Research Suggests That Cigarettes' Power May Not Be In Nicotine Itself

[dc2k08]

Research Suggests That Cigarettes' Power May Not Be In Nicotine Itself

[Kate]

"People may not be smoking to obtain a pleasurable drug state. They may be smoking in order to regulate their mood ... "

That rings true for me, I don't miss nicotine when I don't have it except that I get fed up. I use a low, steady dose as self medication to stop depression. Physically I can take it or leave it, no problem.

The 'pleasurable drug state' is a bit of a rush but is not the consciousness expanding experience of some other recreational drugs. I haven't tried amyl nitrate (poppers) but I guess that might be a similar yet more intense feeling.

I find the habit of 'smoking' more compelling than the physical desire for nicotine. I've managed to cut down on nic and am considering cutting it out but I don't want to experience an unbalanced psychological state suddenly. I might be able to do it gradually.

[icemanmaz]

That is real good read dc

[dc2k08]

im the same way, when i get home home for work, it hits me the most. i really need a cigartette, because its such the routine, it acts as a full-stop. im off, im home, its time to relax. if i only have a crappy device at the time, i will usually end up bumming a realer.

[TropicalBob]

I, too, have discovered that the "habit' part of smoking is more difficult to shake than the "addiction" part. Nicotine is history three days after we quit. Your "cravings" beyond Day 3 are for the act of smoking, not the drug. And anyone can do without nicotine, if necessary, with minimal consequences beyond three days. Lots of scientific studies show this to be true.

But smoking was so much a part of my daily life's ritual that I missed the act after I quit. I kept dosing with nicotine in plentiful amounts; I still missed smoking. I have yet to find an adequate substitute for the "reward" a cigarette gave me. When I finished a task, I'd light up. When I was stumped with a problem, I'd light up. Excited? Light up. Bored? Light up.

The article is a good one and a reminder that just dosing ourselves with nicotine might not suffice to replace the smoking habit for the uncommitted. I still stay away from cigarettes because of proven health consequences, I still dose with nicotine despite studies that suggest caution, but I miss the 30 times a day I "gifted" myself with the powerful hit of a tobacco cigarette.

I've talked to many quitters who still miss smoking 30 years after they quit (even John McCain said he still craves a cigarette after almost three decades of abstinence -- but he's very anti-Big Tobacco now).

[leaford]

I, too, have discovered that the "habit' part of smoking is more difficult to shake than the "addiction" part. Nicotine is history three days after we quit. Your "cravings" beyond Day 3 are for the act of smoking, not the drug. And anyone can do without nicotine, if necessary, with minimal consequences beyond three days. Lots of scientific studies show this to be true.

I gotta dispute that. In my one aborted attempt at quitting before the discovery of e-cigs, I had horrible insomnia for over a week before I gave in.

[CaSHMeRe]

I gotta dispute that. In my one aborted attempt at quitting before the discovery of e-cigs, I had horrible insomnia for over a week before I gave in.

I too had this when I kicked the habit last September. Insomnia lasted for at least 3-4 weeks, and I would just lay there sweating! Even with the AC on full blast! After that period of time, It completely reversed roles, and I fell asleep like a baby...

[gashin]

I too had this when I kicked the habit last September. Insomnia lasted for at least 3-4 weeks, and I would just lay there sweating! Even with the AC on full blast! After that period of time, It completely reversed roles, and I fell asleep like a baby...

Hell yeah I had the same experience the past month since I stopped cigs.

[leaford]

I too had this when I kicked the habit last September. Insomnia lasted for at least 3-4 weeks, and I would just lay there sweating! Even with the AC on full blast! After that period of time, It completely reversed roles, and I fell asleep like a baby...

I couldn't hold out that long. I have insomnia problems anyway, often leading to migraine attacks, and was working two jobs at the time, so the added trouble sleeping wasn't bearable.

BUt then I discovered e-cigs, and voila!

[GOAQ]

The insomnia is one of my big issues and why i'm (about) to try the e-cigs route. although the "reward" is very true too. It's the morning cig and the one after a meal i've struggled with most. Hopefully electric is the way to sort that.