Trying to get off of the Nicotene

[still-trying-in-10]

i smoked almost daily since July 1980. After trying several times, I finally quit officially on Jan. 5th, 2008. However, I am now addicted to the Nicotene Loz. Trying to get off of those and stay off of the cigs is a major challenge. I primarily quit to keep my job at this cancer association. Also to save money. About a month after I quit I started getting these strange feelings. I have since been diagnosed with COPD and with Acid Reflux. No one has explained to me yet on the timing of the two problems. Despite the fact that I felt somewhat better before I quit, I haven't started back.  (Have only had 42 cigs within the past two years.)  This has definetely not helped with the depression and stress that I feel almost daily. I am also a recovering addict-alcoholic. But have 14  years clean and sober.  I believe that trying to get off of the Nicotene has been harder than getting off of the crack cocaine. Any suggestions on how to deal with stress and getting free from these darn loz?  This is one of my primary goals in 2010. More later. Have a Happy New Year.

[exin2010-2]

Hi Still trying in 10,

You've been through a lot and you've come a long way -- and you've achieved a great deal.  If you have overcome so much in the past, I beleive that you will overcome the lozenges as well. 

There are a great many ways to deal with stress.  You could take a walk, meditate, exercise, depends how much time you do or do not have.  Here's a stressbuster list from medicinenet.com:

Most of our lives are filled with family, work, and community obligations, and at some point we feel as though we are "running on empty." Here are eight immediate stress busters to help "fill up the tank!" So take deep relaxing breath and read on.

  
1. Watch for the next instance in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant. Then practice letting go, making a conscious choice not to become angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn't deserved. Effective anger management is a tried-and-true stress reducer.

  
2. Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. If you have a few minutes, try out a relaxation technique such as meditation or guided imagery.

  
3. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practice speaking more slowly than usual. You'll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you'll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation.

  
4. Jump-start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off (e.g., returning a phone call, making a doctor's appointment), and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energizing and can improve your attitude.

  
5. Get outdoors for a brief break. Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air. Don't be deterred by foul weather or a full schedule. Even five minutes on a balcony or terrace can be rejuvenating.

  
6. Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration, even before you're aware of them, can provoke aggressiveness and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress.

  
7. Do a quick posture check. Hold your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress. If you're stuck at a desk most of the day, avoid repetitive strain injuries and sore muscles by making sure your workstation reflects good ergonomic design principles. Take our Workstation Quiz to find out how to make your workstation more ergonomically safe.

  
8. Plan something rewarding for the end of your stressful day, even if only a relaxing bath or half an hour with a good book. Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax. Don't spend this time planning tomorrow's schedule or doing chores you didn't get around to during the day. Remember that you need time to recharge and energize yourself. You'll be much better prepared to face another stressful day.

As for breaking with the lozenges, you should follow the same patterns that led to your success breaking the smoking habit.. 

Be patient with yourself -- you've worked hard and have succeeded multiple times and you can succeed again.

Hope this helps,

Wishing you the best in 2010!

[lindalou]

Thanks for the list of good ideas!