My quit smoking detox symptoms

I'm female, early 30s, have smoked socially for about 10 years, up to a pack a day in the last 2 years. Almost all of my friends smoke. I took Wellbutrin during the last month to help me cut back to about 1-2 cigarettes a day, then quit 10 days ago (new year's eve) and it has been easier than I thought, even being around my smoking friends. Here is what I've felt so far:

First few days: dealt with cravings. chewed a lot of gum. resisted urges to take my cigarette breaks, smoke after eating, while in a bar, around other smokers, etc.

Day 4-5: Quit taking Wellbutrin also. Headache and chest pain, but almost no real craving (just habitual thoughts). Lungs felt a little painful, but the good kind of pain, like a muscle that has been exercised.

Day 6-7: some coughing and continued chest pain, but able to breathe deeply more easily. Habitual cravings also subsiding. Drinking wine with 4 smokers on Saturday night, their smoke actually irritated me. They toasted me for sticking with it, ha!

Day 8-9: Slight headache, chest pain has moved to upper back and neck pain, VERY UNCOMFORTABLE, but the thought of smoking makes me feel worse.

Today: Had dry heaves in the shower this morning. Back pain still there but less. Had lunch with a smoker friend and ALMOST caved in. So glad I didn't. Had a hot fudge sunday instead. Later tonight noticed my sensitivity to smells (ex: air pollution) is more keen.

WHAT I TELL MYSELF: "I can eat, drink and do anything I want while I get through the first month of not smoking." Do not feel guilty about any pizza or ice cream and DO NOT CARE about gaining weight. It's more important to breath and not get lung cancer/heart disease one day.

Cleaning Up My Act (blog)

Tweet