Finally

[Spear7]

1. Thank you everyone for your continued replies and help.


2. My last cigarette was several days ago. Im on day 3 of using only mini's (Ive been sticking to around 3 portions a day so far) and don't feel anxious, depressed, or angry- which is typically what happends after a few hours. I decided to document how the transition goes on this site, so it can benefit others going through the same cycle.

3. Concerns so far: I still feel loopy, and i catch myself daydreaming a lot- I've never been a day dreamer, so its a little bit of a worry that I cant focus, even 20 min after I put a portion in. I feel a little stoned all day, but im not throwing chairs or breaking things so I can deal with that as long as its short lived. Also, digestion isnt as good as it was a few days ago. Not sure if theres a laxative effect that im losing, but its different.

I don't feel 100% myself, kind of like im trying to be normal, not feeling it.

Could be that im still getting used to the snus and getting used to the new delivery system? Does anyone else have an opinion? I want to make the full transition, but dont want to sacrifice altertness/focus/digestion/happiness to acheive it.

Thanks again

[itchystiches]

Hello

Good to hear you're kicking the habit! Hang in there. The transition isn't entirely pain free, although it is mostly pleasurable in my experience. What I would say is drop the minis in favour of stark portions if you can... I found N&J were my saving grace when I was quitting. After 20 minutes with one of those in, a smoke was the very last thing I wanted.

Lates

IS

[Crow]

Congratulations on kicking the habit. I've been smoke-free for about a month now and it feels great.

I recommend trying "General Mint" snus. Mint is good for your digestion, and it calms your nerves.



... or you could try using a portion for 5-10 minutes at a time, and work your way up. It sounds to me like your body is still getting accustomed to the snus. I would say to give your body some time to make the transition.

Also, try using your portions after a full meal instead of on an empty/semi-empty stomach... and regarding the 'daydreaming': try to keep yourself occupied while using (don't focus too much on the snus while you use it)

Anyways... Best of luck to you on kicking the smokes!

[raptor]

I have to second getting strong (sterk) portions. They will sate your inner nicotine devil.

[bill77.017]

Hi Spear7. Well done on quiting the smokes. When i quit the cigs i used strong portions/ loose Snus to ease
transition and found it very easy. Remember theres a lot happening with your body right now, it is starting
to repair the damage done from smoking, so stick with it, your doing great. Again try strong portions if you can,
that will definately help.

[dreed2]

If you prefer minis, try Thunder minis, because they have 8 mg. Most minis only have 4 mg. Either that, or double up on the minis you're using if you really like them. Also, I always carry a tin of snuf around with me just in case I need to take a sniff. Snuf gives a fast nic hit, similar to smoking. Also, what the others have said about having stark portions on hand is great advice.

I quit smoking by using the patch, then later switched to Commit lozenges, but I still didn't feel like myself and had trouble concentrating. The trouble concentrating part was driving me crazy because I'm in my senior year of college, taking some very difficult courses, and spending a LOT of money on those courses. Once I started using 8 mg (or stronger) portions, I felt like myself again and started getting all A's in school again, just like I did back when I was smoking :-)

[Spear7]

I should mention this- Prior to a few days ago, i had been a smoker for about 4 years, and consistently smoking between 3-6 cigarettes a day. So i would call myself a light smoker, by some standards. The 8 mg portions beat the shit out of me, I can't see straight with em, so I try to stay away.

Thanks for telling me that it got back to normal.

I want honest answers, was concentration better/worse when smoking? Is it any different after a few weeks of snusing rather than the beggining?

I have no real withdrawl symptoms besides for lack of short term memory (ITS BAD RIGHT NOW) and a little lack of cognitive abilities............................

[myuserid]

Spear - Congrats on taking the plunge and trying to beat the cig habit.

Today marks 6 months since I've had a smoke and I haven't missed it in the least.

Just keep at it, it gets easier as time goes by. If you ever need any extra encouragement, feel free to PM me.

[Spear7]

How do you all rate snus vs. cigarettes in terms of alertness focus and energy? stimulant as well?

[dreed2]

I smoked about 30 cigarettes a day for 35 years on and off, because I kept trying to quit. Without nicotine, I couldn't remember my left from my right, let alone concentrate on complex computer programming problems. Found myself driving on the wrong side of the road one day. That's when I knew I needed nicotine to function safely, let alone to feel like myself again. Trying to solve complex computer programming problems was next to impossible because I couldn't concentrate.

I think you need to find the level of nicotine you need to feel like yourself again and get your concentration and short-term memory back. It varies for everyone. Good luck with it!

[Spear7]

I know im on day 4, and Im assuming it gets better (I hope). Does it ever get back to how i felt when smoking a cig? When does that usually happen? And i mean honestly as good-my memory used to be crystal. Now its a fog.

[raptor]

Snus won't ever feel like a cigarette. Nicotine from cigarette delivery is nearly instant, while snus needs 5 minutes for your blood to circulate nicotine into your brain. That is why a lot of people recommend strong portions, they'll hit harder and a bit faster. But if normal portions work fine, then I'd stick with those. The only hard part is breaking your hand-to-mouth motor memory.

It will get better. Keep it up!