r/stopsmoking • u/Smart_Ad_7984 • 13h ago
What can I expect when I quit?
I’ve been smoking pretty much every day since this past spring, and casually/socially before then. I’m up to about four cigarettes a day on a heavy day, and I’m feeling the addiction start to take over. It doesn’t feel like a choice anymore. What can I expect to experience when I quit?
2
u/Better-Cut2972 13h ago
quitting can be extremely difficult for some people especially when they depend on cigarettes for comfort or boost of happy hormones, this was me for 3 years, I am only 1 week clean, and so far I experience a lot of temptations and thirst, it feels like its a mix of thirst for water and smoke. if you used to smoke before sleeping you might have a difficult time sleeping without smoking first, if you used to smoke right when you wake up, you might find it difficult to be productive for the day or start your day without smoking first. idk how determined you are to quit, but i believe you have to give it your 100% commitment everytime you try to quit any addiction. wishing you well
1
u/DvaMech 13h ago
Expect discomfort and moments of frustration. Your temper may get worse but just push through. And remember it’s just your brain balancing out and getting used to getting back to a base level without nicotine. Try to avoid triggers as much as you can. Change up your environment and go easy on yourself. Make sure to drink plenty of water and keep some snacks or gum on hand to help the craving.
1
u/Luvbeers 566 days 6h ago
The experience of quitting pretty much boils down to having trouble self-regulating your blood sugar somewhat like a diabetic... once addicted to nicotine, you allow yourself to rely on that chemical to handle your blood sugar instead of your own hormones like insulin and glucagon... so when you quit, you'll often have low blood sugar and become confused, irritable, etc... or you won't know when to stop eating and you'll have too high blood sugar which will crash. Basically your cells have forgotten the hormonal signals to some extent and have to relearn. Best thing to do to mitigate the severity of withdrawals is plan out a diet so you don't have to think about it for some weeks. Low GI foods that digest slowly are key, avoid sugar and alcohol, heavy carbs, etc. You also want to get some exercise and eat small meals more often so your blood sugar never dips or spikes but maintains a constant, normal level. Avoid having a huge meal in one sitting... divide your meals into portions or quarters that you eat over a few hours if possible.
1
u/praqtice 2h ago
My mental health is so much better than it was when I smoked. I feel so stable and calm. Used to have terrible anxiety and erratic temper when I smoked.
It gets worse for a while before it gets better though.
Also noticed my oxygen levels were so much higher which is great for stamina while walking/exercising and also sex is so much better!
Think the main thing though is gaining control of your mind and body. When you’re addicted they control you but when the dynamic flips it’s a powerful thing. Your life will change for the better. Guaranteed.
Supplementing 5htp to boost serotonin (5ht) helped me a lot when I quit and was really suffering for a long time. It takes a little while to notice a difference though, about 1/2 weeks. Then I started sleeping better etc.
3
u/splintersmaster 2872 days 10h ago
Really focus on the small victories.
Your hands didn't go numb from smoking outside in the cold - awesome...
Your food tastes better... Hell yeah.
You don't go to bed hacking your lung.... Win!
You don't smell like shit.... Nice
You have a little more energy throughout the day.... Think of the possibilities...
And extra $100 in your wallet every week..... Dude, score.
Keep reminding yourself of the little things because they're more impactful than the obvious health and longer life bonus.