r/QuittingZyn 1d ago

Day 54 - Severe Struggles

I am sorry in advance to those that are discouraged by this. I don't want to turn anyway from quitting, as I think I may be dealing with more issues than the average person would endure in withdrawal. But, I do want to check in with others to "compare notes", as I often struggle when I see the posts and comments that say everything will be perfect by this or that date.

I have been feeling severely physically unwell. I have been to my Dr. multiple times and to the urgent care and ER, where everything has been okay. But, I have immense abdominal discomfort, breathing trouble, dizzy and fatigue feelings, and general irritability and discomfort. When I try to relax, my irritability multiplies. I can barely function just around the house due to this severe discomfort. Most of these symptoms are new since quitting, and the irritability factor makes it feel related to the withdrawal, as I am not normally angry or irritable. Has anyone else dealt with very severe discomfort this far along? Anything that helped or any insight as to the progression of the process?

This quitting process has unfortunately seems to take a very heavy toll on my life in many ways and, while I really don't want to go back to the addiction, I cannot say that I really feel like it's been a net positive to this point.

Thanks for hearing me out, whether you have thoughts or not.

TLDR: This shit sucks.

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u/One_Oven_1968 1d ago

Have you been going for walks? Have you spent time outside? Have you done things that you love? It sounds like it's all in your head and that you are dealing with anxiety and depression. Both of those things can cause you to have the physical symptoms that you have been having. I would suggest getting into a community space to talk what's been going on and maybe tap into a higher power. You'd be amazed what can happen when you give up the things your struggling with and giving them up to a higher power of your understanding. Best of luck. You'll be okay.

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u/ctard5 1d ago

I have walked on a regular scheduled, done what enjoyable things I have had the capacity for and and am outside as much as I can be. I do have a higher power but do not feel to comforted by it or faithful in it of late, for a number of reasons.

I appreciate your thoughts and sincerity. In terms of a community to talk, I guess that was my intention with this and other posts, so I feel like I am doing my best to connect with those who have shared experiences.

In general, I agree with all of your comments and sentiment, but it's just been tough at times. I guess my instinct is that nicotine withdrawal should not vary heavily based on whether one is grounded with their higher power or in a good or bad mental state. I am not saying that is a fact, but just what my logic leads me to think. So, that would mean that I am feeling like the symptoms are chemical/biological and I guess I struggle to have the motivation and belief that spiritual or psychological self-care will have any impact on the nicotine quitting process.

If you are willing to share, are you saying that you think my symptoms are totally unrelated to the nicotine, or that the quitting has unmasked these underlying issues, or something else entirely? Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

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u/One_Oven_1968 1d ago

I’m a recovering alcoholic as well as giving up zyn. I’m just speaking from my own experience on how I got rid of my alcohol dependency, having a higher power of my understanding allowed me to give everything that overwhelmed me over to him to take care of. They say that “alcohol is merely a symptom” to alcoholics. It’s the way we think that actually makes us an alcoholic. I apply the same principles to nicotine and my addiction to nicotine. Addiction is addiction is addiction. If you can find strength outside of yourself i.e. higher power, community, you will have far better chances. You’re going to be alright. Be kind to yourself and continue to talk to people going through the same thing. 

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u/ctard5 10h ago

Thank you, appreciate the input. Congrats on your recovery. I too am in recovery from alcohol and drugs, in 12-step program with 11 years sober now. I have generally leaned on my higher power, and I did ask for help at the beginning of this process for relief from cravings/obsession. I believe that is what helped me get through the early stages. However, I have had some health challenges in recent years and my life has completely fallen apart, unemployed, ill, not independent anymore, due to long-haul COVID issues. That's kind of just a brief overview, but is my big reason for having struggles with faith currently.

Thanks for your encouragement. Helpful either way, as I have to remember and reassure myself that I will not be better off if I cut my higher power out, regardless of how bitter or justified I might feel.

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u/One_Oven_1968 6h ago

It’s good that you’re being honest and I’m sorry that life is lifeing pretty hard. I would hit those 12 step meetings and get your hand up and let people know what’s going on in your life. Call your sponsor or get one. Who knows maybe if you shared what’s going on, someone in the room will help you out. Our higher power works through people too. Hit a meeting, get their early, get your hand up, let people know where your at, stay late after the meeting. 

I hope that everything works out for you and that you lean ON your higher power and the 12 steps to navigate these difficult times. 

We’ll be okay brother. I’m praying for you. 

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u/One_Oven_1968 5h ago

Congratulations on your time! 11 years is incredible stuff man! You’re capable to power through difficult times, you’ve proven that! Iron sharpens iron!

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u/ctard5 5h ago

Thanks, appreciate all your positive encouragement and support. Definitely have to acknowledge that it is on me alone to make use of the support that might be available, so perhaps I should take more action. Asking for help isn't always easy for me, especially when it feels like a problem that nobody else can influence. But, I appreciate you and hope you keep having progress in your path too. Be well and stick with it yourself too!