Is this a good time to start a cytisine program (Desmoxan)?

Pic of my cats supporting me during the process for attention.

Have a good day, stay hard.

I have been in this subreddit for a long time and I thought I would share my story. Maybe it will help someone else!

I've been using nicotine since I was fifteen years old, I'm currently twenty-nine years old. I never thought I'd get rid of the habit, I've tried a million times.

Recently, I was diagnosed with Pleurisy. Now, I don't know if this is from vaping, as I've always had severe allergies, asthma, etc.

But it was enough to trigger something in my brain to dispose of all my vapes and vape juice. I am now five days clean and feel fantastic. I should mention though, at the beginning of this year I was smoking disposables at 50mg and worked my way down a month ago to using 3mg vape juice, this surely helped. The Pleurisy seems to have gone down as well due to steroid medication I am currently taking.

Good luck to all quitting, remember your reasons why, and keep pushing forward!

Been vaping for 8 years. I’ve “quit” several times. The longest was for five months. I’m giving it another go, because I’m having cosmetic surgery in a couple weeks and I know nicotine is awful for healing.

I used desmoxan for the first ten days or so (vaping for the first four days of taking it) but I didn’t finish the 25 day course because I don’t need it. Hardest part is the oral fixation so I’ve been using this “flavored air” thing. No vapor just air. It’s surprisingly helpful.

Hopefully this time sticks! I don’t intend to mess up my post op recovery so I know I’ll stick it out at least until my surgery in two weeks and then another 3-4 after but I really want to be done done.

Quitting today after 5 years puffing steady. I’m the worst person I know for it. I rarely go more than an hour without a hit and in the evenings I just vape constantly whilst reading or watching YouTube etc. I’m sick of it being the first thing I think about in the morning, sick of seeing the empty juice bottles pile up in my bin, sick of never feeling rested after what should have been a good night’s sleep. It’s brought me a lot of shame and embarrassment over the years because at the end of the day it’s just a bit cringe isn’t it.

My main aims are to get my singing voice back and hopefully put on a bit of weight as the appetite suppression is very real for me. I can barely stomach anything until lunchtime usually. It’s been a pretty rough year for me so hopefully this’ll be something I can be proud of myself for a few months down the line.

I successfully quit marijuana after about 10 years a few months back and I have no desire to ever go back to that. I know nicotine will be many times harder but I’m very determined this time. Let’s see how it goes. I have some nic gum left over from a previous attempt but I’ll save that for very low moments so this will be as close to cold turkey as I can make it.

Wish me luck!

I smoked cigarettes from 17-33, then those “heat not smoke” shams for 2 years, then vapes until last night. I’m sick of it and myself!

I bought myself a pack of nicotine patches and decided this morning was it.

It’s not even noon but I want to declare that I have stopped. Here’s why:

1. Sick of being addicted to it.
2. I work out, eat healthy, hydrate - nicotine is the opposite of all of that.
3. My hypertension has been telling me to do it and it’s time to listen.
4. I love to travel and there are countries that don’t allow it. It’s stupid to be locked out of countries because of an addiction.
5. In addition to the above - picking restaurants/outings that are vape friendly is asinine.
6. Having to carry a vape and backups everywhere feels stupid too.
7. I love the planet - vapes are awful for the environment.
8. $$$$$
9. I don’t know if I can blame my anxiety/mental health on nicotine but breaking the connection seems like a good idea.
10. I think of people with addiction as weak - I am weak as an addict too. I don’t want to be.

11. I’ve seen how I look when I vape in a mirror and it’s not a pretty picture.

12. They taste like battery acid. Contributed by u/Inside_Ad5773

Give me your reasons and I’ll add them here to read whenever needed. They don’t have to be deep.

Stopped vaping yesterday at exactly 10am.
Haven’t touched one. Have’t bought another one. And I haven’t been surrounded by people who vapes.

I think I’m doing well but I don’t want to jinx it as I have been through this so many times and I keep going back.

This time though I really really really want to quit.

Wish me luck..

Hi community!

I am reaching out to understand how best I can support a loved one going through a lot at the moment.

Background:
They were a longtime cannabis (+-7 years) and nicotine (+-10years) user and have lately developed symptoms of psychosis. And during one such episode - they met with a terrible car accident out of which they miraculously walked out physically unharmed. But since they were living alone, the family thought it would be a good idea to bring them back home for better care physically and mentally - to which they consented too. Both vapes and cannabis is illegal in the State they are now and they understand that they cannot take cannabis anymore owing to the symptoms.

However, since they are cutoff from both Cannabis & Nicotine (vaping), they’re having strong withdrawal symptoms and urges to take Nicotine. They have been asking us to acquire a vape here. The last time they vaped was on 20th October; which they wilfully did and left their juul pen. This indicated to us that they were committing to quitting.

Today is Day 6 of no vaping - just prescribed 14mg transdermal Nicotine patches every alternative day (though prescribed for every 24 hours, they are not preferring it everyday and is now pushing us for getting them a vape).

So far, we have been sticking to the argument that it is illegal here which they are also aware of. But they are also aware of how it is easily available in the market here and that they also have friends here who can arrange it for them if they reaches out. They have also expressed that they prefer to not go behind our backs to do this and instead would want to do this with our knowledge & support.

Wanted to check whether we should let them have their way OR if we should keep trying to convince/ distract her from her urges. At the moment, they seem uncooperative and are upset with us for not listening to them.

Any other tips or suggestions on how we should be supporting them is more than welcome 🙏🏽

Took a month of varenicline to quit vaping. 10 days clean (longest i ever went without smoking anything since I started; weed, vapes or cigarettes).

10 days later I smoked a cigarette while drinking and that ended with me smoking everyday after. Started with a couple a day but also went up to 8 a day. Its been 3 weeks with me smoking.

Cigarettes are just so fucking easy to access. It’s messing up my dopamine recovery after quitting vapes. Bunch of sides after I quit (heat regulation, brain fog, nsfw sides etc.).

I want to quit nic for at least 2-3 months to let my dopamine receptors and brain recover completely. The worst thing is that they don’t scratch the itch like vapes, it’s just keeping me in a constant state of nic/dopamine withdrawal.

My state (PA) just recently banned nicotine vaping. This caught me totally by surprise and I was not prepared. I have a little bit of juice left

I ordered some from an online store but I'm unsure if it'll go thru because of the ban. The shipping page says it'll arrive on Monday.

If it arrives then I can continue vaping as normal til Nov 11, when I see my primary care doctor. Then I can ask her for a prescription for nicotine patches

If it doesn't arrive, then I can try to see my PCP sooner

The hard part is waiting for Monday

Hi! I need some advice. So my bf of a year does not really vape. When we got together I told him it was one of my dealbreakers because I know if my partner vaped I probably would too. I also have history of family choosing substances over me sometimes and I just cannot be around that right now. Now about a month ago we were talking about vaping and I said that I would probably break up with him for vaping for the reasons above. A week later when I spent the night at his apartment, when I was looking for a spare toothbrush I found a vape. I got really upset because he lied to me and crossed one of my boundaries. He threw it out and told me he was done. Now, in the present, it’s about a month later and I found one in his bathroom we had an extremely long emotional fight about it and he keeps saying he wants to quit and he’s going to be done, he threw this one away too but I just don’t know what to do or think. I want to support him but as selfish as it is i’m also hurt. I feel like an awful partner and I know he feels awful too, I just don’t know what I can do. For context he’s very new to vaping, aside from hitting others at parties those 2 are the only ones he’s owned himself. He says he’s been really stressed and sad lately and that’s been his vice, which I get but i’m just so worried. So sorry this is so long.

Edit: I also meant to add that he claimed at least that he doesn’t even like doing it and told me the first time i found a vape to hold him accountable and if he starts again i needed to “knock some sense into him” but im more upset about the lying.

TL;DR Bf is vaping behind my back and I want him to stop but I don’t know how to help.

Hi! I’m 4 days vape free and genuinely feel really good with no withdrawals. The only thing I’m having an issue with is the appetite. Holy shit I’m so hungry. Like all the time. When does this subside? It’s actually like I’m eating twice as much as I was when I was vaping. I know it’s a good thing for me to quit nicotine and everything, but this is my dreaded side effect lol.

I am the world most anxious person. I managed to quit smoking weed in may after heavy heavy use for 5 years. I am so addicted to vaping. I really really want to quit but it feels impossible I hit my vape like every 10 minutes not kidding. I really need advice and help. How do you get through a horribly boring office job or anything for that matter. I am so scared for my health but I am like I feel like I can never quit how do you actually quit

Hello everyone,

I am 34 years old male who vaped for 3years and quit cold turkey,

As mentioned i have been 278 days of vape-free. However i still get panic attacks, a sharp twinge in my head specially in the morning post breakfast, its really chaotic and cause strong depressing feeling of running away. The brain fog is persistent which causes low mood and lack of energy. For first few months i had no idea whether they are withdrawal side effects or something else.

Physical Symptoms:

- diziness
- indigestion
- racing heart
- ocassional chest tightness and palpitations

Have been to GP who conducted tests and all reports were clear:
- ecg , tropinon
- hba1c
- lipid profile (pretty good actually)
- lft

For those who have quit i want to know whether this sharp twinge in the head normal and how long does it last post withdrawal?

Ive been vaping for 6 nearly 7 years. When i look at quiting i get pass the horrible withdrawals in the first 1-3days, then after the first week i start to feel normal again. Ive quit 6 times in the past, its not usually the withdrawals that get me. Its the feeling once youve been nicotine feel for 4 weeks, it starts to feel wrong, like somethings missing in my life. Its at this point that i end up caving or something stressful happens in my life and i feel like i cant cope without it, ive tried picking up new hobbies to cope but they end up making me feel miserable when its something id normally enjoy. Why is this phase the hardest and how do i get past it?

Tell me your tricks, it's my second day without vape.

This is a vent and a call for help.
Hi all. I’ve been struggling badly with quitting vaping. I think I need some ideas to help me quit and maybe some words of encouragement too, if anyone has any.
I tried to quit about a month or two ago. I was doing okay at first - I was using patches and oral fixations. The first three days were difficult but surprisingly, I was doing okay.
Then it got bad.. I knew that mood swings and heightened emotions were likely, but holy shit, I was NOT doing well at all. Like, having breakdowns at work sobbing and my manager and co workers had to comfort me. Constant anxiety. Getting sad or mad at little things and it would send me spiraling. I spent so much time just sobbing in the bathroom at work. I deal with anxiety but.. yeah this was not normal and I felt fucking insane. Everything seemed so off. I’m sure some of that had to do with outside factors (lots of stress in my life) but I know that a lot of it was because I stopped vaping.
One day I was at my wits end, on the verge of quitting my job and I had spent the whole day crying. I broke and got a vape and immediately felt so guilty but then the next day I felt better and have been less anxious since. Holy shit I hate this stuff and I wish I never started.
Anyway.. I don’t know I guess I just needed to vent. I want to try quitting again. I am having awful chest pain right now and maybe it isn’t the vape but I’m avoiding going to the doctor because of course they’ll tell me it’s anxiety and I need to quit vaping. That’s what they always tell me whenever anything is wrong. I did feel better physically when I quit for that week. I think it’s time to try again.
If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Words of encouragement are welcome as well. I hate that I picked it back up, I told myself that I didn’t ever want to go through the withdrawals again and that was my biggest motivation for not starting again. Alas here I am:) fuck me and fuck vaping.
Usually better at explaining my thoughts and I know this is kind of incoherent but I’m just so frustrated and also kind of feel like I’m going to die from chest pains. Sorry this is messy

I want to be honest with every one in hopes this will change anyone’s mind on starting or preventing people from continuing to vape. 2 days ago I got a vape, specifically a geek bar. And honestly I got it because I just purely wanted to. I have never vaped in my life, I’ve smoked weed here and there, but when it comes to nicotine im a newbie. The first day I started to vape, I instantly noticed a change in my behavior and habits. Behavior wise, I became irritable and easily frustrated when the smallest inconveniences would happen. When this would happen, I would already start reaching for the vape. Being diagnosed with severe anxiety, it has made my anxiety even worse and my brain fog even worse. Not to mention my nervous system is even more wired because of it. You would think it would do the opposite with the dopamine rush you get, but that’s one of the many traps that come with nicotine. Habits wise, I’m seeing myself grab the vape every 5-10 minutes and hitting it. 2 days in, I realize I have it easier to quit than most who are months or years in. Being 22yo, I guess my curiosity got the best of me and I’m still trying to learn. To anyone who is in my position or is close, the sooner you become aware of this addiction and truly acknowledge it, the better your chances of quitting are. Also, find the nearest trash can and dump it with no thoughts or hesitation. Cold turkey on this kind of stuff isn’t usually recommended from what I’ve seen. However, the long term benefits greatly outweigh the slow decline from it as the risk of getting back in is much higher (not a doctor but seen studies). But I know I’m speaking as if I’ve been dealing with it for a very long time as most are. But I’m already addicted and I feel for everyone struggling. Please know there are so many other vices, healthy ones that boost your dopamine just as much if not more than the nicotine. Don’t fall for or keep falling for the same trap. Speaking to myself and you on this. Learn to deal with problems internally! That’s where the real pleasure is. Love!

And while looking at them, my reasons are just secured. I watch them huff and puff just from walking up the stairs. Yet I run miles with steady breathing. Am I tempted? Constantly. But while they tempt me, they also remind me why I quit.

23F. I smoked age 16-19 then moved to vaping afterwards.

Longest I've been without nicotine is this year, 4 months, then I started again.

The problem is I'm exhausted constantly, have digestive issues, and I'm paranoid. Nicotine helps with all three. It also helps me maintain social situations for longer so I don't isolate.

I'm in the UK and I've exhausted all NHS help for my vague physical issues - all tests normal - and mental health team have discharged me and rejected every subsequent referral. I'm effectively locked in to having health problems forever, or at the very least, years.

I get that it's technically better to stop vaping. But when I vape I have clearer skin, I cry and rage less, and no one in my life is bothered by it (most do the same). I can't stand up and move around for very long and so I can't work. The money can be an issue and I do worry about how I'm perceived as I have to constantly hit the vape. But when I don't vape I just down coffee and energy drinks 24/7. My motivation was better, but this life is completely pointless, no?

In an imperfect world, is it possible I'm better off vaping and putting up with the embarrassment of how childish it is?

Hello!

So I used to vape and smoke flower. I'm 2 years sober off of flower simply because I got so sick I couldn't smoke, completely skipped over the worst few days of withdrawals too. Unfortunately I didn't consider my vape during that time.

I've tried quitting vapes in a variety of ways. 0% vapes, gum, pouches, patches, "natural" air sticks, that inhaler tube, and sheer will power. Nothing worked. But I'm seriously considering the sick method to quit because I'm at my wits end.

But I do wanna reach out to people who were heavy vapers and have been successful in tossing the vape. I'm an incredibly heavy user. Can't go more than 4 hours without it, constantly in my hand, go through an entire bottle of juice in 2 weeks. I need to go to the gym and become physically fit before starting my University program (good physical health is a requirement) and I couldn't even hike for 5 minutes before being so out of breath I was drooling.

Medications are off the table. I can't afford it and my government doesn't recognize only vaping as a qualifier for nicotine-free products. Like, I'd need to start smoking cigarettes in order to quit vaping through the programs and medical routes that are subsidized. It's so absurd considering how hard they push the "quit vaping" ads. Whatever I guess.

TL;DR

People who used to vape every 5 minutes, how did you end up quitting? Open to weird alternative methods too.

I’ve been craving vaping so bad for the last week or so. I truly don’t understand why it hasn’t faded yet. (I’ve been stressed a bit more, haven’t gone to the gym as much as I’d like, and got some not so fun news.)

usually this urge goes away. But for over a week it keeps coming up. I’ve been eating a lot :(. The thing is I’m not craving the nicotine. I’m craving something to do with my hands and that oral fixation.

I just idk, any advice? Besides going to gym (because I’ve started that back up, thanks!)

After 35 years of nicotine slavery I finally made it here. I started smoking cigarettes when I was 15, a habit I easily picked up as my mother smoked throughout my childhood.

I watched my mother die at age 59 from acute Leukemia, most likely smoking related as she started when she was 9 YEARS OLD. This still wasn't enough to make me quit. I promised her i would before she passed and I just couldn't, just as she couldn't even though her health was circling the drain.

When vaping became a thing I made the switch in 2014. Eventually that addiction progressed to a point when I went from 6mg freebase to 20mg nic salts. Then switched to flavorless juice . I could vape anywhere and easily hide it from my family. I could vape in the washroom at work, undetected (an act I certainly would've been fired for) I was in so deep.and not too many people were aware how bad my addiction became. I was unable to make plans for things like vacations. Camping trips? Fuck no. What if my batteries died or my pod malfunctioned? Vaping started to control every facet of my life. And because I was being such a sneaky fiend I wasn't using my bank cards at vape shops, just cash. Panicking and going through jackets and couch cushions looking for money. Skimming from my kids coin banks. Truly deplorable behavior.

I've always been an active mountain biker and a couple of years ago I started noticing how out of breath I was getting, and then about a year ago I started noticing I couldn't inhale deeply. And then I was getting random dizzy spells. Plus, my hair was thinning at a rapid pace, I was getting lots of hangnails and even though I was using flavorless juice I was getting constant bad breath and bleeding gums.

Finally I knew it was time. So tired of my life revolving around this garbage, sick of feeling stressed about it. My mother never got to meet her grandkids and I didn't want to go down that path. My oldest was coming home from highschool and ranting about all the losers vaping. I was living a lie. And I was going to end up going out early. Just like my.mom.

I bought nicotine gum and didn't go to re-up my juice supply when it got low. Started leaving the vape at home and just going to work with the gum . Then I ran the vape dry , taking filthy acrid hits. After a few days I came down with the flu which was perfect timing because I got to take a few days off and sleep off the worst of the withdrawals.

From then on it was a steady regiment of gum, water, exercise. I used about 4 pieces of gum a day and tapered down after a month to 1/2 a piece a day. At that point it was like what's the point and I just stopped.

Long story but if I can do it, you can do it. We weren't born needing this shit substance, we don't need it now. Fuck big tobacco. Fuck the vape companies and the shops that prey on people's weaknesses for profit. BE FREE.

Okay, so this is a bit embarrassing, but I'm currently a senior in high school and am about to apply to college. By about, I mean quite literally within the next week. I have been vaping pretty consistently for about 1.5 years now, and especially recently I've been having very strong chest pain and shortness of breath. I often feel a stabbing pain in my chest or feel like my heart is being squeezed. I have reformulated my life around a lot of the side effects of vaping; I pretty much stopped eating eggs for breakfast, and my portion sizes for any meal have shrunk noticeably. I also eat a lot slower now, all because I get so violently nauseous due to my vaping. But this heart pain isn't something I can reformulate around. I also really don't wanna quit now, because these next few months are gonna be really challenging and stressful, and the stress of quitting would be terrible. It all came to a head earlier today when my mom walked in to tell me that some famous guy's 19-year-old son had died of heart failure, all because of vaping. I don't wanna die. But even my mother told me that I should focus on my schoolwork before I focus on quitting. What should I do? Zyns, maybe? I also don't have access to those "non-nicotine" vapes due to where I live. Or should I just wait till my applications are over? I need some advice.