Day 1 of quitting Juul cold turkey

Discussion created by AllieAllerson on Sep 1, 2019
Latest reply on Sep 16, 2019 by Kimchristensen1

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I have been smoking at least a pod a day since a year ago. I lost a good friend to suicide and as silly as it sounds, vaping at work and at home where no one would know, was really helpful. That little rush of nicotine gave me comfort nothing else did. Now that it has been almost one year and after reading several horror stories I see about the Juul I decided to stop. I wanted to ask if anyone else who has attempted to quit this thing cold turkey has experienced chest pain or pain around the lungs? At first I felt a tightness in my throat but now that it has been about 19 hours since I took my last puff I feel I can't get a deep breath in due to tightness and pain. I am hoping this is all in my head and it's some form of my anxiety but I am also worried I have done serious damage to my lungs and need to go to the ER. Any advice would be appreciated.

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sweetplt Sep 2, 2019 8:31 AM
HI AllieAllerson ... I am so proud of you...and sorry for your loss of your friend...it is so hard to understand the reasons of suicide by another...it doesn’t sound odd that you did Juul through it...many of us smoked through our problems, sadness, celebrations, etc., in our life...quitting is often learning to accepting Life on her terms...that will come...right now important to focus on taking care of you and your quit...we are not medical here at the site...if something doesn’t feel right, seek medical attention...that being said...when I quit smoking...some of my physical symptoms were soreness in my lungs, cough, spitting up, fogginess in my head, sorta hurt all over, etc., for me I think it was the withdrawal of all the nicotine and chemicals...
I am sorry more are not answering the posts, but it is a Holiday weekend....hopefully more input will be offered after Labor Day....Have a good day....keep busy...Colleen 273 DOF
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- AllieAllerson @ sweetplt on Sep 2, 2019 2:03 PM
  Thank you so much Colleen!! I am trying to stay busy. I have had issues with my ears, stomach, pretty much my whole body hurts today. I am thankful for the long holiday weekend because I cannot imagine going through this at work. I really appreciate your kind words. It means a lot to me to have so much support. I have been nicotine free for 38 hours now!
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JACKIE1-25-15 Sep 2, 2019 8:58 AM
Good morning and Welcome to EX. Congratulations on making the decision to quit smoking. You have chosen to go cold turkey. Around here we call it smart turkey. I believe that you still need to educate (read, read, read) yourself on the addiction of nicotine. There are many blogs on here about the subject and references to read. Here is a blog to help you get started. Replace the word cigarette with vaping. A Smart TurkeyTurkey. Stay close and learn all that you can. We are here to support you. Here also is a small article on the topic. Quitting E-cigarettes | Guides & Tools | BecomeAnEX and here is some feedback on Chest pain
Just like the lack of research surrounding the dangers of vaping in general, there are very few resources available specifically for those who are looking to quit vaping. On the bright side, however, the process for quitting smoking is almost identical to the one for quitting vaping, with the added benefit of being able to fully control the amount of nicotine you use, depending on the e-cig you are using. Welcome to EX
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- Barbscloud @ JACKIE1-25-15 on Sep 2, 2019 9:22 AM
  Welcome to the Ex and congrats on you first day nicotine free. So sorry about your friend. Had a suicide in my family and it's such a hard thing to understand. Many of us used smoking to cope with many emotions. It's important to have plan on how you'll cope with those feelings without. There are many suggestions on this site. Exercise is a great way to replace the lost dopamine. There are many physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that are common to many when quitting. But as already stated, if something concerns you, please check with your doctor. Glad you found us. If you need help, just reach out. We're here to support you.
  Barb
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  - AllieAllerson @ Barbscloud on Sep 2, 2019 2:00 PM
    Thank you for your kind words Barb! Today has been awfully hard but I am determined not to look back. It is unbelievable how many physical symptoms I am having from stopping something that became such a daily and constant routine. I am hoping tomorrow will get a little easier and so will each day that passes. Thanks again for your encouragement.
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- AllieAllerson @ JACKIE1-25-15 on Sep 2, 2019 2:04 PM
  Thank you for the links. I am going to do some reading now..
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indingrl.01.06.2011 Sep 2, 2019 2:11 PM
Welcome sorry about YOUR friend and CONGRATS on NICOTINE FREEDOM- Yahoooooooooo WAY TO GO
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Barbscloud Sep 3, 2019 8:13 AM
Good morning. How are you doing? Hope you're feeling better and having the day off helped.
Barb
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- AllieAllerson @ Barbscloud on Sep 3, 2019 9:07 AM
  Hi Barb I am doing okay! I am back at work today and this was a big place to use the juul for me because I do crisis work so not having it here is strange.That was my "go to" when I was stressed. I always knew i could walk away from whatever was going on at work and get a hit of nicotine. I feel like a big part of this was mental we well as a physical addiction for me. Thank you for checking in!! I plan to make it through day 3 into day 4 and am hoping for the road to get a little easier as each day passes.
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  - Barbscloud @ AllieAllerson on Sep 3, 2019 9:25 AM
    When I was working I could walk out and smoke pretty much anytime I wanted to also (especially if I was stressed!) Nicotine is threefold- physical, emotional, and psychological addiction. Go for a walk if you can. It really helps! It will get easier with time.
    Barb
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    - AllieAllerson @ Barbscloud on Sep 4, 2019 10:17 AM
      Thanks Barb! I am taking your advice and taking walks along with drinking lots of coffee and having snacks throughout the work day. Now that I'm on day 3 it seems the physical symptoms are slowing but I miss being able to step out and have that small thing to look forward to throughout the day. I guess I will have to find new things to look forward to which is hard to think about right now....
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      - Barbscloud @ AllieAllerson on Sep 4, 2019 10:31 AM
        Learning new associations instead of using nicotine is a part this journey. Walking instead of vaping is the new you. A feeling of loss is normal. Everything we did, happy or sad, involved using nicotine. Don't put off learning new things to do instead. Especially since your job sounds so stressful. That's part of you backup plan when you're have a bad day. 100+ Things to do instead of smoking / vaping / chewing Congrats on day 3. You're a winner.
        Barb
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Giulia Sep 4, 2019 12:07 PM
Good going on the three days Allie! You know, we don't think about it, but when we smoked or vaped we took long, deep breaths. Doing that without a cigarette or JUUL can also be satisfying and definitely calming on its own. Purse your lips, take a slow inhale then blow it out slowly through pursed lips. Do that five or ten times and see if helps any. We still need that "looking forward to" treat, and just taking a few minutes to do that might just be that treat. You're still taking time out for yourself. And that's really what we miss. My NRT wasn't a nicotine replacement as much as an inhalation replacement. I wadded up a little piece of paper and stuck it in a straw and "pretend smoked" those for a couple of weeks. Then had to wean myself off of those! The nicotine addition is one thing, the behavioral aspect another. The more you can change your focus, the sooner the cravings will leave. Takes practice. Stick with it!
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- AllieAllerson @ Giulia on Sep 4, 2019 1:30 PM
  Thank you Giulia!! I may just have to do that myself. My co-workers will think I've lost it but at this point anything will help.
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Giulia Sep 4, 2019 2:11 PM
Just tell them it's a special dopamine high technique! You might get everybody in the office doing it! HA!
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- PrimeNumberJD @ Giulia on Sep 4, 2019 9:18 PM
  Totally tell your co workers it is an eastern meditation technique that improves blood flow and increases dopamine release...
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mireya223 Sep 6, 2019 11:42 PM
Just want to say I am in the exact same spot as you. I started with cigarettes in high school after my friends suicide, then moved to juul and then to another vape called the nord. I’m on day 5 of my quit now and you are definitely not alone in the symptoms you are experiencing. The horror stories are what caused me to quit, and my anxiety has been very severe all week, especially after quitting. I’ve been experiencing daily nausea and a lot of trouble sleeping, as well as some weird dreams. All side effects besides the anxiety have started to lessen for the most part, and i’m trying out a new medication for my anxiety. I’ve been exhausted and lazy and just all around not in the best mood since quitting, and have 2 interviews tomorrow for possible new jobs. I’m trying to manage my symptoms as best as I can so I can get back to work but it is definitely hard. One day at a time. It’s always comforting to have people on here to relate to and just talk to. I’m proud of how far you’ve come, keep going! We can beat nicotine.
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- AllieAllerson @ mireya223 on Sep 7, 2019 1:01 AM
  Thank you so much for sharing that! I am ashamed to admit I had been doing so well until I got home from work yesterday. I thought about smoking all day because it was such a ****** time at work. When I got off I got some cigarettes at the gas station I got my Juul pods at. They are light menthols and I had one last night and then a second again tonight after work. I feel like I lost the five days I had and it just makes me feel like an idiot for not having more self control. You are right though about one day at a time! Good luck on your job interviews.
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  - Barbscloud @ AllieAllerson on Sep 7, 2019 9:12 AM
    How is it going? You didn't lose five days. That's five days without nicotine in your body and hopefully you learned what went wrong. You've already proven you can do this. Admitting here that you slipped, means you still want this. Hope you're back on track. Try to turning that thinking around next time and reach out next time before you give in to that crave. That's what we're here for. Cheering you on.
    Barb
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    - AllieAllerson @ Barbscloud on Sep 7, 2019 12:46 PM
      Thank you so much Barb. It is so encouraging to read the responses from you all. I am going to do what was suggested and throw the nicotine sticks under some water and into the trash NOW!!! It is way too much of a temptation to even have them in the house.
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  - marciem @ AllieAllerson on Sep 7, 2019 9:39 AM
    AllieAllerson ... I'm so sorry you stepped on to that slippery slope (the one labeled "just one"... then "just one more").
    
    As noted, you did give your lungs 5 days of freedom, and your body five days away from nicotine.
    
    The best advice you have gotten is to immediately drown those left-over ugly sticks and get right back to your quit. You won't go through as hard a withdrawal if you start right now, your body and mind are more used to going without the fixes and juuls/cigarettes so don't get back to the old habit.
    
    Make your plan for the next time you have a crap day at work, or at home, or on the drive to or from work or home, or just a general crap day for no reason. Or an extremely good day, sometimes that can be a trigger. There will be those days, nonsmokers have them to. You need a plan to cope with it differently than you have in the past. There are all kinds of great tips and tricks here for getting beyond the crave.
    
    Also realize that you did plan this relapse. You stopped at your "usual" convenience store, so you knew ahead of time what you were going to do... even if it was 10 seconds before. (probably on your way out the door from your crappy day at work is my guess) When a plan starts formulating in your mind, come here and let us help you. It can be tough and your addict-brain will stay "but I don't WANT to be talked out of it"... been there done that, and typing here and waiting for responses really helps even when you don't want it to. .
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    - AllieAllerson @ marciem on Sep 7, 2019 12:48 PM
      Thank you next time I will come on here and talk it through. And you are so right...around the middle of the day I started thinking about going to the store to get the cigarettes and it was almost the only thing that got me through the day...Now that it's the weekend and I have two days off I am going to start over and the first step of that is throwing out the temptation.
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      - PrimeNumberJD @ AllieAllerson on Sep 7, 2019 5:22 PM
        While you may have nicotine in your system, and you are changing your start day, you aren't starting over; you are only continuing on the journey you set out to complete. I believe you said you like hiking in the Smokey's. When you go hiking, do toy always continually ascend up, or does your path wonder, perhaps temporarily going out of your way, even back tracking, so you can continue on an easier path?
        
        You never left the journey, you've just stepped back to find an easier path. The new path in this instance would include a new tool to avoid the slippery slope you were on!
        
        So happy to see you are still here and still in the fight!
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  - Kimchristensen1 @ AllieAllerson on Sep 16, 2019 1:19 AM
    Have some sticks of nicotine gum ready to go when you are compelled to go back vaping. Nicotine gum and deep breathing are great ways to avoid smoking/vaping.
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PrimeNumberJD Sep 7, 2019 2:02 AM
AllieAllerson you haven't lost yet, but you are on a slippery slope! If you intend to stay quit, run those cigarettes under water and throw them away!

You are going to have some withdrawls like you did in the first several days, but they won't be nearly as strong! If you keep them around because "insert irrational, logical argument your brain will give you here" then you will smoke them all.

1. Identify the triggers that led you to where you are.
2. Identify the mechanisms that you had in place and whether they need modification or you need new mechanisms.
3. Get right back on the nicotine freedom wagon.

I am assuming you do want to quit still other wise you wouldn't be here. Don't beat yourself up and add undue stress, most of us have failed multiple times. That is not meant to be a cop out to continually "fail" but to illuminate most quits are not perfected on the first try!

You will do this if you desire to continue! We are here fighting with you, you are not alone!
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- AllieAllerson @ PrimeNumberJD on Sep 7, 2019 12:45 PM
  Thank you thank you thank you! I definitely want to quit and beat this monster.
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JACKIE1-25-15 Sep 7, 2019 7:43 AM
AllieAllerson You can start over. Never Give up, Get back on track and Never Give in. You can do this. One day at a time.
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- AllieAllerson @ JACKIE1-25-15 on Sep 7, 2019 12:45 PM
  Thank you I love this!!!!!
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Giulia Sep 7, 2019 1:26 PM
Some reading material for you: DID YOU PLAN YOUR RELAPSE? and THE EX ONE PUFF FILES I would suggest just checking out the blogs in Relapse Prevention when you can't get your mind off the elephant in the corner and are in automatic craving mode. Oh and one more: REPLAY THE RELAPSE The sooner you're back on the wagon, the better. Each puff you take keeps the nicotine receptors alive and screaming.
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- AllieAllerson @ Giulia on Sep 8, 2019 3:37 PM
  Thank you Giulia
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elvan Sep 8, 2019 4:36 PM
Welcome to EX, sorry you have been struggling, you have gotten great advice here already and there is nothing I can possibly add to it that would help. It really is important to remember that this is an addiction and recovery is one day at a time. It is not easy but it gets easier...now, shut down those nicotine receptors. Expect a full blown tantrum from them but remember that YOU can do this and we all very much want to help you succeed.
Ellen
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- AllieAllerson @ elvan on Sep 9, 2019 1:50 PM
  Haha thank you Ellen and tantrum made me laugh but it is so accurate!! Thank you for the laugh and the support. I am starting over today with no cigarettes- had a relapse but am moving forward and onward.
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  - PrimeNumberJD @ AllieAllerson on Sep 9, 2019 10:22 PM
    So glad to see you back in the fight AllieAllerson! You got those, remember to keep the Sexy Exers close!
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  - elvan @ AllieAllerson on Sep 10, 2019 4:02 PM
    Good for you, remember, you can give those receptors a "time out," it really does get easier. I am proud of you for getting up and dusting yourself off and going right at your quit again.
    Ellen
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Day 1 of quitting Juul cold turkey

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