COPD and Can’t Commit to Quitting Smoking

Posted by peacelovejoy @peacelovejoy, Jul 16, 2023

I was diagnosed with COPD a year ago and have made efforts to stop smoking but I keep buying cigarettes. I have quit for a couple of days at a time and keep going back. I don’t want to let go of smoking because I can’t handle the stresses in my life. I know continuing to smoke will make my life worse but I feel like I just don’t care in the one hand and to no avail keep telling myself I’m going to be even more miserable if I don’t stop. Has anyone else gone through this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Smoking & Quitting Support Group.

@uma1

I too am having a very hard time to quit smoking even though I know it’s the worst thing I could do. I have severe anxiety, no medication helps and cigarettes are my crutch. I do have patches and gum, everyday I tell myself to use them and I don’t. I read all the previous suggestions yet still haven’t stopped. I have severe COPD. I need help.

Jump to this post

I tried the patch and gum DiD NOT WORK. but the lozenges work GREAT! 2mg

REPLY

Listen
You can and have to do this. Get the patches!! Seriously.
My Mom is now a lung cancer survivor and has COPD. At 71 we got her off the cigarettes using the patches. BUT...... it took 2 years of patches not 6 weeks.

We started at the 21 mg patches and she stayed there for a while. She had other medical issues going on and was dealing with added stress so we kept her on the 21 mg patches. The nicotine is what helps with anxiety and has that calming effect. IN patch form it isnt going to cause cancer.
Then we dropped to the 14mg patch and kept her there for a long time. Finally down to the 7mg patches and then off.. She has done fine. says she doesn't crave cigarettes at all and hates how they smell on others now.

Find a provider who will prescribe those patches . You might need to do additional paperwork to get them covered for longer than the reg period of time, but we got Moms covered.
Her provider prescribed them for smoking cessation and also anxiety. You might also consider if medically appropriate a low dose of ativan if you deal with anxiety at least during the first few weeks or when you drop down to the next dose.

Mom worked with Mayo providers on this and psychiatry . It worked for her, but again we took 2 years to get her off the patches. Nice and slow and easy. But you dont smoke at all once you go to the patch.....
Oh, and I wouldnt use the mints or the gum. Stick to the patches.
The oral versions of the nicotine still put you at risk for various cancers and are absorbed differently , can have a different impact and cause other issues like indigestion and stomach or GI problems. etc..

Best wishes

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.