Congratulations!

Oh my goshhhhhh! Today is my 1 month! I’m just taking it day by day. Still have my moments throughout the day I want to smoke those nasty sticks 🤢 but I feel like it’s gotten ever so slightly better to resist. Here’s to another month!

Hi guys, wanted to share my thoughts and experiences with quitting nicotine.

First, the type of nicotine addict I am. I am a naturally depressed person ("dysthymia"). My mood can only be stabilized by nearly daily exercise or a high volume of nicotine. My mother smoked when she was pregnant with me, in the car, in our little apartment and so on. I'm not so sure these two things are unrelated.

So, my type would be something along the lines of the depressed, all-or-nothing style of nicotine addict. However, managing dosage is something I was roughly able to do this last go.

I believe the most effective quits I've had are also when I've quit while depressed, with plenty of time for exercise. Quitting during the good times has never worked for me.

I've tried and have been a prolonged user of most nicotine products.

1. Smoking. I started smoking around 15, quickly reaching a pack-a-day whenever I could afford it. I quit before going to university then would smoke off and on throughout my 20s. My last cigarette was during COVID lockdown shortly after the gyms opened.

Quitting experience: Initiated by compounding disgust (smell, cleaning) and complete despair (the last straw was reading Beaudrillard.) I took PTO for a week to rest up and play video games. I also smoked weed regularly (something I'd never done before or since) and worked out high for a few weeks. There was a feeling of "I'm done with this" that precipitated the quit which I felt was unmistakable and final and until, years later, I started...

1. Vaping. I started vaping around 28 due to low level background stress with a girl I was dating. I knew I was going to break up with her and we'd fight constantly, but we lived together in a place I'd bought so I couldn't leave, and she was in a situation where I couldn't simply kick her out. However, I bought that first vape on an otherwise normal night. I still remember the almost instant soreness it gave my neck and after a few more puffs I threw the thing out. However, from that point on, I couldn't stop thinking about vaping again. I'd go on to vape another 5 years, and although it's been several months now I'd still consider myself addicted today.

Qutting experience: Truly a demon. I calculated the amount of nictoine I'd be ingesting to be around 3-4 packs a day. I could vape basically anywhere. It became ingrained in everything and does not let you leave it gently. It'll whisper in your ear about your acuity, social anxiety, mood. You'll be reminded of it drinking, eating, chilling. It'll break you down until you compromise through some shameful pretzel of logic. The lack of disgust (smells good, tastes good, often little residue with regular brushing) combined with the accessibility and mild physical symptoms leaves little incentive, and thus motivation, to continue a quit.

For vaping I had to do NRT. The depression I'd feel became overwhelming cold turkey, even with a supportive wife by my side. There was always a phase of euphoria as blood came flowing back which would be intense for a few days then diissipate and give way to a depression starting a couple weeks in and becoming unbearable after around three months. Even working out felt like simply mechanically pulling around the meat of my body. I started with 'double patching' plus lozenges, and slowly stripped all of them away.

1. Patches. Extremely easy to give up and scale down. Obviously there's a little adjustment when you reduce your usage, but working my way from 2x 21mg patches down to one 7mg felt seamless with gum/lozenges to smooth things over. Quitting and reducing patches was helped a little by the disgusting residue and constant skin irritation they leave on the body. I was certainly happy when I was down to one, and then down to none.

2. Lozenges. These are great and flavorful but made me literally shit blood so I quit them after a couple months. If I had to suggest an ideal NRT combo it'd be lozenges + patches, but due to the poopy I began using nicotine gum. Lozenges are discreeter, cleaner and easier to deal with than gum. For these reasons, however, I could see it being difficult to get off of them after prolonged use.

3. Nicotine Gum. We now arrive at the final product I've used. After using my last patch perhaps 2.5-3 months ago, I began only chewing gum. The gum is less desireable than lozenges because it has a disgusting side effect of chewed up gum everywhere. I'd push mine back into the little container capsule they pop out of. It's also far less subtle, sometimes socially inappropriate. I'll also add it made me drool while speaking and lispier sometimes.

Qutting experience: It's strange after having quit vaping so many times and having that demon bargaining with me every day to this silent, boring, sleepy and mechanical emptiness that is simple nicotine cessation. I'm two weeks in now and it's not completely comfortable. I'm still struggling with insomnia (writing this at 3am after having passed out around 9pm lol) and oversleeping and exhaustion and all those things but without the mental warfare it just feels like normal depression which is manageable. With vaping somewhere around 9.5 months past at this point the impulses have been severed, and chewing gum constantly was actually really annoying so I'm happy to be rid of that. No brain fog or mood swings, and I'm still able to get some work done and concentrate somewhat.

For vapers out there, I'd recommend NRT no doubt. Don't listen to the prescribed method or any of that shit though. Double patch, cut patches up, chew a whole sheet of gum if you have to. Get enough in your system you don't feel like you're quitting nicotine, win the battle against the habitual/psychological attachment to vapes/cigs, then begin the war against the physical addiction.

Nicotine is a toxic substance to the body so no matter what method you use it'll fuck you up in some way. Gum and lozenges would cause gum sores and burning/irritation to my tongue. Patches would leave inflamed skin on my arms. As my wife, who's a doctor, says "inflammation is cancer." So, there is no safe form, and you should get off of it for this reason alone, but you already know that. I would just imagine the inflammation and sores inside of my body, inside of my lungs, and it'd make me feel gross. It helps during the quit.

I think the brain fog from vaping and cigarettes is from your brain compensating for less oxygen by double timing the pump of nicotine-infused blood or something like that. It feels like a unique state that nonsmokers will never experience or understand. To me, it's like the pressure is changing inside my head when I try to think (thus my theory lol) and there's a general despondency toward thinking that sets in. Gum, lozenges and patches do not have the brain fog after extended usage followed by reduction/cessation in my experience. I may be unable to concentrate or have trouble carrying a thought deeply, but the feeling of brain fog is gone. My brain fog was still its worst going from vaping to NRT.

I also want to put aside the myth that if you use NRT products you can't quit with them again. I've shared sort of my high level story, but I've used patches, lozenges, gum in every configuration over the past couple years trying to quit, and it seems apparent that this time will actually be the last time. The difference this time around is that I didn't shy away from loading up on NRT products until I felt normal, and I had no prescribed schedule. An arbitrary two or four week timeline puts unnecessary pressure and artificial boundaries on quitting.

If you read this disorganized mess I appreciate it. Hope this is helpful or insightful to someone out there.

Hi all,

I just want to start this post off by saying that I am not looking for advice on quitting specifically. I have already quit, I quit almost 16 months ago now.

I am making this post to ask how to prevent these "cravings" that I still have. The best way to describe how I feel is this: life has felt dull and very unenjoyable since quitting nicotine, I feel like I don't have the drive or power to do as much as I used to do while on nicotine, and when I do have the drive to do anything, I'm much worse at doing said thing than I was while on nicotine. As I said earlier, I quit 16 months ago, my physical and psychological cravings should all be gone now at this point as everyone says so, but I still just feel like there's a void in my life that nicotine filled. I have felt this way since the very first day of quitting and up until now, it eats at me almost daily. I never even really felt much better or any difference in my life since quitting nicotine. Everyone always touts how much healthier it is to be off of it and how much damage it does to your body. I felt no difference physically since quitting and my blood tests, heart rate, bp, overall health has not changed since going off of nicotine. I did do nicotine pouches which are supposedly the safest form of nicotine, maybe it was just because of that? I don't know. All I'm getting at is that life just felt better on nicotine.

I wouldn't say I'm "depressed". I actually believe I'm quite happy. I have a loving wife and a life to look forward to. I feel fine on a day to day basis, it's just like this devil on my shoulder every day that says to me, "you might feel great now but imagine how much better you'll feel with nicotine"

I always hear these stories that ex-heroin addicts tell, they talk about how heroin was the worst thing they've ever done. They claim that despite being off of heroin for years and fully clean, their life is still fucked up from heroin as heroin was the most euphoric thing they've ever had in their life and there will never be anything that comes close to it, so they are constantly reminded about how good it felt. I don't mean to compare nicotine withdrawal to heroin withdrawal, as I'm aware heroin is much, much worse, but that feeling that the ex heroin addicts describe after being clean for years reminds me of my exact situation. I feel like I've ruined my life by ever taking nicotine in the first place and I could never life a full life again without being on it for the rest of my life.

I don't think id ever relapse despite me typing all of this. I'm smart enough to know that these are just intrusive thoughts for the most part and I can't ever see myself acting out on them. I just want advice on how to stop having these thoughts whatsoever.

Thank you for reading.

I can't believe I made it halfway to 90 days! Chantix, therapy, gum, (sometimes zyns), and allowing myself to feel how I feel has gotten me through it. Despite a stressful breakup, stress from school, my family, and work I have made it. Nap, nmw.

I’m gonna quit. I am, and i know that pushing through is all you can do at the end of the day. My friends laugh at me every time I say i’m gonna quit or the ones who don’t smoke say it can’t be that hard.

I’m always pushing it off because i work in the service industry job and i don’t want to be visibly stressed out or irritable. I already have a tendency to get overwhelmed and lash out and i don’t want that to be heightened by the withdrawals. I keep making excuses like this and I just need some care and accountability.

I already struggle with substance abuse and tend to over do it with most things but i think that if i can quit vaping it’ll help me build healthier habits surrounding addiction/ abuse.

Anyways just seeking support on here. I’m gonna quit tomorrow, and then every day after that.

I thought the first day or two would be the worst but I’m now getting to day 3 and really really craving.

looking for support/ideas? hearing about your experience?

im working and the stress from work isn’t helping.

Is this real? And does it mean 3 months without nicotine, or just without cigarettes?

I quit using NRT about 2ish months ago and honestly, without nicotine every single day has been a mental battle. I even went and bought a pack. It sat there for 3 days; I opened it, smelled it, put one in my mouth, but didn't light it. I threw away most of them and kept staring at just a single cigarette, which led me down a rabbit hole of searching: Does this actually exist? Is there a 90-day milestone where this feeling finally goes away?

I feel so hopeless. In my head, I know it's going to get easier, but right now, my brain is actively trying to sabotage me 24/7.

I remember what it was like smoking, and I miss it. There's nothing logically wrong with how I'm living now, it's just pure, raw craving.

I even am hiding that one cig from my gf... It's totally bs...

It’s been 22 days.

Quitting smoking isn’t just saying “I won’t light another one.” It’s the hours, the cravings, the empty feeling, the thought that “just one won’t hurt.” All of it builds up quietly.

That’s why we built QuitApp. Not to turn quitting into a promise, but into something you can see. How many days have passed. How much time you’ve gained. How much money you’ve saved. How many cigarettes you didn’t smoke.

Then we became users of our own app.

1 day and 21 hours gained. ₺4,450 saved. 685 cigarettes not smoked.

The tree is still small. But it’s still standing. And every day it takes a little more root.

This app started as a way to help someone else quit. Then the same counter started running on our own screen. Maybe that was the most honest part.

We didn’t smoke today either.

This is more of a way of reminding myself why I do this, but I do want to get as many pieces of advice as I can.

Tomorrow will be my 29th birthday, I’ve been smoking cigarettes since I turned 14 and, after more than 2 years in therapy, I finally feel confident enough to try and stop it for real.

To give you some context, last year I tried to use nicotine patches and they worked for around 3 months, until I gave in and began smoking again. After that, I had a rough couple of months dealing with relationship issues and having moved to another country, which made my addiction to cigarettes an even bigger and more vital part of my daily life.
But I think I can do it now.

So, once again, I’d appreciate any tips and/or advice for someone who gets anxious really easily and who will this time try to go cold turkey on it.

Either way, thank you to the ones who took the time to read this post.

So, I made a post the other day about wanting to quit but might find it difficult as I'm surrounded by smokers and live with one, I read everyone's comments and I want to thank all of you! I talked to my doctor about Nicotine Replacement Therapy and told him I wanted the combination (Patches and Lozenge) because I know the patches slowly release nicotine into your blood steam and helps with the craving, the Lozenges and gum help with the urge (I read a lot of negatives on the gum and knowing me I would probably chew a few times and swallow). Is the combination as helpful as I've read or is it just a waste? Will these help me in quitting even if I'm surrounded by smokers?

Any tips, advice or even failed / success stories!

Accessability Transcription:

Am image from my sober timer app thingy that I just hit 6 months nicotine free.

I got many cravings for a week but now I cannot stand the smell of smoke, I feel much better overall, stop smoking guys!

It's been 10 days since I quit and I'm trying to become an electrician apprentice. (Union applications open in spring so probably not union rn but most electrician jobs are no weed because it's a safety related job even though I live in Vegas) Anyways does this look negative to you yet how bold does the purple line have to be. I'm super excited because I know people say it takes about a month but I feel validated that I'm heading in the right direction?

I’m so tired I’ve been smoking daily for over a year since I bought my first pack ever, after thinking it would be some type of outlet for all the shit I’ve been going through, and just never stopped.

I don’t want my teeth to hurt, I don’t want to cough all day to the point of vomiting, I don’t want to reek, I don’t want to give my money and time to these evil fucking things and their evil fucking companies.

I’ve tried quitting a bunch of times now and it’s never stuck. I went all day today without smoking after my last pack ran out, and I was feeling good about it. Obviously when you stop smoking you start “having bad days” which leads to more smoking.

Even after feeling all of that today I still bought a stupid pack and smoked one, I felt so disgusted I ripped up the entire pack of 20 left in half and trashed it. I’m done. I’m writing this post so I can leave it up and put it into the world that I’M FUCKING DONE.

I’m stronger than this, I’m a better person than this, I want more than this, and I’m going to get there. Thanks for letting me rant and get this off my chest. I don’t talk to anyone in my life about smoking and I don’t plan to, especially now since there’s no reason to because I FUCKING QUIT.

Hello, I hope everyone is doing great.
4 month ago I tried to quit smoking, because I had a free gap in my career so I thought I should take advantage of it and build better habits, which include stopping nicotine.It was hard initially and I thought the brain fog will pass with time. Unfortunately, now I am back to the everyday life stress and even though the brain fog did got better, still my productivity is hindered due to the lack of nicotine. I just found out how deeply my nicotine habit is wired to my thinking and analysis, which is reflected on my productivity. Nevertheless, the next few month are essential to me, that’s why ’m thinking on relapsing. I rarley have cravings but still my productivity is lacking, so I thought it’s better to get other people opinion on this. Thank you.

I've been smoke/vape/nicotine free for 1 months exactly. My husband says that every night for the past week or so I've been talking, screaming or calling for help in my sleep. I can remember some of the dreams I've been having, but most of them are just silly/odd. A few of them have been scary, but not like night terrors. Last night he said I woke up several times screaming/yelling and I only remember once. I do remember waking up and feeling like I can't fall back asleep, but was able to fairly quickly. Since I've quit, I've been going to bed around 10pm when I smoked I usually slept around 12 or 1. And I am now waking around 6 to 7 when I used to around 9 or 10.

Did any of you guys have increased talking or yelling in your sleep? Did you have an increase in odd vivid dreams?

Today is my 150 days smoke free. I am a 29M, I smoked for 12 years on and off, I quitted before for one year but sadly relapsed. Smoked again for 5 years and this time I must quit. No looking back. I quitted because I felt like cigarettes had affected my health slowly.

I regret not taking good care of myself before. I regret putting the first cigarette into my mouth before. I regret letting my parents and girlfriend down by smoking. I want to live a healthy life, I want to take care of my parents, I want to enjoy my life with my girlfriend. I want to control my life again.

It is not easy to kick a habit of 12 years, it was a hell of a journey. But starting to see I gain my health back slowly is 200% worth it. I want to thank everyone in this sub. Whenever I feel struggling, I open this sub and see so many people trying their best to quit, there is no excuse for me. Let’s keep our chin up Warriors! I will not smoke with you again!

My husband is quitting smoking cold turkey after smoking a pack a day. It wouldn’t have been my preferred option for him, but it’s his choice. As for me, I quit a year ago. How can I support him? It’s making him tense, and I’m a little worried it might lead to pointless arguments that get out of hand.

42M, smoked for like 20 years, 15 cigarettes daily in the end. Before the quitting I was feeling pain in my lungs - every day for 4-5 months. I was waking up and feeling sick immediately. I was also having headache 2-3 times weekly and I needed a pill every time cause it was really bad. What's worse, after smoking a cigarette I needed to lay in the bed for 15 mins to "recover" from the smoking. I have zero energy every day - like a very old man.

Feeling so down was totally unexpected to me. The last year I had a non-smoking period for several months - I was running, I was very active, turning my energy into fun and achievements. This year I was feeling myself like I am 60+ years old, and this was every single day. It just took 12 months to regress so much, as I lost 20 years of my life.

Long story short, I just had no other option and quit that hell - without turning back. I did not care about cravings, bad moments of non smoking or whatever, I was fighting for my ruined health. I knew that all of these symptoms come from the smoking and they really did. A month later my health was much, much better - like I got younger by 5 years. And this is what you will feel too.

My breathing is still not the same as the last year, but I am patient. It might take time, I am fine. Even if it should take a year or more, or even if I am damaged permanently already - I just can't go back. The smoking makes me sick and it drains my energy like I am in the end of my life. You might think: "Cool but it is not my story, I am younger, my breathing is still great". You never know, bro. I was great 12 months ago too.

If you are smoker, remember, bro - your health might not regress gradually. There might be a moment, this year of after 3 years, that the line will be crossed and your body will signal you about the damage every day. Even if you quit - you might never be normal again. Unfortunately, most people, including me, wait for the moment the pain starts.

Don't be stupid, guys. Save yourself until you have time. There was a thread explaining how companies make the cigarettes more addictive with purpose, so you cannot never quit until you are ready to face your hell. It is an evil business - they kill you while they slowly take your money. You think smoking is your escape from the hell. IT CREATES the hell. This is something that 99% of the ex-smokers will tell you right in the face. You think: "I feel weak already, smoking makes me more focused, doing my s*itty job without feeling bad, I feel less lonely, etc.". This insecurity is chemical - what you smoke contains additional substances that creates that anxiety constantly - it is official information, so you can research it.

You will never meet a long-term ex-smoker saying that his life became worse after quitting.

My dad stopped at 70 just because he is fighting now for every day of his life. The last year he was not planning to quit at all. He was saying: "It is too late, I don't wanna feel bad in the end of my life, I will just go on until I die". This man doesn't even have a 7-day streak in his 50 years of smoking. But he changed this year when the pain starts. What does it mean - once the health regress damage your daily life, you will have an immediate and emergent reason to quit. It is an instict that is stronger than the smoking.

But be smart and project yourself in a future where you smoke - the hell is there bro. Plan your escape. You will be fine - your anxiety and depressions will drop 10 times few months after quitting. All of your reasons that make you smoke now will disappear with your quitting. Yes, first months are hard. Be patient, just be patient. Do your daily stuff as much as you can, eat, sleep, have relaxing activities, repeat.

Every ex-smoker repeat the same - first months are hard, after that you feel better and happier. You even start to look better. Let's say you might need 4 months to reach that state. So what? Every day that you don't light up gives you power that you can use tomorrow.

There is no option to be healthy when you smoke. It is just a matter of time when the disease will come. Look at the old people that smoke, look at their broken bodies and distorted faces. Choose wisely or that will be your destiny, bro, all of them look like that. It is not about do you need to quit now or tomorrow. Plan it, make attempts, even if you need 10 attempts - don't worry. Build the right vision - smoking kills you day by day, but before the real death you will already feel dead years before that - while your non-smoker friends from your childhood have everything from life that you also deserve. So here is my message to you, bro.

Choose life.

I started smoking cigs 4 years ago and transitioned to chronic, non stop vaping a couple years ago with occasional cigs. I quit all nic 72 hours ago and have found the process surprisingly easy. Feel totally normal. Anyway, have a nice day