Questions about dealing with anxiety after quitting vaping.

[Erica705]

Hey yall. I’m new here ☺️. I have been planning to quit vaping for a wile now. I’ve tried a few times in the past with no luck. I just keep going back. I have a question I hope y’all can answer. I suffer with anxiety daily and take medication for it. How do I cope with the anxiety after I quit vaping?

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

Congratulations on your decision to quit vaping!  For the anxiety, you might talk to your prescribing doctor to see if an adjustment to your medication might be called for when you quit nicotine.  I think that would be your first step.  Then, when you quit, be sure to use tools to reduce it.  Slow/deep breathing helps, as does brisk exercise.  Going for a quick walk outside is proven to help.  Even marching in place or a few jumping jacks can reduce the anxiety level.

 It's common sense that anything you put in your lungs that isn't clean air can't be good for you! You will need to substitute “vape” or “device” as you do the reading I will recommend. Research suggests nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Because vaping is available to you most anywhere, anytime, I believe it might be more difficult from which to break free than regular tobacco products - but it CAN be done! There is a blog written by one of our success stories that you might find informative: I Quit Smoking and Vaping - EX Community . If you would like to use a quit aid and would like information on the various ones, let me know.

I recommend that you educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind To that end, I suggest Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”, which can be purchased online or borrowed from your local library. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction : Nicotine and Your Brain.

The idea is to change up your routines so the vaping associations are reduced. Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from where you vaped. Maybe switch to tea for a bit. If you always had that first puff with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to vape so the view is different. Take a different route when you are out and about so you aren't driving by your vaping supply shop. Take the Daily Pledge each day, Just look for it on the home page. It helps to hold yourself accountable to your quit and the community..

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 from which to sip. Don't let that vaping thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits. Get busy! Here is a list of things to do instead of vape if you need some fresh ideas:

101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke - EX Community

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want to vape" 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

[CommunityAdmin]

Welcome @Erica705  My name is Quiana, and I am a part of the EX Team. Congratulations on your decision to quit! I wanted to reach out and personally welcome you to the EX Community! We are so excited you have joined us. This is a very supportive community so feel free to keep us all posted on your quit journey reach out and let us know if you need anything.

Here are some articles that might be helpful as you prepare for your quit date: 

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/about-quitting/get-ready-to-quit/right-before-you-quit/

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/about-quitting/get-ready-to-quit/3-ways-to-get-your-support-...

Quiana, EX Team

[Barbara145]

Did you have anxiety before you started vaping?  You might find it is more manageable after you quit.  I had anxiety when I smoked.  It has been 10 years since I quit.  I don't have anxiety anymore and I haven't in many years.  I am as calm as a cucumber.  Glad you found this site.

[Barbscloud]

@Erica705 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your upcoming quit.   Glad you found us to learn about quitting and to receive lots of support from fellow quitters.   

Here are great articles from the Mayo Clinic that you may find helpful.

Smoking, depression, anxiety, and stress - EX Community

Anxiety and stopping smoking, vaping, dipping or c... - EX Community

Contrary to popular opinion - EX Community

Look forward to see you on the Daily Pledge to stay on track one day at a time.

Stay busy and stay close.

Barb

[maryfreecig]

For the compulsive part of my smoking, I think I dealt with that by substitutions when I quit--coffee(certainly are healthier choices for drinks to sip), walking. It would be nice is we could just change unpleasant thoughts and feelings by deciding to, but I think choosing other things to do, other actions. There is a lot to choose --like taking a long walk, guided meditation and so on.

Also, quitting requires staying in the day. Whatever tomorrow may bring that has to be dealt with then. 

You really can do this. What you are going to be letting go of is addiction. Once you get over it, you don't ever have to go back, might still have to deal with your anxiety, but addiction you can put in the rear view mirror.

[indingrl]

Thanks for sharing dear friend @Erica705

Welcome and just for today you can quit vaping I believe my dear

[CommunityAdmin]

Hi @Erica705! Have you heard about our vaping group where there are more focused discussions on this topic. Check it out!

Quiana, EX Team