Day 18 without smoking, question... - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Paulos · 03-01-2008, 04:08 PM

Can it cause anxiety *especially if you're also stopping drinking with it* that can make you panic, feel fearful, and scared even without a craving?

wdnwfn · 03-01-2008, 04:17 PM

Yes, it can absolutely cause those emotions. If you really think about it, when you experiences the beginnings of any of those before quitting, you probably dealt with them by lighting up. I don't know about the drinking part, but I'd imagine that would only make things harder. I experienced exactly what you're talking about. Know that it DOES get better. About the only advice I can give you is to take long, slow deep breaths. I'm just finishing month 2 of not smoking and it's getting much, much easier. Good luck to you!!!!

PaperDolls · 03-01-2008, 04:18 PM

Paulos I quit smoking...I'm on day 8. I've had horrible anxiety. I didn't put it together. May be that is it.

Paulos · 03-02-2008, 07:09 AM

Didn't put what together? Thank you all very much.

PaperDolls · 03-02-2008, 07:25 AM

My anxiety has been really bad the past few days. I think it's because I'm going without the smokes.

Last night was better for me. How are you?

**cece1960** · 03-02-2008, 07:54 AM

I'm having a time of the anxiety too.
I'm praying it will go away soon...and I hear it does.

Paulos · 03-03-2008, 07:28 AM

Anxiety is crazy, everyday I wake up with it lightly... then it grows, and grows and then gets worse at nighttime... can't even hear loud sudden noises without flipping out or even moving without having some anxiety... I get the sweats/chills... and this has been day 20 without drinkin/smokin, I would have assumed I'd be semi better by now.

PaperDolls · 03-03-2008, 08:00 AM

For me I think it's sort of a mind game. But I'm the exact same way Paulos. Anxiety all over the place.

I'm on day 8 without smoking. It's got to get better, right?

tstorm08 · 03-03-2008, 05:51 PM

Hang in there Paperdolls!

**historyteach** · 03-03-2008, 06:09 PM

When I quit, the smoke cessation counselor said that we used to take a break when we smoked. We'd stop for a bit, and have that time to think, relax, plan etc...

When we quit, we lose that "down time." So, we just keep on going. But, we *need* that time for ourselves. So, we have to take the time, just without the smoking!

Give yourself a few minutes every once in a while to relax. Take a mini mind vacation. Meditate for five. Create a mental image that will take you away. These types of stragegies will help ease the stress and panic that you are dealing with.

Of course, if it continues or gets worse, do see your doctor. But, try those ideas first.
And don't forget to exercise. It does wonders for anxiety!

Shalom!

Paulos · 03-05-2008, 08:45 AM

Amazing how smoking can bother us so much.

**cece1960** · 03-05-2008, 12:17 PM

A few thoughts to add...
I had to cut out caffiene. I realized that even that one cup of coffee in the morning set me off. I had always been sensitive to caffiene so I guess this sent me over the edge.

I got to the point i had to take a mild anxiety reducer. Again, pretty sensitive to meds so I had to tread carefully there and I take 1/2 the normal dosage so I don't fall asleep at work

But...there's some good/bad stuff too. And this is the stuff that keeps me going forward.
My gums now bleed pretty much every morning and evening when I brush. I have decent oral health so this is not normal. I read that for the first time in 30 years I have normal blood flow to the tissues in my mouth and face because the nicotine isn't restricting the vessels!

Who would have guessed?!

hbb · 03-05-2008, 01:13 PM

Hi all!

When i quit, i went through h*ll....what really helped me was when i was feeling the need for some relief of anxiety or wanting to smoke i would take in deep, deep inhaling breathes. Almost like the action of smoking and it DEFINITELY curbed those cravings. I've been 3 1/2 years and sometimes i still do it to get by a tough moment.

You guys are doing awesome, keep up the great work!

PaperDolls · 03-05-2008, 03:06 PM

I'm having a hell of a time too.
This is more tough then when I quit drinking.
Amazing.

**cece1960** · 03-06-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaperDolls

I'm having a hell of a time too.

I guess there's truth in misery loves company.

I am just flabbergasted that the heebie jeebie could hang on this long.

If someone could just point out the end in sight I'd feel a little better.

I really hope when this is said and done I still have a job, a friend, and a BF.

Paulos · 03-06-2008, 08:20 AM

I hope I still have a life when all this anxiety/smoking/alcohol is gone, if the anxiety ever leaves that is.

PaperDolls · 03-06-2008, 08:36 AM

We should all think positive! When we feel that urge to smoke, remember how hard we have worked and don't lose sight of the ultimate goal.

**cece1960** · 03-06-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaperDolls

We should all think positive! When we feel that urge to smoke, remember how hard we have worked and don't lose sight of the ultimate goal.

PaperDolls · 03-06-2008, 09:26 AM

Actually, I feel the exact same way!!!

**historyteach** · 03-06-2008, 03:42 PM

Tell me what you've GAINED by quitting?

Shalom!

**cece1960** · 03-06-2008, 05:06 PM

Eleven pounds :rof

hbb · 03-06-2008, 07:30 PM

I lost the unattractive cough i was developing at the ripe old age of 30!! OH and 20 lbs!!

PaperDolls · 03-07-2008, 01:30 AM

I've gained a lot of time. I can't believe how much time I spent smoking, or looking for my lighter, putting my coat on.......holy cow. Lot's of time.

Haven't gained and LBS's yet but I'm sure they will come. Oh joy!

***marle*** · 03-07-2008, 05:17 PM

I have 22 days smokefree. Had a lot of anxiety to begin with. Now it comes and goes. I have added an extra 30 minutes of exercise a day to the 30 minutes of walking that I already did and have not gained any weight yet (knocking on wood

). Been eating a lot of fireballs, they help with the cravings. Good luck to everyone and do not give in to the urges to smoke. Hugs, Marle

Paulos · 03-10-2008, 08:30 AM

Day 27 without smoking/drinking here. lol.

03-01-2008, 04:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Paulos Video Game Sage in recovery! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 4	Day 18 without smoking, question... Can it cause anxiety especially if you're also stopping drinking with it that can make you panic, feel fearful, and scared even without a craving? __________________ "Make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh, and I will cry. Happiness I can not feel, and love to me is so unreal."-Loony from Rings of Power

03-02-2008, 07:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
Paulos Video Game Sage in recovery! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 4	Didn't put what together? Thank you all very much. __________________ "Make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh, and I will cry. Happiness I can not feel, and love to me is so unreal."-Loony from Rings of Power

03-02-2008, 07:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
cece1960 Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: PA Posts: 1,219	I'm having a time of the anxiety too. I'm praying it will go away soon...and I hear it does. __________________ The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are going. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

03-03-2008, 07:28 AM	#7 (permalink)
Paulos Video Game Sage in recovery! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 4	Anxiety is crazy, everyday I wake up with it lightly... then it grows, and grows and then gets worse at nighttime... can't even hear loud sudden noises without flipping out or even moving without having some anxiety... I get the sweats/chills... and this has been day 20 without drinkin/smokin, I would have assumed I'd be semi better by now. __________________ "Make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh, and I will cry. Happiness I can not feel, and love to me is so unreal."-Loony from Rings of Power

03-03-2008, 06:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,061	When I quit, the smoke cessation counselor said that we used to take a break when we smoked. We'd stop for a bit, and have that time to think, relax, plan etc... When we quit, we lose that "down time." So, we just keep on going. But, we need that time for ourselves. So, we have to take the time, just without the smoking! Give yourself a few minutes every once in a while to relax. Take a mini mind vacation. Meditate for five. Create a mental image that will take you away. These types of stragegies will help ease the stress and panic that you are dealing with. Of course, if it continues or gets worse, do see your doctor. But, try those ideas first. And don't forget to exercise. It does wonders for anxiety! Shalom! __________________

03-01-2008, 04:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
wdnwfn Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 11	Yes, it can absolutely cause those emotions. If you really think about it, when you experiences the beginnings of any of those before quitting, you probably dealt with them by lighting up. I don't know about the drinking part, but I'd imagine that would only make things harder. I experienced exactly what you're talking about. Know that it DOES get better. About the only advice I can give you is to take long, slow deep breaths. I'm just finishing month 2 of not smoking and it's getting much, much easier. Good luck to you!!!!

03-01-2008, 04:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	Paulos I quit smoking...I'm on day 8. I've had horrible anxiety. I didn't put it together. May be that is it.

03-02-2008, 07:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	My anxiety has been really bad the past few days. I think it's because I'm going without the smokes. Last night was better for me. How are you?

03-03-2008, 08:00 AM	#8 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	For me I think it's sort of a mind game. But I'm the exact same way Paulos. Anxiety all over the place. I'm on day 8 without smoking. It's got to get better, right?

03-03-2008, 05:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
tstorm08 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 56	Hang in there Paperdolls!

03-05-2008, 08:45 AM	#11 (permalink)
Paulos Video Game Sage in recovery! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 4	Amazing how smoking can bother us so much. __________________ "Make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh, and I will cry. Happiness I can not feel, and love to me is so unreal."-Loony from Rings of Power

03-05-2008, 12:17 PM	#12 (permalink)
cece1960 Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: PA Posts: 1,219	A few thoughts to add... I had to cut out caffiene. I realized that even that one cup of coffee in the morning set me off. I had always been sensitive to caffiene so I guess this sent me over the edge. I got to the point i had to take a mild anxiety reducer. Again, pretty sensitive to meds so I had to tread carefully there and I take 1/2 the normal dosage so I don't fall asleep at work But...there's some good/bad stuff too. And this is the stuff that keeps me going forward. My gums now bleed pretty much every morning and evening when I brush. I have decent oral health so this is not normal. I read that for the first time in 30 years I have normal blood flow to the tissues in my mouth and face because the nicotine isn't restricting the vessels! Who would have guessed?! __________________ The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are going. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

03-05-2008, 01:13 PM	#13 (permalink)
hbb Live, Laugh, Love Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Between Fenway and the Beach! Posts: 1,292	Hi all! When i quit, i went through hll....what really helped me was when i was feeling the need for some relief of anxiety or wanting to smoke i would take in deep, deep inhaling breathes. Almost like the action of smoking and it DEFINITELY curbed those cravings. I've been 3 1/2 years and sometimes i still do it to get by a tough moment. You guys are doing awesome, keep up the great work! __________________ Heather "Happiness often sneaks through a door we didn't know we left open"*

03-05-2008, 03:06 PM	#14 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	I'm having a hell of a time too. This is more tough then when I quit drinking. Amazing.

03-06-2008, 08:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
Paulos Video Game Sage in recovery! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 4	I hope I still have a life when all this anxiety/smoking/alcohol is gone, if the anxiety ever leaves that is. __________________ "Make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh, and I will cry. Happiness I can not feel, and love to me is so unreal."-Loony from Rings of Power

03-06-2008, 08:36 AM	#17 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	We should all think positive! When we feel that urge to smoke, remember how hard we have worked and don't lose sight of the ultimate goal.

03-06-2008, 09:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	Actually, I feel the exact same way!!!

03-06-2008, 03:42 PM	#20 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,061	Tell me what you've GAINED by quitting? Shalom! __________________

03-06-2008, 05:06 PM	#21 (permalink)
cece1960 Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: PA Posts: 1,219	Eleven pounds :rof __________________ The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are going. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

03-06-2008, 07:30 PM	#22 (permalink)
hbb Live, Laugh, Love Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Between Fenway and the Beach! Posts: 1,292	I lost the unattractive cough i was developing at the ripe old age of 30!! OH and 20 lbs!! __________________ Heather "Happiness often sneaks through a door we didn't know we left open"

03-07-2008, 01:30 AM	#23 (permalink)
PaperDolls Miss Grumpy Pain in the Pants Join Date: May 2004 Location: Midwest Posts: 5,097 Blog Entries: 10	I've gained a lot of time. I can't believe how much time I spent smoking, or looking for my lighter, putting my coat on.......holy cow. Lot's of time. Haven't gained and LBS's yet but I'm sure they will come. Oh joy!

03-07-2008, 05:17 PM	#24 (permalink)
*marle* Community Greeter Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: East Tawas, MI Posts: 3,179	I have 22 days smokefree. Had a lot of anxiety to begin with. Now it comes and goes. I have added an extra 30 minutes of exercise a day to the 30 minutes of walking that I already did and have not gained any weight yet (knocking on wood). Been eating a lot of fireballs, they help with the cravings. Good luck to everyone and do not give in to the urges to smoke. Hugs, Marle __________________ "If we all knew the answers, there would be no need for questions."

03-10-2008, 08:30 AM	#25 (permalink)
Paulos Video Game Sage in recovery! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 4	Day 27 without smoking/drinking here. lol. __________________ "Make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh, and I will cry. Happiness I can not feel, and love to me is so unreal.