Can't quit cigarettes without issues I thought I'd gotten over coming back?

[ahint]

Hi! So basically, I used to be very very low in mood all the time, have racing thoughts all the time (which still happens, but to a lesser extent), not experience pleasure and be very suicidal. I'm diagnosed with ADHD too, but I have no idea if I believe that diagnosis applies to me. I'm beyond thankful that I don't experience the low mood, suicidal thoughts, lack of pleasure or racing thoughts to that intensity anymore! I've been very stable in doing well for months now. I still have some quirks from an abusive childhood, but it's stopped interfering with everyday functioning and it's getting better every day.

But when I try to quit smoking, everything comes back to the same intensity, I fear for my safety and the racing thoughts get to the level where I don't sleep for days. Whilst I'd like to just get over it when I'm not smoking, it's hard to explain, it's like I can't see any hope. I'm a little confused - searching online for withdrawal symptoms doesn't mention this. Smoking again makes it all go away, and I'm back to normal. I'm aware I'm lucky that smoking is my addiction and not something else, I'm really not trying to disrespect anyone or complain too much!

I'd really like to quit smoking, because the health impacts worry me, but I'm finding it so tricky. Does anyone know why this happens? Has anyone had a similar thing happen? Does anyone have any advice for quitting smoking safely, and staying off it? I know nicotine replacement is a thing, and I may try that, but I'd like to just get off nicotine completely if possible.

Thanks for reading.

 

[deadendgame]

honestly, the best way to quit cigarette addiction is to commit yourself to the psych ward for 3 months.

 

[Moreaux]

Hi Ahint - have you see a doctor for your depression? It is known that nicotine has antidepressant effects, so it stands to reason that your mood is effected trying to quit if you are lessening your nicotine levels. I recommend that you see a doctor to facilitate smoking cessation. Wellbutrin works well, and it is also an antidepressant. I was on it for a little while and was able to quit (unfortunately, I went back to smoking). I noticed while I was on it I felt great, and surprisingly didn't have issues getting off of it. Normally I don't recommend antidepressant medication, but it's dual purpose and may prevent your mood from crashing. At any rate, regardless of the smoking, I think if at all possible yoyu should see a therapist and work on the remaining mental issues you have. I have chronic depression (at least it seems continuous lol) and I know how it affects so many areas of your life. Therapy may make a difference. Good luck!

 

[weekend addiction]

Smoke pot instead. Worked for me I just put my cig money into buying more weed.

 

[bobby1978]

I thought I'd never be able to quit, then I tried a nicotine inhaler, it's great. I went from not being able to go a whole day without freaking out, to a month and a half without cigarettes now It really replaces the habit at those moments where you get a craving, and as time goes on, the thing is empty so you just have a meaningless piece of plastic in your mouth.

Weed has helped me with this too, I think, but that may not be for everyone, and isn't necessarily a healthy habit to pick up.

Looking again at your last line, I see that you aren't big on nicotine replacement. But you've spent years forging this habit, and are having a rough time. There's no need to make it rougher, no one's going to give you a trophy. Might as well do it the easier (and this instance, I think more potentially effective) way.

Exercise helps too, and might help with your anxiety, because it really helps you feel better, and actually feel what a great decision quitting smoking actually is.

 

[chase_in_56ace]

Smoke pot instead. Worked for me I just put my cig money into buying more weed.

honestly, the best way to quit cigarette addiction is to commit yourself to the psych ward for 3 months.

^^^ Bad advice in this thread. Dont listen to either of those statements.


Have you tried using a vaporizer to possibly wean off cigarettes? I am SMOKE free for the past four months and cant begin to tell you how much better I feel physically. I feel like I have a new set of lungs. And I continue to use nicotine to my little heart's desire

You should try a friend's vape and then invest $100 or so into a quality device, especially if you're currently using nicotine to such a strong extent of an emotional crutch!! Buy a vape to get off the cigs so you can continue to puff away without destroying your body. In the meantime, share all this with a psychiatrist.

Good luck, you can do this. Check out the Vaping section of our forums for product advice. In the meantime definitely do not check yourself into a mental institution for three months or pick up smoking weed during this period of emotional vulnerability And this is coming from a moderately frequent pot smoker!

 

[ahint]

Thanks for the responses and encouragement! bobby, I can't believe I'd never considered exercise, oh my gosh, thanks for suggesting it. I'm very unfit and never exercise, so I'm going to try that.

If I need more support, I can go back to the university counselling service for four sessions. But I don't have any way to quickly access other mental health care at the moment (medication, psychiatrists, ongoing support, etc), and I've had such bad experiences with that system that I'm reluctant to try to get a professional to see me.

I've never tried a vape consistently, so I'll try that if exercising alone doesn't do it.