Morning all. Hope everyone is hanging in. I am at 109 hours cigs and nicotine free, and my biggest challange is not feeling like something is missing, like "what is wrong with this picture" when I realize I am not smoking. After so many years of smoking being second nature, it just seems so odd to not be lighting up. When it really starts to bug me I take a few hits off my ecig (non nicotine cartridge) or go to "Why Quit" web site or here and it does help. Matter of fact I found something at "Why Quit" that helped me, maybe it will help some of you.
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There is a detailed cessation effects study by Marcia M. Ward, entitled "Self-reported abstinence effects in the first month after smoking cessation," published in Addictive Behaviors, 26 (2001) at pages 311-327. Its findings are fascinating. For example, it may be difficult to believe but, on average, anxieties peak on day one (within 24 hours) and, for most, within two weeks return almost to pre-cessation levels. Regarding anxiety, be sure you understand why ex-smokers only need half the amount of caffeine as smokers ( discussion link ). Irritability, often anxiety's aftermath, seems to peak at about 48 hours while restlessness peaks at 72 hours. According to the study, both begin hovering back around pre-cessation levels within two weeks.
So it would appear that if we can all Hang In for 2 weeks, we could feel like we did before we quit. Hope this is helpful. Hang in everyone! PJ
