I beleive I have some sort of anxiety disorder due to the fact that I get that weird feeling in my stomach and get nervous and/or scared of the future everyday. I always turn to smoking to fix it, I want to quit smoking NOW . Any advice for me to kick this and control my anxiety so I can be happy. I am a 27 yr old gay male!! Thanks for the answers!
I began smoking at the age of 15 and finally quit for good at the age of 57 (a year ago), when I was at a pack a day. Even tho’ all the experts say you have to go cold turkey, I think that just increases the craving. This is how I did it. Everytime I wanted a cigarette, I only smoked half of it. So, I immediately cut my intake in half. After a few weeks of doing that (gives your body time to adjust to less nicotine), I would only take about 4 puffs, put it out and save it for the next craving. After a few weeks of that, I went to 2 puffs, then one puff (where one cigarette could last me a day or two). My body gradually got used to doing without the nicotine and I got to a point where I said, "when this pack is done, I’m not buying anymore". That was a year ago. Recently, I stayed with my son, who smokes, and took a drag off his cigarette. I didn’t like the taste and it hurt my throat. If I can do it, you can do it, because I loved smoking!!!
I think you’ve got two different issues here – smoking and anxiety. Honestly, you have to deal with them separately. As bad as smoking is, I’d not worry about that and focus on the anxiety first. If its really effecting your life, you should see your doctor. Otherwise think about taking up yoga and meditation, as well as making sure you get plenty of exercise and a healthy diet. There are lots of resources all over the net for ways to deal with anxiety.
You might even find that with a healthier body and mind, you’re naturally less inclined to smoke.
I’m an X smoker, and I suffer from bouts of anxiety and depression.
Quitting smoking is not as easy as some non-smokers think it is.
What you need to do is get a nicortine replacement treatment. (I use nicorette gum, I find that’s the best for me.)
There are patches, gum, inhalers and little pills that you put under your tounge which desolve after a few minutes. But you also have to set a date when you feel you will be able to quit, even a time, and stick to it. You have to distinguish what behaviours and habits cause you to light up, eg. having a beer or wine, and then consciously put your mind into not lighting up but subtituting the cigerette for something else, either nicoratine replacement or something which is good for you like a glass of water.
Good luck and good health!
PS. Nicotine is not harmful but is the addictive part of smoking. It is all the other chemicals and tar etc. that you are inhaling into your lungs that is harmful and cancer causing!
You may feel like you’re on a rollercoaster during the first couple of weeks after you quit smoking. You’ll have good days and you’ll have bad days. Whether you use a quit aid of some sort or go cold turkey, you’re going to feel a certain amount of withdrawal from nicotine. Some people have more trouble with the first week, and others with the second, but the good news is that for most quitters, the worst of physical withdrawal from nicotine is over within the first two weeks of smoking cessation.
Physically, your body will be reacting to the absence of not only nicotine, but all of the other chemicals in cigarette smoke that you’ve been inhaling 20 or more times a day for years. When the supply gets cut off, you can expect to feel the effects of that. Flu-like symptoms are common. The amount of discomfort you’ll experience depends in part on how well you take care of yourself during this phase. Follow the tips below to help you minimize the discomforts you’ll feel as a result of physcial and mental withdrawal from nicotine.
but here are some tips on how to quit:
Find some support.
Having others who are interested in your success is very important. The Smoking Cessation Forum at About.com is a thriving, active group of people who can give you the help and encouragement you need. Sign in as a guest to browse and read posts from other quitters, or register(free) to post messages of your own. Add some support to your quit smoking program.
Eat a well-balanced diet.
Treats are fine, but be careful not to go overboard with the wrong kinds of food right now. Your body is working hard to expel toxins during the withdrawal process, and that takes energy. Choose foods that will provide you with the high quality fuel you need. Avoid the empty calories of junk food.
Take a multi-vitamin.
Smoking depletes our bodies of nutrients. Give yourself a boost with the help of a multi-vitamin. This, combined with good diet will help you minimize the fatigue that can often occur during nicotine withdrawal.
Stock the fridge with healthy snacks.
Have small bags of bite size fresh veggies within easy reach. Celery and carrots sticks with low fat ranch dressing for dipping makes a good snack. Fresh fruit, such as pineapple chunks, berries, melon or other fruits in season will satisfy your sweet tooth if they’re clean and ready to eat when you’re looking for a snack. Good freezer treats include low fat fudgesicles and frozen grapes.
Get out for a walk.
A short walk every day – as little as 15 minutes even, can work wonders for you as you withdraw from nicotine. Walking reduces edginess and improves circulation. It also releases endorphins, the "feel good" hormone. So, when the urge to smoke strikes, head out for a walk around the block. You’ll come back refreshed and relaxed.
Get more sleep.
Early cessation is tiring. Your body is stressed and so is your mind. Allow more time to sleep if you need it. Don’t worry, the weariness won’t last. Your energy will return soon.
Drink water!
Water helps you flush residual toxins from smoking out of your body more quickly. It also works well as a craving buster. Drink water before you snack and you’ll eat less. Water is an important part of your diet! Keep yourself well-hydrated, and you’ll feel better in general. That will in turn help you manage withdrawal symptoms more easily.
Keep some supplies in your car.
If you spend a lot of time driving, have some items handy to help you pass the time more comfortably. Drink some of that water we just talked about while you’re driving. Keep a bottle or two in the car at all times. Also store a bag of hard candies and lollipops in your glovebox and have some straws or cinnamon sticks availabe to chew on.
Do some deep breathing.
Cravings usually hit fast and with force. They’re strongest at the start, and fade in intensity within 3 – 5 minutes. Don’t panic when you get a craving to smoke. Take a few moments to concentrate on your breathing. Close your eyes if possible and breathe in and out slowly. Let the craving wash over you like a wave while you focus on your breathing. The urge will pass and you’ll be left feeling stronger.
Turn your bathroom into a day spa.
Light some candles, and take a long hot bubble bath. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure and follow with a facial. Pamper yourself!
Have a cup of tea.
Allow yourself a few minutes to relax with a cup of tea and honey. Choose herbal teas rather than those with caffiene. It’s an quick and easy way to rejuvenate yourself.
Reward yourself.
Come up with a list of small gifts that you can give yourself every day. Take a hot bath. Buy a new candle. Read a fun magazine. Enlist someone else in the family to cook dinner. Small daily rewards will boost your spirits and fortify your resolve to keep the quit.
Be patient and kind to yourself during the early days of smoking cessation. The rewards will outweigh the discomforts you’re going through. Nicot
There are many healthier ways to reduce stress.
One of them is my favorite one.
Cocoa rich chocolate.Cocoa contains natural substances that reduce stress and pain and create a feeling of pleasure in your brain and increase your brain activity.How long effects last depends on how much you consume.Only a few pieces of high cocoa chocolate reduces your pain,anxiety or stress for most if not all day.Lindt exellence is my recomendation.The best chocolate you can buy and affordable to most people.You can find it in any store with large selection of items.The applications of cocoa are very wide ranging from consuming it before a dentist appointment to reduce pain and fear from the drill.It is very effective.
After you try it you will never need to smoke again.
I would talk to your dr. about some kind of anxiety med. I quit smoking with this new cancer free option. It’s allot like smoking but completely safe and you can use it just about anywhere, you still get your nicotine and helps with your desire to smoke.