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Hi all,

Does anyone have advice for living with someone who is giving up nicotine after being pretty much lifelong user? He goes in cycles; hasn't smoked cigarettes in many years but on and off vape, dip etc. He has quit before using gum/patches but it never works well so has decided to cold turkey.

Academically I know the first 3-5days are worst and for most people 14days the receptors are mostly dormant. But honestly (selfishly) the last 2 days his irritability is kinda hard to manage. He's understandably easily annoyed rn and is....I don't know the proper term for this behavior but he's.....fizzy? Sort of restless and high energy is a negative way. He's uncomfortable and clearly having a rough time. It seems quite severe but also pretty typical for people quitting smoking

I know most quit more successfully with something to support the behavioural/habit/mood. I'd like to help as quitting is something he wants, and honestly I'd like to have a peaceful home again! I'm being patient and trying to be patient, while I know the theory of how nicotine works I've never been addicted to anything so I have no experienced it.

Any advice gratefully received

Ps not sure how relevant but he medicated with SSRI and low dose SGA (I think this is the right term). He's still on his meds and hasn't missed any pills. He also has adult ADHD which he manages with coping mechanisms but is not medicated for

Has he tried nicotine patches? When I gave up those worked wonders, I’ve done the full treatment until I just forgot to put a patch on and never looked back. I’m not going to lie, if his coping mechanism is smoking he’ll probably miss it for the rest of his life. It’s been years for me and I still crave it when I’m going through a rough patch. My father in law who gave up 40 years ago reports the same.

It just needs to be replaced with a healthy coping mechanism, I exercise for example and when I go there I remind myself why I chose to lead a healthier life. Stupid things like reminding myself I prefer my hair smelling nice rather than of cigarettes helps, so short term benefits (rather than "smoking kills" stuff).

I've heard one of the more difficult parts about quitting is breaking the hand-to-mouth habit. That's why some people gain weight after they quit. If the nicotine withdrawal is his main problem (and it probably is), I would suggest he stick to vaping. He can step down at his own pace, wean himself off rather than following a timetable. I started vaping at 18 mg of nicotine and am now down to 6 mg. Also, if he wants, he can continue to vape with 0 mg. Plus, there's the added benefit of vaping being *much* cheaper than smoking cigarettes. Hope this helps.

How are things going Caterpillar?

The only heavy, long-term smokers I know quit when an illness forced a temporary cessation in smoking.

My Mom quit smoking after an extended stay in the hospital due to pneumonia (including surgery for pleurisy) and still 10+ years later chewed nicotine gum to calm the cravings.

My Dad also quit smoking after a 5 or so day illness (not in the hospital fortunately).