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anxiety...feel like crawling out of my skin


hopeful2
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hopeful2
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13 years ago 0 86 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Working on it - You are absolutely right, I do not like your answer.  In fact, it gives me even more anxiety lol  But, it's the truth and it makes perfect sense.  So, I guess at this stage in the game, my only relief from anxiety is to smoke more - which is NOT an option.  Also a good point, that this anxiety is felt everyday as a smoker and that is what I can't wait to be free from.  I think your plan is a very rational one...I like the idea of attacking this in pieces.  First, some of the psychological part, then the physical.  Appreciate the input
Working On It
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Working On It
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13 years ago 0 1140 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hi hopeful,
 
I have an answer, and you probably aren't going to like it. When I heard it, I didn't like it, either. However, once you understand this, your quit will be a lot simpler.  
 
You will experience anxiety with each reduction in nicotine until you have no more nicotine in your system. You can do this in steps, going through withdrawal with each decrease. Or you can do this all at once, by going cold turkey. But until the nicotine has been gone from your body for 3 days, you will keep going through this. By the way, you will keep going through this even if you don't attempt to quit. All active smokers go through this every day, as nicotine levels rise (providing release from withdrawal symptoms) and fall after not smoking for an hour or so (creating withdrawal symptoms). The good news is that, once you get through that final 3 days, you will not have to experience the addict's physical anxiety again. That is one of the thoughts that keeps me from relapsing, by the way. 
 
I still think NRT's may be worth exploring, since some of your anxiety is simply about the idea of quitting. I think the knowledge that you can suck on a lozenge or chew some gum to relieve physical withdrawal symptoms might provide a sense of safety. I know it did for me. It also allowed me to deal with eliminating the habit/ behavior of smoking before I dealt with physical withdrawal. By the time I got to physical withdrawal, it was just that--physical. When I was able to deal with it minus a lot of the psychological dependence, I realized that I've had cases of the flu that were worse than the withdrawal. In other words, physical withdrawal is something I'd rather not re-live, but it's not worth panicking over. 
 
I hope that helps.  

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hopeful2
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hopeful2
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13 years ago 0 86 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Ashley - No, I have not seen a doctor, but I am thinking I might have to soon.  Knowing that the 1/2 pack decrease is probably causing some of the anxiety kind of brings me some peace in knowing that I am making baby steps in the right direction.  I am hoping that I can use the amount of nicotine to control my anxiety until I can quit completely.  What I mean by that is that I will not increase the amount, but keep at the same level until I can withstand more anxiety.  Is this thinking totally screwed up?  Because the 72 hr withdrawal really scares me, I know I need to take some time off of work.  I know that I need to plan this well to be successful and not give up.  If I am working, I will not be able to handle it and give up. I need to be in the comfort of my own home. So, I plan to quit as soon as I can take off a couple of days after the Thanksgiving holiday.  Thanks again for your helpful input.
Shannon
Ashley -> Health Educator
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Ashley -> Health Educator
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13 years ago 0 11226 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
It's probably a bit of both. Cutting back from a pack to a half pack is a BIG change and this is certainly going to cause withdrawal symptoms and anxiety is a common one. As explained in another post this s temporary. Have you talked to your Doctor our pharmacist about NRTs or other medication that can help you get through withdrawal? NRTs are helpful for some people while quitting.
 
 
 
 

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

hopeful2
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hopeful2
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13 years ago 0 86 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
So, I have been experiencing severe anxiety.  Actually, do not quite know if it is severe because I have never really felt like this before.  I feel like crawling out of my skin.  I find it hard to be at work.  I rush home.  Then, I can't stand being home.  I feel like there is no where for me to hide.  The thing is, I am still smoking.  I have decided to quit, but have not set a date yet.  I have, however, reduced my smoking from a pack a day to a half-a-pack.  I get anxiety when I don't smoke.  I get anxiety when I smoke. Could I be experiencing this much anxiety just from the thought of quitting?  Or, do you think it is because I am withdrawing a bit from the decrease?  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
 
Shannon

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