eating disorders and smoking - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Jayem · 10-23-2002, 02:19 PM

Hey! I am a 30 year old mom of four and have been smoking since the age of 12. I smoke about 10 on a good day and a whole pack on a bad day. I dont drink or use drugs other than cigs. The reason I started smoking was bc the idea was offered as a means of weight loss by a well-intended friend (also 12). She said "Instead of eating, when your hungry, lite up a cig. Worked like a charm. So much so that by the time I was 16 i stood 5'4" and weighed 89 pounds. And when my parents put me in a hospital for anorexia and depression, I was so happy to know we could smoke in the common rooms. To make a long story short, cigs have been in a sense food to me and since its difficult to fully recover from an eating disorder (the ghosts still remain in habit), I am TERRIFIED that I will blow up like a ballon if I quit smoking...in fact the times i've tried i have gone directly to food (mostly sweets). Granted I've only quit for (max) 72 hours (hospitalized), but when I tell you I never stopped stuffing my face and there were "bugs" crawling on my skin (as well as this funky muscular thing with my eyes..they rolled back randomly), you have to believe this only reinforces my fears. And, as a side note, I lost count of how many people have suggested that I quit smoking and "have a glass of wine"...not the soundest advice to give someone who would have a tendency for addiction....thanks in advance for any advice. warmly, Jayem

crystalll · 10-24-2002, 02:27 PM

Hi Jayem,

Since you've had problems with anorexia in the past, I would strongly suggest you go for some type of counselling when you make the decision to quit smoking. It sounds like you're quite anxious about it, and you won't be able to quit successfully with all of those fears.
One thing I can tell you is that we smoke cigarettes simply because we're addicted to nicotine. It's similar to feeding a hunger. When we're hungry, we feel uncomfortable and "empty". When we need a cigarette we feel the same way. The only way to cure that "hunger" is to get rid of the nicotine altogether. Remember that cigarettes are not your friend. And whoever suggested having a glass of wine instead of a cigarette gave you poor advice! Stop thinking of smoking as a "crutch", and you won't need to substitute it with anything.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but I would strongly suggest you get some counselling to truly find the root of your fears. When you do decide to quit, you will get a lot of support from the people around here!

Crystal