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Anxiety/Smoking (interesting...)

This is just some information that may help other people with the same issue too.  After I quit the pills my anxiety level was messed up to say the least (as many of you know).  However, even after 90 days it was still driving me crazy.  I started to think back to the times when I had been off the pills for a significant amount of time in the past and remembered feeling tons of anxiety, stress, restlessness, and how easily I blew up inside about whatever got me bent out of shape.  So, a month or so ago I started to put two and two together when I noticed (and thought) that smoking may have something to do with it.  I’m super sensitive to any kind of stimulant and can’t even drink a pop because the caffeine makes me shake like I’m coming off of drugs. I honestly NEVER thought of nicotine being a stimulant (well at least enough of one to effect me so much).   Needless to say I quit smoking over 2 weeks ago and it alleviated 95% of the anxiety, stress, and restlessness.  I’m so damn calm and collected now, it feels great!! It was the last vice I had not even planned on giving it up so soon.  There are still cravings but feeling so calm compared to feeling like I was losing my mind 24-7 is so worth the pay off.  As far as it being hard to quit, well, it is not easy (and I have done it a few times in the past).  It is so minor compared to narcotic withdrawal though it’s almost cake.  The hard part is that the cravings come and go for a lot longer. For anyone who may think this is an issue for them, just try a day or even two without smoking.  My boyfriend noticed a HUGE difference at the end of the first day and so did I. I can’t help but think that a big part of my narcotic usage was due to smoking.  I started smoking when I was 13 and took the pills (and whatever else) to try and get rid of my anxiety, very interesting………… Anyways, I hope all my friends on here are doing well and are still sober.  I only get on here every other week or so and with the holidays…., well, you know.  Take care   : )

PS. If you want more information on smoking, quitting, what it does to you, go to why quit (dot) com.  It explains how your body is in constant withdrawal and that is the reason for the elevated anxiety and overreaction to so many things.  
9 Responses
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Avatar universal
What you wrote is interesting. I feel when I'm using I smoke more. My boyfriend that has the same pill problem that I do.He seems to stay up all night smoking and watching TV. He goes into the living room and sleeps and watch's the tv on MY couch. Which is suppose is nice because he doesn't want to wake me up or he says I snore. Which may be true. But I can't answer the snoring thing without an attorney present. I notice alot of butts in the ash tray in the morning and I'm suprised by it.

Dove
Helpful - 0
214607 tn?1287677559
Hey girl...How are you honey...I miss you. Where on earth have you been?? I hope you are well. Your in my thoughts and prayers as usual.....

Love u sweetie...

xo, Lisa
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Avatar universal
Smoking absolutely increases my anxiety level. I think it is becuase you get less oxygen when you smoke, which in turn makes you light headed, which in turn makes you disoriented and nervious. At least that is what would happen to me. But bottom line, smoking potentiates anxiety!!! I believe this is 100PERCENT true. It is why I have almost quit completely.
Helpful - 0
353208 tn?1260866985
Thank God, That is good to know, my wife and I are on day 10 clean of lortab 10's, Soma, zanax and a pack a day smoking habit.  It has been rough but my urge to arm wrestle the Pope for a lortab has greatly dimished, let alone what I would have done for a cig...
Helpful - 0
350867 tn?1208242009
I have to agree with dove, I think it IS the narcotcs that increase my desire to smoke.  When I was at my worst usage with the lortabs, I was also smoking (at least) one pack a day.  When we stopped narcotics, we also stopped smoking.  Figured might as well, we won't notice 2 withdrawals, individually, if done together.  Been 10 days c/t from smoking too!  
Helpful - 0
353208 tn?1260866985
BTW, rebel is with me, she encouraged me to join this board after perusing it.  All of you have helped get thru the first days and maintain the clean additude thereafter. Thanks
Helpful - 0
350867 tn?1208242009
isn't funny how men claim you.LOL let's rephrase: HE'S with Me. LOL
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224927 tn?1189755826
lol, that was funny
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353208 tn?1260866985
Yes Dear, and it is sooo nice to see your humor coming back, "HE'S with Me"...

...  3-0 silk, stat, my side is splitting.
Helpful - 0
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