3 months--should be over psychological nicotine withdrawal? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

hopetofeelwell1 · 03-24-2009, 12:16 PM

Hi all! I just came from my psychiatrist this morning who said I should pretty much be over the psychological withdrawal of smoking. I don't know--I think everyone is different. I went to a dentist once who quit 3 packs a day and it took him a year to get over the craving. I would like to hear different opinions on this subject because after smoking for over 30 years it's like losing a part of your whole system--a crummy part--but a part no less. She thinks after that then it's just almost OCD. Thanks so much--Hopeto

Liamsmom · 03-24-2009, 02:04 PM

Hopeto.. No one can tell you when you SHOULD be over the cravings. Shoot it's been almost three years for me and sometimes out of nowhere I think yah know I'd sell my kid to the gypsies for just a drag if I knew I could do it without becoming addicted again. Everyone is different there is no recipe, however, you should on the other hand try to focus on other things it's my strong belief that those who use those time counter life saved thingys are still super focused on smoking. Try to fill your thoughts with other things instead of how long it's been. You can do it it's already at the point where the residual withdrawal symptoms start to fade away and it becomes much easier after the three month mark.

Good luck friend!!!! Keep up the great work

hopetofeelwell1 · 03-24-2009, 06:06 PM

Hi L-Mom! You know, you're right--a person should try to focus on other things. The fact that I have been able to go this far this time around without a cig is nothing short of a miracle for me. The longest I have gone is roughly 6 months and it was always depression that set me back- I would usually relapse in the fall time--shorter days, early darkness--but I have learned through the years that this is my depression kicking in. I am in treatment for clinical depression and mood swings and really like my clinicians. I take 2 low doses of meds every day and I am able to do something different every day. This keeps things fresh and my mind pretty much stays occupied. Every once in a while I will get a memory of smoking or if I'm near a convenient store where a butt or stub is burning in the outside ashtray will I get the smell permeating through my skull and oh boy could I go back in a New York minute! By the grace of God did I put it down and leave it down to this point and have discussed my obsession of smoking and quitting. My psych doc said that I should be over the psychological withdrawal after 3 months and if it persists that I should be in treatment for OCD tendencies. Believe me, I know that OCD does run in the family, but after being obsessed with nicotine for over 30 years and now it's gone, it takes longer than just over 3 months to get over it. I would think a person has to go through all of the seasons to get over something. Maybe I'll just keep quiet and not bring it up again to her. Thanks so much for your much needed pep talk! God bless & take care--Hopeto--

Liamsmom · 03-25-2009, 09:51 AM

Here's when I knew I was done with it. I was in the car as a passenger and we were stopped at a red light and across the street a bus had stopped and this fella in a suit hopped off and fumbled to get a smoke in his mouth and struggled looking for a light and finally when he had that first drag only then did he look happy and I remember thinking to myself thank god that's not me anymore.

Hopeto you have all the strength in the world you 've come this far and you're right the challenges wil always be there you just don't have to add one more to your plate. Your doing awesome and I'm truly proud of you because you always pick yourself up and dust yourself off and make no excuses and you keep at it and that's why I know you'll do it.Have a great day

Stauff · 03-25-2009, 01:50 PM

HopeTo - Liamsmom hit it right dead center. After thirty five years of smoking (and, I was very good at it!) I know it's going to take me longer than just a measly 365 days to be completely over it. I quit last June using Chantix as my crutch, and I could still light one up. I miss my lighter ... miss that first inhale ... and, I'm going to keep on missing it! I never dreamt that I could really quit, and after the struggle to get this far, I'm not about to go through that again. Ask the psych how long it was before he was over it. He's probably not been a nicotine addict, and so you'll find that he read it in a book somewhere. You ARE on track - YOUR TRACK, and don't let the goonies get in your way! Keep smilin