I’m quitting nicotine tablets after using them for three years!

[NikkiBeckyVicki]

I was a full time smoker from age 14 until I was 37. I used nicotine tablets to get off the cigarettes, and was completely  nicotine free for over a year. I somehow got it into my head that I wanted to smoke again, but I knew I didn’t really want to… so I got the tablets and used them non-stop. I have been using the 4 mg tablets all day everyday for a long time now. I am on vacation from work this week, so I’m getting off the tablets. 3 days with no nicotine now. I’m very foggy and tired. Headaches. 
The reason I’m writing this post is because I want to read something encouraging- but most of the help available is directly related to quitting tobacco. A lot of the quit literature promotes using an NRT- which is awesome- that’s what helped me quit the cigarettes, but now I personally need help with staying away from the NRTs. I can’t be the only one who has struggled with this, right? 

[NINERS49]

@NikkiBeckyVicki 

hello and welcome! 

i have never used any aides to quit, so i can’t tell you, but i would imagine you are still quitting the nicotine, so it’s going to be tough and side effects and withdrawal symptoms symptoms are normal.

i am going into week 4 cold turkey and it’s been 1 hell of a ride mentally and physically, but I’m working at it. 
you got this, just be strong, the symptoms will take a while to subside, but they will eventually. 

you got this! 

[MichelleDiane]

You are not alone @NikkiBeckyVicki .   Just keep doing what you've been doing to have these three days.  I know it is easier said than done, but if you can do three why not four?  Hang in there.

-Michelle 😊

[Barbscloud]

@NikkiBeckyVicki You're doing the right thing now be getting off the nicotine replacement.  A small percentage of people do get addicted to the NRT, that's why it's important to follow the directions.  But that doesn't matter at this point.  You're a success with three days  without the tablets.  

There's great information on this site, so do some reading to help with your quit.  We're here to support you on this journey, so reach out anytime.

Congrats on your commitment.

Barb

[tracy0924]

@NikkiBeckyVicki you are doing the right thing! If you’ve been off them for three days you should have most of the nicotine out of your system. The fogginess and physical tiredness should clear up soon. Just keep doing what you’re doing and don’t start taking those lozenges again. I am using the patch and gum to quit, and I am on the second step where I have gone down to the next level of patch and reduced my amount of gum that I am using. I hope to be off all within the next month. Yes it will be hard since you have been using these for three years, but you can do it. Treat them like cigarettes and make a plan with alternatives when you get a craving or trigger where are you lozenge. Keep up the good work!

You can do this!🤗🤗🤗

Tracy

[maryfreecig]

Welcome to Ex. No matter the path your quit has taking you are welcome at Ex. No need to feel different. I came to Ex almost three years after I quit...I wondered if the community would think I was insane to need a community after some time quit. Nope. It's more about gaining freedom and helping others and beinng a community around here. So once again, welcome to Ex, come on in!!!

[indingrl]

Congrats on three days of freedom from nicotine tabs - good job loving you!

 

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!

The information on quitting smoking/NRT lozenges/gum is all relative to your situation.  They are all delivery systems for nicotine - and that is the ingredient that is addictive.

The important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”    You can search for it online or at your local library.  Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpWMgPHn0Lo&feature=youtu.be

Since a tablet can be used anytime, anywhere, it might actually be a bit easier to quit using them since there are not particular times/places/activities that you associate with their use.  I believe the psychological part of this addiction, that created by the triggers and associations linked to nicotine use, is the more difficult from which to break free.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Keep a cold bottle of water with you. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You might visit “Games”: The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the page.

The nicotine is out of your body in about three days after the last use.  Then it's a couple of weeks of your body getting used to functioning without it.  Here is information outlining the early physical  nicotine withdrawal symptoms:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/t5/Best-of-EX/Early-Withdrawal-Symptoms/m-p/1088041#M1178

Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/t5/Journals-Blogs/101-Things-to-Do-Instead-of-Smoke/ba-p/1028319

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?"  Then DO it.  You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

 Nancy

[Shortygirl50]

Good morning hi my name is shortygirl50 read some of my blog' u can inspire ur self but I do understand j

[Shortygirl50]

What u r saying tho I'm jus not addicted 2 nicotine something else 2 I need not 2 say but it' alrite Jus read other' blog' if we don't inspire u start praying ok thanks::))

[Turtleday1]

I am 3 months off smoking but I am still addicted to lozenges.  I am thinking ingredients about quiting or slowing down.  Good luck

[tracy0924]

@Turtleday1 10 weeks, or about 2 to 2 1/2 months are about the normal time to take NRT’s after you quit smoking. But if you are still using full strength lozenges and using the same amount as when you quit, then you are right, you need to slow down.  You need to come up with a plan to taper down on the amount that you are using. The best thing you could do would be to make a plan just like you would do if you were quitting cigarettes. Stick close to the site and let us know what support you need!

Tracy😊

[Shortygirl50]

hi I'm shortygirl50 I tried the patche' but I couldn't use them I had allergic reaction to them so I used nothing I chewed gum not nicotine gum doublemint anything minty I started 2 exercise walking doin different thing' 2 talk my mind off 🚬🚭 it help cause those tool' that suspose 2 help do more harm than good  @Turtleday1 

[Shortygirl50]

@Turtleday1 I hate 2 b the 1 2 tell u this even tho u r not smoking 🚬 u r still putting nicotine n ur system u have no freedom from nicotine u have 2 stop using the tablet' alone I 🙏 that u find a way::))

[Lindarivera]

I worry too about quitting the nrt . I’m using the patch and gum . I only chew a 1/2 piece of 2 mg gum at a time . I have only been quit from cigs for 18 days so I’m still craving . I just don’t want to have another problem. 
linda

[Barbscloud]

@Lindarivera Follow the instruction to wean off of them as prescribed.  I don't think your situation is the same as this persons.  They went back to the lozenges to replace smoking.  You're using them to quit smoking.   Some people do get addicted to the NRT, but it's very small percentage. Just stick to your plan and you'll be fine.

Congrats on 18 days.  It will take a while, but it will get better.   Stay close and keep moving forward. 

Barb

[NINERS49]

@Lindarivera 

Don’t say “only” 18 days, say “18 fabulous days” you’re doing great!