nicotine monster you will regain some of that which it stole.
We feel that the mindset rather than willpower is essential and will also help you to stay free. If you click on my name here and find my post with Allen Carr's book, The Easy Way to Stop Smoking, you will find what we are speaking of. It really can make your journey easier.
When quitting nicotine, cut your caffeine (coffee, coke ,chocolate) by half of which you were accustomed as nicotine used to negate some of its effects. Too much will make you feel jittery or anxious. Don't give it all up or you will get a headache from caffeine withdrawal as I have sometimes experienced. (That had nothing to do with quitting smoking, just a fact) Drink lots of water and eat well to help your body function optimally.
Do not fear this journey. You are doing great! Embrace this new change for the better. Have you ever heard of anyone regretting quitting smoking?
Think positive. You can do this!
Great job!!! The last time I quit (cold turkey) I made it about where you are before the mental aspects became an issue. I called the smokers hotline and they said it made sense because the nicotine was completely gone at that point. Most is gone after 72 hours but traces can hang around for up to two weeks. The good news is that you shouldn’t be dealing with it much longer! As happiness says the other big part is the habit and I’m sure that causes anxiety as well... but, they say the habit part is largely broken after 21 days. So, either way you’re almost there, probably at the worst you will get right now. Another ten days and there shouldn’t be a single nicotine issue and the habit will be largely conquered. Hang in there! Pound water, excersise and get yourself sweating. And green tea is also awesome.
Hi Jason! Great work! 11 days is amazing and congratulate yourself and reward yourself.
I'm on Day 16. Using net 15mh patches forc14 days.
Yesterday cut them in half. Just realised now I'm out and forgot to putvtge half patch on so looks like I'm getting to be ALMOST nicotine free.
I knew the psychological habit was going to be hardest for me. It is. It s hard after almost 50 years to realign yourself as a non smoker. I'm taking the slow road and its working for me. Im gping about my lifecanscwhen l rhinl of smoking l remind mys r lf thatscwhat I USED to do. I now DON'T SMOKE!
Sometimes have wanted to but it's just a memory and hopefully they will fade.
One thing for sure I couldn't have got past Day 1 if it wasn't for I CAN QUIT forum friends.
MERRY CHISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR and stay smoke free.
Hi Jason Congratulations on day 11. Anxiety, insomnia and dizzy will subside over the weeks. The bad taste in my mouth has gone now too and i dont think about it as much as i used too. I can sit still now and enjoy tv or my laptop without reaching for one. Im on the 7mg patch everyday and have been since day 1. I still feel like I need the patches. I get alittle short tempered, a bit narky with everyone if I dont have one on. Im eating more but I will work on that after the festive season. I want to enjoy xmas without adding too much pressure on myself. I drink green tea and ginger most days. Ive found it feels as tho my insides are cleansing. My staff have said to me my face looks like it has oxygen now. I feel 100% better in myself and I will never smoke again cause I dont smoke