Hi,
I just wanted to say that I used to smoke to deal with my anxiety too. Until I relaized it really was a stimulant. I have quit for over a year now. But I beleive like dazed mommy that one quits when one is ready.All in good time.
As for long term effects of smoking, the information I have is pretty much the same as dazedmommy.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know my experience with this.
-Diva
Hi ...
I am a former smoker.. Quit 3 years ago (thankfully). Smoking was a definate coping mechanism for me when my anxiety or stress was bad so I can relate with that... You will quit when you're ready and everything is done in baby steps so good luck.
On the other issue, I've spoken to my doctor about smoking and although smoking is a stimulant and can induce anxiety like symptoms at the time they are NOT a cause of long term anxiety and or disorder once you've quit.
Unlike drugs (ecstacy etc.) than can contribute to causes of GAD or panic disorder smoking has only longterm physical health ramifications...and I don't need to tell anyone these.. We all know..lol..
We all do what we have to do to cope..and changes take time and perserverance..much like this battle of anxiety.. We can do it..just one step at a time.
Good luck!
Hi Dina , im a smoker still but am seriously considering giving up because i have heard what you have said . That cigarettes are stimulantes .
Its like catch 22 at the mo , you get very anxious and grab a ciggie and vice versa .
Well done for quitting !!
I have a friend who too has anxiety and is a smoker. She said that her Doctor said smoking triggers anxiety more than caffeine due to the chemicals in the cigarettes. I am not a smoker, but did smoke when I was in my 20's and quit at 30. I am now in my late 30's. I have not asked my Doctor yet but I plan to next time I am there. I sometimes wonder if maybe because I was a smoker if that is why I have anxiety now. Maybe the chemicals in the cigarettes did the damage? Sounds crazy, I know. I don't know... just a thought. Just wondering how many of you are smokers and if this is at all even possible.
