Any questions for an Addiction Thertapist?

[Ms.P]

LOL,. I suggest that you staunch the hemorrhaging by applying direct pressure with the cash you've accumulated by not smoking traditional cigarettes.

lol (I like Cargo. )

An addiction "thertapist" with an addiction; that's one I'd like to have. Seems the understanding and experience would be quite beneficial to patients/clients. Welcome Cargo!

I've just recently started hearing about MAOIs in cigarettes. Another reason to be grateful I'm done with them. I haven't researched it, but the concerning part about it - for me - is that there are many medications which you shouldn't take (or should only take under advise of a physician) if you are taking MAOIs. Plus, I take an SSNRI for depression and trazadone for insomnia; double- (or triple-) dosing antidepressants (unknowingly, unwillingly) just doesn't sound healthy to me. I wonder if (many) doctors know about the MAOIs in cigarettes?

I've often wondered how people with food or exercise addictions are treated? Abstinence isn't possible for them. You must eat and you must move. That must take an incredible amount of behavior modification.

 

[cllmda]

i DONT WANNA STOP vaping,tastes too good lol

 

[Cargo]

re LAwaters: Cargo, you mentioned you vape a fairly high nicotine level. Are you willing to share what level that is? I'm at 24 mg and planning to reduce now that I have some better vape gear. I'm curious what you consider a fairly high level to be.

I keep a variety of nicotine levels handy. Anything to resist relapsing to smoking. My range is 12-32mg. I seem to like a high content (32mg) first thing in the morning and reduce throughout the day. I plan to reduce the level in time and to eventually quite. But its not a race. If I don't smoke today...I'm proud of myself regardless of my nicotine level. You should be too!

 

[realsis]

Welcome to the forum! What a interesting job you have! I smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for over 25 years and now I'm on day 22 of being smoke free! I never thought I would be able to quit. I had tried everything before vaping. I tried pills, patches, counseling, cigalikes, but nothing worked UNTIL I started vaping 22 days ago. The day I got my vaporizer was the day I quit! I really never thought it possible. But now I'm no longer needing a inhaler to breathe and my wheeze is gone and my lungs no longer hurt. It's been a miricle to me. I was able to comfortably quit by using 24 mg nicotine in my juices so I had little or no discomfort during the quitting process. But what I've found is vaping to be far more satisfying than smoking ever was for me. I absolutely love♡vaping. I love being able to breathe again and not stinking of smoke. I love the delicious flavors and stay away from the tobacco flavors. As far as addiction goes I'm quite certain I substituted smoking for vaping. But I'm feeling so much better physically by vaping I'm very happy about that! I did feel a sort of strange depression when I first quit smoking cigarettes. But that has passed. I suppose that's normal after smoking for so long? Well I just wanted to pop in and say hello and welcome you. I think you will enjoy this forum. I know I do. So again, welcome. So glad to have you part of this community.

 

[mkbilbo]

Most of us probably suffer more from a form of "OCD" as the "vape porn" addiction seems to have a hold on many of us here. Can't ever have too many mods, RDA's, RBA's and e liquid!

Vape porn?

<squints suspiciously at VTR display>

 

[anthropus1]

Welcome to the forum Cargo.
I have, in the past year as a vaper, often thought about and discussed the seeming lack of "addiction behaviors" as it applies to this new system of nicotine use and would be interested in the opinions of a professional.
With traditional tabacco use there is often a perceived need to use wich often leads to actions counter to our other behaviors (shy people "bumming a smoke" or stealing cigarettes from an unattended pack) but i see in vapers self inforced positive behavior to reduce the effects of the addictive chemical in use(using lower nicotine in flavors they like so the can take more hits or lowering dosage in more efficient delivery devices.) Seeing this, i donot feel it is the behavior of an addict but many still feel dependent on the nicotine. Would you care to share your views?

 

[Cargo]

lol (I like Cargo. )

An addiction "thertapist" with an addiction; that's one I'd like to have. Seems the understanding and experience would be quite beneficial to patients/clients. Welcome Cargo!

I've just recently started hearing about MAOIs in cigarettes. Another reason to be grateful I'm done with them. I haven't researched it, but the concerning part about it - for me - is that there are many medications which you shouldn't take (or should only take under advise of a physician) if you are taking MAOIs. Plus, I take an SSNRI for depression and trazadone for insomnia; double- (or triple-) dosing antidepressants (unknowingly, unwillingly) just doesn't sound healthy to me. I wonder if (many) doctors know about the MAOIs in cigarettes?

I've often wondered how people with food or exercise addictions are treated? Abstinence isn't possible for them. You must eat and you must move. That must take an incredible amount of behavior modification.

Thankyou Ms P,

You'd be surprised how many of my peers smoke cigarettes. Smoking is wrongly but widely considered a lesser evil in my field. I make a point never to smoke with my clients but I don't deny it if challenged.
As a harm reduction advocate, it is often counter productive to complicate early drug/alcohol therapy with nicotine withdrawal challenges. We all know how difficult it is to try and quit cold turkey.One issue at a time and while the smoking is surely killing them in time , the alcohol etc is killing them today!

Gambling, exercise and food addictions are classified as process addictions. As you pointed out, these individuals face additional challenges. While abstinence is the highest goal in treatment its obviously impossible with food addictions. In addition, they are constantly "triggered" by the necessity to eat. However, the same behaviour modifications are proposed: a strong support network, education and relapse prevention strategies.
As I mentioned above I don't feel qualified to comment on the MAOI issue but the link I included above might provide some insight for you.
Cargo

 

[Cargo]

Welcome to the forum! What a interesting job you have! I smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for over 25 years and now I'm on day 22 of being smoke free! I never thought I would be able to quit. I had tried everything before vaping. I tried pills, patches, counseling, cigalikes, but nothing worked UNTIL I started vaping 22 days ago. The day I got my vaporizer was the day I quit! I really never thought it possible. But now I'm no longer needing a inhaler to breathe and my wheeze is gone and my lungs no longer hurt. It's been a miricle to me. I was able to comfortably quit by using 24 mg nicotine in my juices so I had little or no discomfort during the quitting process. But what I've found is vaping to be far more satisfying than smoking ever was for me. I absolutely love♡vaping. I love being able to breathe again and not stinking of smoke. I love the delicious flavors and stay away from the tobacco flavors. As far as addiction goes I'm quite certain I substituted smoking for vaping. But I'm feeling so much better physically by vaping I'm very happy about that! I did feel a sort of strange depression when I first quit smoking cigarettes. But that has passed. I suppose that's normal after smoking for so long? Well I just wanted to pop in and say hello and welcome you. I think you will enjoy this forum. I know I do. So again, welcome. So glad to have you part of this community.

Congratulations on your success. I'm glad the transition was not too painful. The depression you experienced at the beginning is completely normal. Cigarettes had been your companion for over 25 years. They were always around, always delivered as promised and (deceptively) made you feel like they never asked anything from you. You had a relationship with them and they proved to be more faithful than any friend or spouse. Of course, it was sad to "break up' with them.
I expect you have a new companion at your side. Worry about stopping the ecigs later...when smoking is behind you. One thing at a time! Be proud of yourself and good luck.
Cargo

 

[Cargo]

I think the vaping has me! As a recovered addict myself, addiction is an insatiable craving once a substance enters your body and an inability to stop once you begin using, followed with an obsession in the mind when you are not using, the mind will not stop obsessing about said vice until you pick up to stop the obsession. This vicious cycle repeats itself over and over. That is essentially a very short version of"The Doctor's Opinion" found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's a great read for anyone(addict/alcoholic/or not) anyhoo...,

Have a great day all!


Hi Gruven75, first of all congratulations on your recovery! You make an interesting statement and I'm comfortable with your definition of addiction (although you certainly didn't ask). Although, it doesn't apply to problem gamblers and other process addictions that are not substance oriented.
I choose to define addiction as any behaviour one continues to engage in despite significant consequences to oneself, one's family and/or one's community. The only reason I bring this up is that it separates dependency from addiction. It may only be semantics but it allows a former smoker/current vaper to be freed of the stigma associated with addiction. Smokers who have transitioned to vaping may vape "obsessively" or become obsessive in the absence of their e-cigarette but I would like to postulate that they (me included) should consider themselves nicotine dependent. They have saved themselves from the disease and complications (like death) associated with smoking and are using e-cigarettes as a potentially life saving alternative. This is a very controversial subject and I don't expect everyone to agree with me.
You mention you are a recovered addict who vapes , I completely support your status as "RECOVERED" . Congratulations again on your recovery. I hope you are continuing to stay connected to whatever support helped you on your journey.
Cargo

 

[Burn_notice_fan_NY]

I'm wondering why "the illegal white product of the Coca plant" is replaced with "...... "
Is that drug forbidden to discuss on this site? Even in clinical terms?
Oh, I understand now, I read the sticky regarding drug talk on this forum. Excuse me.

Yes, no drug talk is allowed on the forums, except the legal varieties. We do not want people associating this habit with others... Resulting in more irrational fear.
Welcome!

 

[msdarlene]

re LAwaters: Cargo, you mentioned you vape a fairly high nicotine level. Are you willing to share what level that is? I'm at 24 mg and planning to reduce now that I have some better vape gear. I'm curious what you consider a fairly high level to be.

I keep a variety of nicotine levels handy. Anything to resist relapsing to smoking. My range is 12-32mg. I seem to like a high content (32mg) first thing in the morning and reduce throughout the day. I plan to reduce the level in time and to eventually quite. But its not a race. If I don't smoke today...I'm proud of myself regardless of my nicotine level. You should be too!

32mg......wow, where does one find that ejuice?

 

[Burn_notice_fan_NY]

Many online venders offer it.