Crazy contemplation

[intricatic]

Okay guys, I've never posted in this forum before, but I've decided to quit smoking.

I've had serious issues with this in the past, mostly because I have a mild case of social anxiety and it seems that nicotine withdrawal hits me extremely hard. For instance, when I haven't had a cigarette in four or five hours, my thoughts start getting all chaotic and I have a really hard time focusing on anything - this gradually gets worse, and I always end up giving in and smoking another cigarette just to get some relief. :o Has anyone else had problems like this?

 

[firefly0434]

Okay guys, I've never posted in this forum before, but I've decided to quit smoking.

I've had serious issues with this in the past, mostly because I have a mild case of social anxiety and it seems that nicotine withdrawal hits me extremely hard. For instance, when I haven't had a cigarette in four or five hours, my thoughts start getting all chaotic and I have a really hard time focusing on anything - this gradually gets worse, and I always end up giving in and smoking another cigarette just to get some relief. :o Has anyone else had problems like this?

I have had this problem I am really insecure and i find that smoking calms me(mentallly im sure) They have drugs out that are great for social anxiety. I am not suggesting that you run out and ask your doctor for this, but you should definality talk to your doctor about what you are trying to do he may be able to suggest something that would help you without you feeling drugged.

 

[intricatic]

I have had this problem I am really insecure and i find that smoking calms me(mentallly im sure) They have drugs out that are great for social anxiety. I am not suggesting that you run out and ask your doctor for this, but you should definality talk to your doctor about what you are trying to do he may be able to suggest something that would help you without you feeling drugged.

Well, I also have ADD that had been undiagnosed for almost my entire life; I'm taking adderall right now, and my psychiatrist doesn't think it'd be a good idea to try to treat both at the same time, so I'm trying to coach myself out of the anxiety [but withdrawal is not going to help this in any way].

But I've got a question for ya [unrelated to topic]; Are you Stephen's sister?

 

[Evie1980]

Hey Intricactic. Glad to hear that you thinking of taking the plunge and have joined us on this board. I still struggle with quitting especially in social settings. It was my crutch to help me socialise and I loved to think and solve the words problems when smokin'. Hang on umm I quit smoking why? Sorry back on track. I am not really sure how to get you through it but know that it will get easier. I will be praying for you. He really does help. If you ever need to chat or ask some random question just PM or email or drop a line some how. I really am pretty much an expert at this. After all, I have done it sooo many times before . God bless, Evie

 

[intricatic]

Hey Intricactic. Glad to hear that you thinking of taking the plunge and have joined us on this board. I still struggle with quitting especially in social settings. It was my crutch to help me socialise and I loved to think and solve the words problems when smokin'. Hang on umm I quit smoking why? Sorry back on track. I am not really sure how to get you through it but know that it will get easier. I will be praying for you. He really does help. If you ever need to chat or ask some random question just PM or email or drop a line some how. I really am pretty much an expert at this. After all, I have done it sooo many times before . God bless, Evie

I've tried to quit a bunch of times, too. lol I consider it all mostly learning exercises; hopefully this is the point where I'm like "SCHWA! See? I did it! .....Ouch!" as I drop it on my foot. j/k lol

I shall make sure to keep both of you guys in mind; I chose a wonderful time to quit... school just started for the next quarter and we're going into hurricane season! You can feel free to PM or email me, too. I'm on this silly laptop, or at least have it nearby, almost all the time - I love wireless internet.

 

[Evie1980]

Glad to hear that you are well prepared. I was never really any good at excercise (still ain't) and it is really such a shame that I quit because somedays lifting a smoke was all the excercise my arms did . So the real reason I have put on weight since quitting is because I no longer walk to the appropraite smoking area and use my arm muscles Oh man I better go. I think I am slowly loosing my mind here ...

 

[intricatic]

Glad to hear that you are well prepared. I was never really any good at excercise (still ain't) and it is really such a shame that I quit because somedays lifting a smoke was all the excercise my arms did . So the real reason I have put on weight since quitting is because I no longer walk to the appropraite smoking area and use my arm muscles Oh man I better go. I think I am slowly loosing my mind here ...

LOL

I know the feeling - argh, I have to go to work in like 30 minutes.

 

[Evie1980]

Oh have fun. Be prfaying that it goes well. I think that I may goe for a walk (all the way to the elevator and then to my flat) to read before going to bed. Man it feels strange when I think that I used to go to have a ciggie before bed. One thing I don't miss is the smell.
God bless, Evie

 

[firefly0434]

Well, I also have ADD that had been undiagnosed for almost my entire life; I'm taking adderall right now, and my psychiatrist doesn't think it'd be a good idea to try to treat both at the same time, so I'm trying to coach myself out of the anxiety [but withdrawal is not going to help this in any way].

But I've got a question for ya [unrelated to topic]; Are you Stephen's sister?

Yes i am Stephens Sister.

 

[WhoeverLovesGod01]

Nicotine withdrawl is not related to social anxiety disorder. It seems like you are disempowering yourself. You can quit smoking as I and many other people have. My friend takes medication for SAD and he is an ex-smoker and drinker.

 

[SiobhanClancy]

I can relate to this,although to be perfectly honest,I just enjoy smoking. It does help in social situtations,although not so much anymore as my friends are mostly nonsmokers. It is just something to do,especially at certain times....with coffee,after a meal,after a chore is done,etc. However,I am trying to get myself mentally ready to quit because I know it's the best thing for me to do. I know we can do it...many,many people have!

 

[intricatic]

Yes i am Stephens Sister.

You got a cool brother.

 

[intricatic]

Nicotine withdrawl is not related to social anxiety disorder. It seems like you are disempowering yourself. You can quit smoking as I and many other people have. My friend takes medication for SAD and he is an ex-smoker and drinker.

I'm just describing what I've gone through when I've tried to quit in the past. I know I can quit, and I definitely know I'm going to. This is about the only thing I've not yet overcome from my past.

 

[firefly0434]

You got a cool brother.

I already knew that, but thank you! He is the best brother.

 

[intricatic]

Ar. I feel like running around screaming for no concievable reason and I've been grinding my teeth all day.

 

[Protinus]

I have done unfortunately so much anatomic pathology to see first hand what even light smoking does to lung tissue. Yet I do not judge others for smoking...I just wish I could reveal choices, then I come back to remind them!!

 

[intricatic]

I have done unfortunately so much anatomic pathology to see first hand what even light smoking does to lung tissue. Yet I do not judge others for smoking...I just wish I could reveal choices, then I come back to remind them!!

Have you seen any of the neurophysiological effects of nicotine?

This stuff is pure evil.

 

[Protinus]

Have you seen any of the neurophysiological effects of nicotine?

This stuff is pure evil.

My field is neurophysiology!! I still do clinical research and some basic work but I am a hospital manager in my old age now. I believe, from my direct work and annecdotally, that nicotine is more addicting than most abused stimulants (cocaine). But we must figure out the "entire solution" for quitting...without shame...without horrible withdrawal effcts. Some of the adjunct cessation agents to therapy have been the serotonergic drugs and bupropion.

 

[intricatic]

My field is neurophysiology!! I still do clinical research and some basic work but I am a hospital manager in my old age now. I believe, from my direct work and annecdotally, that nicotine is more addicting than most abused stimulants (cocaine). But we must figure out the "entire solution" for quitting...without shame...without horrible withdrawal effcts. Some of the adjunct cessation agents to therapy have been the serotonergic drugs and bupropion.

Nicotine is what got me originally obsessed with the field of neurophysiology. When I get asphyxiated on a subject, it's like a passion. That's really ironic that you're field is neurophysiology, though.

I think the reason nicotine is so much more addictive isn't the chemical itself and how it interacts with the neurochemistry, but the sheer integration that it makes with a person's life. E.G. I smoke a cigarette in the morning, every morning. It becomes habitual, and the nicotine reinforces that habit. Of course, that extends to just about every part of a person's life as well. And arrrr... it's hard to snap that habit - you can't quit unless there's some battle over each particular point throughout the day that's associated with smoking. One cannot compromise.

But essentially, if one were to use cocaine the way one uses nicotine by smoking, then I'm sure cocaine would become just as addictive, if not more.

 

[Protinus]

I would confirm your very eloquent discription of the addictive qualities of nicotine and the "whole brain" approach to addiction. Smoking is an intimate, very sensual excercise, obviously reinforcing the continuation (environment, memories, milieu)...very complex and not understood entirely.

I would differ (and I'm only a MS level person) with regarding the "addictive" component of nictotine. Though well tolerated (or it wouldn't be an addiction), it is a VERY powerful stimulant that chemically induces withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine, though not condoned AT ALL, is not as addictive chemically as nicotine, but the psychological effects that cause reinforcement with cocaine are signifivcnt.

Nicotine is what got me originally obsessed with the field of neurophysiology. When I get asphyxiated on a subject, it's like a passion. That's really ironic that you're field is neurophysiology, though.

I think the reason nicotine is so much more addictive isn't the chemical itself and how it interacts with the neurochemistry, but the sheer integration that it makes with a person's life. E.G. I smoke a cigarette in the morning, every morning. It becomes habitual, and the nicotine reinforces that habit. Of course, that extends to just about every part of a person's life as well. And arrrr... it's hard to snap that habit - you can't quit unless there's some battle over each particular point throughout the day that's associated with smoking. One cannot compromise.

But essentially, if one were to use cocaine the way one uses nicotine by smoking, then I'm sure cocaine would become just as addictive, if not more.