I vape a lot and I want to change to nicotine gum. Have been reading studies that say in sz or sza nicotine really helps certain symptoms.
I was thinking of going cold turkey off everything but I really worry my symptoms and motivation will get worse.
What are people’s experiences and symptoms? Keep nicotine in a harm free form or try to rip off the band aid?
Hindering work is done by nicotine.
Even I thought one cig a day keeps me better everyday.
Trust me to be in a positive note of life.
Avoid everything that gives you immediate pleasure.
You will see the difference in two weeks.
Also the main role here is the self talk,
how strong belief you have in your subconscious mind.
Will exhibit outwards and others will notice you,
on your way of life activities.
Thanks for replying - I don’t completely understand what you are saying. You’ve quit?
I went from ciggies to gum to vape.
I love nicotine. But I hate it in ciggy form.
Back when I was very young like 15 years old I used to smoke it helped calm down the voices weirdly enough when the voices stopped from olanzapine I completely stopped smoking
I quit cigs 19 months ago and the vape 13 months ago. I chew a lot of nicotine gum, but have recently moved from the 4mg to the 2mg. My next move is to switch to the patch so i can gradually ease off the nicotine altogether. The patches are free for me, whereas the gum costs $33 a box on Ebay. That’s about $10 cheaper than the same gum at Wal Mart. My pulmonary function tests have improved over the last 2 years…i had to quit because of the COPD. I’m glad i was finally able to make the quit stick!
I don’t know if this is real. But I feel that antipsychotics numbs out and eventually causes a decline in dopamine receptors in the brain, whereas cigarettes and nicotine in general keeps them active but there’s a caveat - the nicotine addiction probably damages those receptors even if it keeps them alive whereas antipsychotics eventually remove them altogether
ChatGPT says:
Your question touches on some complex aspects of brain chemistry, particularly regarding dopamine receptors and the effects of substances like antipsychotics and nicotine. Let me break it down:
Antipsychotic medications primarily work by blocking dopamine receptors, specifically the D2 receptors, which is thought to help alleviate symptoms of conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Over time, chronic use of antipsychotics can lead to a phenomenon called dopamine receptor downregulation, where the brain reduces the number of dopamine receptors or their sensitivity in response to prolonged blockage.
This downregulation can contribute to certain side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements) and cognitive dulling. In some cases, long-term use of antipsychotics might lead to a “numbing” or blunting of emotional responses, which is what some patients report as a general feeling of being less emotionally reactive or “flat.” This is not exactly the brain “removing” dopamine receptors, but a functional decrease in dopamine activity due to receptor changes.
Nicotine, on the other hand, acts as a stimulant to the dopamine system. It binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which indirectly increases dopamine release, leading to the feeling of pleasure or reward. This is part of what makes nicotine addictive: it boosts dopamine, creating a reinforcement loop.
While nicotine keeps dopamine activity higher and can keep receptors “active,” it also has its own risks. Chronic nicotine use can alter receptor sensitivity and potentially lead to dopamine receptor desensitization over time, meaning that while the receptors might not be “removed” in the same way as with antipsychotics, they can become less responsive or require more nicotine to produce the same effects, contributing to the addiction cycle.
Additionally, nicotine has a range of harmful effects on brain structures and functions, such as increasing the risk for cognitive decline and brain damage, especially with long-term use. While nicotine might not “remove” dopamine receptors outright like antipsychotics can, it can still damage them in a functional sense by altering their responsiveness and potentially leading to neuroplastic changes that could impair overall brain function.
Both substances affect dopamine receptors, but they do so in different ways, and the long-term effects on dopamine function are quite different.
Yeah nicotine seems to help a lot. The major downside to that is if i go without or run out, my cognition is a million times worse than normal.
I smoke a lot. I’ve been smoking since 2011 or 2012. I cut back a bit and make my own now.
I think smoking cigarettes is worse than the gum or the patch. But I notice it helps when I’m stressed or feeling dull.
All I am saying is don’t you do it dont do it - smoking.
Yes I have quit.
Thank you so much everyone for sharing your experiences.
Seems like I’m not the only one who benefits from nicotine in sza.
The NRT options seem like the least harmful. I think I will slowly move from the vape to gum. It’s just that first vape in the morning with coffee that I have to keep!
In Australia they have banned vaping apart from shitty options from pharmacies and it is also taxed now so that’s another motivator to quit. I think I have 2 months juice left, so maybe if I just vape with my coffee I can make it last 6 months.
I really admire the people that completely dropped nicotine but I don’t think my life would benefit from that.
@MisterApple that was so interesting - thank you
@WhiteRaven that’s just awesome! You must have a lot of strength and commitment. I want to follow your lead.
@Ozzyskits hey fellow Aussie, yep I can’t function mentally without Nic. It sucks. Neurotypicals don’t understand it, I don’t think.
I stopped smoking 3 years ago but I can tell you that any type of Nicotine intake stimulated my voices at least a little bit. They are quieter now that I have quit.
@agent101g ooh that’s interesting. Congrats on smashing the smokes
I stopped vaping a week ago and it’s been really tough but vaping is not heart healthy and I don’t want any form of heart disease so I don’t care if I’m a zombie or whatever because of my meds as long as I can be healthy overall. I quit nicotine cold turkey and have no interest in it or it’s benefits. Btw all its benefits are short term with long term consequences.
Smoking helps me massively
Have made the argument that if I take these meds then prescribe me tobacco to keep my mind sharp
No thanks negs
Nicotine helps me. Especially when I’m stressed.
@Joker 100% agree. The meds squish dopamine so nicotine raises it back up!