About Nancy Speelman Expertise I can answer questions on suggestions for quitting smoking. These can include: medication/nicotine replacement therapy (i.e. the patch, gum); behavioral techniques; recommendations for preparing to quit
Experience I have been an addictions counselor for 20 years. I currently work at a state university as the training and education coordinator and treatment provider for tobacco dependence.
Question I have been smoking over 20 years. Im 37 now and my health is bad. Also I go without food and other essentials to buy cigs because I am single and live from check to check with no help. I have tried quiting cold turkey, using patch, using smoke away, etc and can't stay quit. Can't deal with withdrawel symptoms and go to work. I am recovering alcoholic with 7 years sober, have 6 year old daughter I was made to give up for adoption when she was 2 days old. Have 16 year old daughter my parents moved 9 hours away from me last summer. So I told my parents they are no longer my family. Cigs are the only crutch I have and afraid if I let go of that crutch I will go back to drinking and I was a bad drunk. Please help me. I have to quit smoking but how. How do I get through withdrawels without picking cigs back up?
Answer Dear Tonya,
Thanks for writing. You are taking the "first step". I am glad to see that you are in recovery. The reason that the patch did not work, is that you were probably smoking more than a pack a day. So in reality, the patch was not giving you enough nicotine replacement to help stop the withdrawal symptoms.
Tobacco is an addiction. And you need support to do this. Both with nicotine replacement therapy and counseling. Many states offer these services, and some "free of charge". Some even offer patches and gum "free of charge". I do not know what state you are from but contacting your American Cancer Society or State Department of Health can tell you where you can get help.
Did you use Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober? I believe strongly this is where you need to go. It is clear that whether it be alcohol or cigarettes or other drugs, you are using a substance to deal with your life. If you are an AA member get back to meetings! Just put "nicotine" in the place of "alcohol" when working the steps. You will be amazed how helpful this will be. Some states have Nicotine Anonymous meetings also. But in your case, with being in a past alcoholic, you will find the strongest recovery in the AA meetings, along with many others that struggled with stopping smoking.
Research actually says that not smoking keeps your recovery from other substances stronger. So don't be afraid of quitting and then returning to drinking. At meetings, you will also gain a strong support network, (like having a family that you choose to have). They will be there for you!
I am concerned about you. It seems like you have had a difficult life. You know you need to quit smoking. You know that it was tough to quit drinking...but YOU DID IT!
You will find in a very short time, that you will feel better physically and emotionally. The first 2-3 weeks are the hardest. But use the patch and maybe two if need be. I know that the product package does not say that, but I work for a large university with researchers who utilize two patches, a patch and gum, a patch and inhaler, etc.
When I do groups with woman, I have seen within 1 month their complextions make an incredible change. They begin to look and feel more vibrant.
If you want to write back and let me know how much you smoke each day, when you have your first cigarette, I can more accurately speak to you about medications. In addition, if you let me know what state you are from, I may even know the services that are available for you to help you quit.
In any event, I hope that you go to meetings. AA or Nic A. If you are afraid or resistant to do so...push yourself to go to at least 6 meetings. Just go and listen. I quarantee that you will feel a place you belong relatively quickly.
