I am wondering if anybody knows of any way to help with the side effects of quitting smoking, specifically the lack of dopamine being released for a few months. Any responses are greatly appreciated.

I quit with the patch and I know it isn't for everyone. But I put it on the first 2 days in the morning, no craving...started to crave later in the day on the 3 day, put a patch on at that time, didn't wear any patch the 4 day. Had a craving later in day on the 5 day and that was it! I am a firm believer that cravings last 7 minutes so if I got a craving I waited that and no problems after that. It has now been 5 years!!

I was ready to give them up when I did though. I didn't need convincing. If I knew it would have been that easy for me I woulda stopped alot sooner. But if I wasn't "ready", maybe it wouldn't have worked...we will never know

Very interesting. I was very ready too. Tired of the control and hold cigarettes had on me and my life.

For me, the cravings aren't the problem any more, so I guess I must be past that. My quit date was 4 weeks ago. It's actually my sense of well being and happiness which is the problem, and from what my doctor told me, my brain will take another couple months to start producing dopamine on it's own again. An actual dopamine replacement is not an option.

I remember a discussion several months back, but can't find it...

Also: have no attention span or patience. This gets better, right?

I can't suggest any dopamine replacements, however I do want to add a few cents worth of encouragement. Hang in there! When you look back after those few months have passed, you'll no doubt realize you feel so much better than you ever would have otherwise. I'm sure it'll be worth it!

How about watching some funny movies? Lounging in a tub of warm water & bath salts? Go for a massage? Go for a walk in the park? What other "feel-good" treats can you think of? Now is the time! (Think of all the money you're saving, not just on cigarettes, but on future health care bills.) This kind of activity will enhance the feel-good hormones your body can produce on its own right now.

Woo hoo, Daisy Dew!

I still occasional get cravings.

Here is a site that may help: http://www.healthbolt.net/2006/12/08/what-happens-to-yo...nk-a-coke-right-now/ and

CaffeineThe half-life (of how long the caffeine stays in your body) is about 6 hours. ... Caffeine increases dopamine levels in the same way that amphetamines do. ...
www.mcvitamins.com/Health%20Opponents/caffeine.htm - 20k - Cached - Similar pages

Thanks Liz. Your words of encouragement mean so much to me! I'm serious as a heart attack about quitting. (No pun intended!) If I was to actually give in and start smoking again, I'd have to do these last few weeks all over to quit again. Unlike lil ol peapicker, it wasn't a 5-craving breeze for me!

Well lil. While that was seriously interesting reading, I think I'll pass on running to the local gas station to get a Pepsi or Coke. Sounds like the things it would rob from me are more detrimental than the dopamine increase I may get. Maybe I should start taking Exedrin again, huh?

I do have a wonderful neighbor who encourages me to walk with her every day to increase my natural endorphin levels.

There ya go!! el natural!! best organic way!!

I have a friend who stopped smoking cold turkey by chewing hot peppers every time he had a very bad craving - not killer peppers, but the thai peppers and the like. I don't know if the endorphins helped it that much, but it worked! All he did was chew a pepper for a while, 'til the pain was considerable, then spit it out - endorphins kick in fast. He started out on about a dozen a day, then reduced fairly quickly to 3 or 4, which he did for a couple weeks, then just everyday peppers.

However you do it, good luck!

Dave

Daisy Dew, sorry to say I know nothing of natural dopamine boosters, but had to say "Way to go! You da woman!!!" You are 4 weeks into beating probably the world's strongest addiction and I think that's GREAT!

The only suggestion I would make is to make sure you're physically active (to the point of breaking a sweat each and every day...and walking to the car each afternoon in the heat doesn't count although it does break a sweat down here ) I just know I feel better PERIOD when I'm very active. Hang in there!

Hot peppers kick endorphins into gear? Seriously? Well, it may not be pleasant for my co-workers to witness, but I'm gonna be grabbing some of my jalapenos and bringing them into work.

Thanks so much organicbaby. I haven't added any more physical exertions to my day, but most certainly can, that is once I start sleeping again. I haven't gotten more than three hours of sleep a night this whole week, and that makes things harder than anything. I'm going to my doctor tomorrow afternoon.

I can at least be happier if not hotter!

You go, girl!!

DAisy Dew, you're right. When you're not getting any sleep everything else in your life takes a nosedive. Been there..uh, AM there so I know how hard that makes things. Hope your doctor was able to offer some help. A short term supply of sleeping aids would seem very appropriate at this stage...allow you to get some rest and deal with the other symptoms as you can.

My mantra to you is still the same though. Way to go! You da woman! You're doing great and things will get better!

WooHoo! I see the doctor today!!

WooHoo! I slept 6 hours last night!

WooHoo! It's friday!

WooHoo! I have the house to myself most of the weekend and hardly any plans. Just gotta help Mom and Aunt for a few hours Saturday morning.

Now if the rest of the world could just get by without needing anything from me for the weekend...

And thanks for saying it will get better OB! I needed that!

Sounds like you are in the positive groove yippee!! and a reason to celebrate doing whatever you like....and I am praying you stay that way. Good luck at the doctors

Hi Daisy,
It's good to know other gardeners have problems with quitting smoking. I had quit for a full year, then at a wedding reception I asked to have a cigarette from a family member, and ZOWIE! here i am hooked again...needing to quit again...dopamine or no dopamine.
I'm new to this site and truly enlyed reading all the comments. Thanks. (Please note my profine name change; only identify me as joaniem.)