Smoking

[chickenwing]

At 32 years of age I've started smoking and it's changed my life!! Is this crazy?? I've been on every anti depressant available, currently on 40mg of citalopram for the second time and I've discovered smoking a cigarette is giving me the head space I've been craving my whole life!

I'm a recovering alcoholic and even being sober for 5 years I'm still riddled with anxiety and depressive episodes, but smoking is somehow really helping, what's this all about???

Obviously I know it's unhealthy but in the grand scheme of things, I'm not drinking and it's helping me cope with the stress I feel plus I'm happier! My whole family benefit from me being happy!

Has anyone any experience of this??

I smoke. Whenever I try to give up I get really depressed, I've read that cigarette smoke has MAOIs in it and it acts like an antidepressant. I've always said I want to stop smoking before I'm 30, but I will be 30 in October so I don't have much time left. I really want to stop but it makes me feel low so I'm torn over what to do. I really enjoy smoking.

I honestly can't believe the difference it has made in me, I feel like I've been missing out all these years!

It's because it temporarily makes you release dopamine. But if you carry on, you will need smoking to release dopamine, as it will switch off your body's own way of releasing it.

If you can it's better to do something else that helps you release dopamine...exercise for instance.

If you end up having a heart attack, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or cancer from smoking, you are certainly going to get depressed and anxious. I know otherwise healthy people have heart attacks in their early 40's through smoking, and an aunt had COPD in her 30's from smoking. These people's lives are permanently changed through smoking.

Seriously, if you can, take up running instead. It's hard at first, but when you start getting a runners high it's the best.

Well I've started going to rugby training which is also giving me a boost, maybe I could try one of those puffer things instead of actual cigarettes? All this health conditions sound horrific

Bump I want to chat about my new found fix (and trying to figure out if maybe my tablets aren't working?!)

Have you got any hobbies or anything else that gives you a high?
As a previous alcoholic you must understand that the boost from smoking it only short and will have more repercussions as you become addicted.
Also, in terms of your depression have you tried talking therapies or explored a different diagnosis?

I think the problem with vaping is that it might be better for you than smoking, but people are still inhaling chemicals without knowing what the long term consequences will be...I know some of the ingredients are carcinogenic and it's not meant to be good for your heart either.

In my last job I'd go around assessing people for care- so many people on oxygen 24/7 due to smoking (and often still smoking!!). These people are generally hidden from the public as they can't go out for long (oxygen cylinder only lasts so long). It's just not worth it.

The rugby training sounds good though. I expect if you took up smoking you'd find it hard to keep up eventually.

The dopamine release from cigarettes is common to most addictive things...heroin...gambling...computer games.

I know you mentioned the need for 'head space', have you tried meditation? Or yoga?

If you have and they haven't helped it might be worth discussing your meds with Dr.

I've honestly tried every avenue I can think of to give me space, meditation, prayer, yoga, running, cycling, talking therapy ect. The only thing that's ever helped is alcohol, codiene and fags!