You might actually get too much nicotine if you smoke and use the patch at the same time. Probably not the best idea; don't think it is recommended. If you are worried about the time lag between the nicotine building up in your system after you have quit smoking, you might try smoking a cigarette first thing tomorrow, then putting the patch on and keeping yourself busy and your mind occupied as the patch ramps up your dose. You didn't say what product you are quitting. If it isn't cigarettes, just sub yours as you do the reading. Quitting any of them is about the same.
Understanding the addiction and having a PLAN going forward will reduce the anxiety of quitting. Get busy learning and preparing, and I think you may actually start to look forward to this journey! You will do this one day at a time, so don't be looking further ahead than that.
An important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. I was amazed when I learned that the stress reduction you feel when you ingest nicotine is caused by the brain receptors calming that have gradually built in volume jonesing for their next fix! I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking” that brings light two other things you might not know. You can purchase a digital version online or borrow it at your local library. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: Nicotine and Your Brain.
I quit many years ago , and I base my overall recommendations on my experience and that of others here over the years. If you decide to use a quit aid, I recommend those that don't let the addict control the dose such as Rx drugs and the patch. Lozenges and gum are fine, but don't sub them for every cigarette you used to smoke. That will simply be substituting one addiction for another. Have a plan to reduce use over time. Each cigarette you smoked contained about 1 mg of nicotine. If you use more than one form of NRT, be sure you aren't getting more than when you smoked.
To better deal with the habit part of the addiction, change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced. Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from when you smoked. Maybe switch to tea for a bit. If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your walking shoes on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! . Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.
After you have eliminated as many associations as you can, 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. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You might visit Games: The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the page.
Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:
The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" 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.
You might want to join other site members by taking the daily pledge when you quit. It helps to hold yourself accountable and also accountable to others here. Find it at Home (top left), then first box titled Take the Daily Pledge.
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!
Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking. After your last cigarette commit to never ever have another one. Stick close to this site. It is enormous help. We are here for you.
Welcome @mz2wonderful70! 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:
@mz2wonderful70 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your quit day.
Being nervous about quitting is normal. Many describe it as losing their best friend, We've smoked our way through every event and emotion, so it's only normal that were apprehensive. Approaching your quit one day at a time can help to alleviate the fear. Don't think about forever right now. You'll see those one days will turn into multiple days.
You will be successful by educating yourself about nicotine addiction and putting a plan in place with how you'll deal with cravings, identifying your triggers and creating the new associations you'll create instead of smoking.
And you just found an amazing group of quitters the are here to support you on this journey to becoming an Ex. There will be ups and downs, but that is part of the journey. We're here for you, so just reach out anytime we can help or want to share your experience.
How are you doing today? I set my quit date from ecigs for tomorrow. Maybe we can support each other. I also plan on using patches for just the first week. I need a "quit partner".
@mz2wonderful70 Congrats on 3 days of success. You're getting through those early tough days. And yes, they can suck.
Keep up the good work-; it will get easier. Staying busy is a great tool to help with those cravings. Exercise, especially walking, is also great way to refocus your thoughts and get an added boost of that is lost dopamine when quitting.
Glad you checked in. Don't forget, if you need support, we're here for you!
Barb
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