It’s been 5 days since I threw away my juul and I have had a JUUL for 2 years, I would spend about $400 a month on pods…and my withdrawal symptoms have included hives all on my arms and face…it’s just hard
I am so sorry you are experiencing hives. This is not something I have heard before as a nicotine withdrawal symptom. I think it would be a good idea to give your doctor a call to see what else might be going on. Not everything we experience after quitting is necessarily caused by quitting!
Congratulations on your decision to quit vaping. 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: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/t5/Journals-Blogs/I-Quit-Smoking-and-Vaping/ba-p/1225904. 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 found online or at your local library. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction:
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.
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:
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!
Quitting is HARD! I hear you @Dominicanessa I'm on day 4. At least you are a day ahead of me. Today it was 2 hours at a time for me to get through it. Sorry about your hives. Maybe it's your body shedding the toxins. Somebody suggested I take a long soak in the tub to relax. Maybe that would help you as well. Just think tomorrow you will be on day 6 and then just 1 more day till "hell week" is over! Hang in there!
I am so happy you found us. I am happy you are quitting Juul.
What planning did you do for quitting? Did you decide on things you will do in place of Juuling…for example, when I quit smoking I drank lots of water, deep breathing exercises, took many walks with the dog, knitted, did a jigsaw puzzle, etc., What are your “go to’s”?
Of course it is hard, nothing good comes easy, it takes work and commitment. As far as the hives, you may want to see your Doctor to get them under control. Your body is healing from all the chemicals you have placed in it.
Reach out for support here at Ex’s…Also, help encourage others on this journey. Helping others with the same addiction really strengthens one’s commitment.
Hang in there, let us know how you are doing today….
@Dominicanessa Welcome to the Ex and congrats on 5 days of success. I'm glad you found the site. There's lots of great information, tools to use, etc. And of course great support to help you on your journey.
It seems a new side effect from quitting surfaces all the time and can certainly be unexpected. We quit smoking so we're supposed to feel better. It can take some time for of these symptoms to subside because your body is healing. Here's what I found about hives from Concordia University.
"Why this happens: Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows the blood vessels. When you quit smoking, blood goes back to the vessels that were shrunk by nicotine, and this can create a feeling of itchiness. You may have weird itchy patches or generally feel itchy all over."
If it doesn't clear up, I would check with your doctor. You could try some ice packs to get some relief. And, for me, I would use some Benadryl.
Stay close, do lots of reading, and reach out anytime you need support.
