Winer Winner Chicken Dinner

[Done4Me]

Wanted to save this in my intro, good read for those with focus issues.

Q for vets - This came up in a text amongst several of us in August. We're sitting here cruising along posting +1s and our numbers are starting to build such that our earliest quitter is  20 days from HOF. For the most part we're feeling good, have some fog here and there. The issue is being able to focus at work. Looking for a target day range when the clouds lift and keen focus returns. In the meantime, doing my best to keep the boss happy.

Don't want any nebulous replies. Pretty simple here, at what point did you notice you no longer had to worry about not being able to focus.

I have a desk job where I use my brain all day long. I just couldn't focus on anything at times, early on in my quit. I found two things helped me - chewing sugarless gum (which I still do - it's inexpensive and harmless, as far as I know), and getting up and going for a walk. We have a 5-story parking garage and I'd go walk the entire thing as often as needed to help me have some small relief from the fog. No one knew; I'd just get up as if going to the restroom or something and go for a walk. No one ever said a word.

I remember the fog as the worst of my physical/mental withdrawal symptoms and will never forget it.

The good news is the fog does go away. I can't say when, because everyone is different, I'm sure, but mine seemed to hang on a long time. I quit on 5/5/2013 and was not very happy through most of the summer of 2013, and then, it just seemed to get better, gradually, and the fog just went away...or, maybe better said...the fog stopped coming back.

I got through it and those who want it badly enough will get through it too. Best wishes to all of August 2014!

DeskJockey - Day 437, Class of August 2013

I quit a year to the day after you so good perspective. I also am a desk jockey however have the benefit of working from home. Anyone else?

For me it was the absolute worst until about day 200. I had short bouts of clarity and heavy patches of unfocused fogginess. There were times where I literally would come out of a really foggy "moment" and realize it had been hours.

I started getting back into light exercise and what not (pushups, situps, walking, etc) and drinking water. If I had to guess, the last time I had a true foggy stretch (and not just a "I dont give a shit" day) where I couldnt focus or get any forward momentum was sometime before a year? I think they started being very brief and less frequent between 200 and the year.

I would say the heaviest, longest stretches were in the pre-HOF days, then a few bad day stretches in the 100-200, and then sporadic ineffectiveness from 200 to a year, and since then just normal (not quit related) periods of the fuckitalls.

I think it was around day 200 when I truly got back to some modicum of real productivity. I pretty much treaded water until then and busted ass when I hit a motivated streak to make up for the doldrums. DJ is right that it's different for everyone. Josh's schedule sounds about right leading up to the one year mark. There will still be bad days.

Side note, but, interestingly, around day 200 is when I also became comfortable that I was quitting for "forever."

Right now, you are likely focused on plowing forward a day at a time. The thought of forever probably isn't something you are dwelling on too much, and rightfully so. Again, different for everyone, but around day 200 I realized that I was comfortable with the thought of never putting that crap in my mouth again. I could say it and not have that little bell in the back of my head asking if I was seriously NEVER, EVER going to do it again and trying to put scenarios in my head. I knew I meant it.

Whatever that day is for you, just keep plowing and you'll get there. Thought I would post that up in case someone was thinking about the "forever" issue. A day will come for that, too.

I'm 174 in and I still have large stretches where it is difficult to focus. I agree with those that say that it is the toughest part of the quit.

I'm wondering if I have some type of med issue where I need to see a specialist for ADD, an issue I previously thought to be horse crap. It may be the case but sounds like ya'll are talking me off the ledge for now and reassess in day 150 to 200 window.

Input from others?

I don't know how you guys are on taking supplements but I've been taking choline and inositol (they can come together in 1 pill) and it has been working wonders for me on concentration and helping a bit with improving my overall mood.

This is also the only supplement I take, so don't assume I'm one of those guys

I don't know anything about those. Can you elaborate, post some links etc. I'm all fucking ears on this.

Oh hell yeah. My job is 1/2 desk 1/2 field work. At the desk I'd be doing whatever then find myself staring at the wall, out the window, at my shoes...for who knows how long! I think it took me a good 250-300 days to feel like I could concentrate again.

Hellya's in med school so likely some science is behind his taking, interested as well. What are the doses of each? Side effects...

Choline and Inositol are B complex vitamins that that allegedly can help with concentration, anxiety, weight loss, and hair loss. All seem like a good thing, if they improved the product with an additional penis extension benefit and I would be all in.

Contact your doctor before taking, particularly if you are taking other daily meds. Example is can lower heart rate. Supplements generally scare me but if it comes down to keeping my job, I will seriously evaluate the benefit.

bump for additional input.

D4M - I'm on 160. I hit funk around 20s that was pretty foggy plus emotional roller coaster. In the 50-60s I went back into a fog. Around 90 back into a funk and foggy. Lasted a few days, but not too long. For the last several days I've been very "temperamental" and a little foggy. Part of "recovery" is learning not just to go through triggers without dip but also learn how to "deal with shit." Like tw and WastePanel said that they grabbed dip to help with hard shit at work, so did I. Know when it's time to "bust the fucking shit" out of something I stand up, stretch, take a deep breath and then start working. I usually end up playing Freecell in 5 min because I forgot what I was doing, but then I just repeat... Maybe I'm still in the fog... I will say that recognizing it and trying to have a plan to do something seems to make it better....

Just want to thank all the vets for chiming in here. This is really helpful context to have. Makes me more confident that I haven't lost my mind and that the funk/fog isn't permanent.

And thanks to D4M for asking the question!

(Just parked this bad boy in my intro. You guys inspired me to do a little research on the nutritional side of quitting. TL/DR: Eat meat. Lots and lots of meat)

I've seen multiple stories today regarding "the fog". As many of you are aware, the fog is nasty and can leave our bosses quite frustrated at our production. It also can lead to the demise of a quit if we allow our brains to think going back to nicotine is the solution.

During the initial days of a quit, we often tell new quitters to drink tons of water and cut back on their caffeine. We've never really dealt with the nutritional side of how to deal with quitting and I realized tonight that it is not a solution that many people have explored. I found a few sites, and I'm not a doctor. Hell, I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. But nutrition is not something that gets talked about.

First of all, I used a list that was compiled at flowingfree.org. It talks about other vitamins and supplements that may be beneficial to quitting (but I really just wanted to focus on those associated with "the fog").

Simply put, proteins should be key in your diet. Meats are heavy in all of the vitamins that are known to have "fog lifting" abilities. These vitamins stabilize your blood sugars, help repair brain function, and give you energy to keep you at your peak. Although found primarily in meats, you'd be surprised to find that these vitamins are in a lot of vegetables and fruits as well.

Smokers should up their vitamin C intake while quitting. Smoking depletes the body of vitamin C.

Try to stay away from sugary foods. The spike in blood sugar can send you reeling into a crave.

Foods that are helpful while quitting

Proteins and Whole Grains-maintain stable blood sugar levels. Include protein rich foods such as eggs, tofu, string cheese, yogurt, beans, or fish into your snacks and meals.

(Smoking Primarily) Vitamin C-Smoking depletes the body of vitamin C. The jury is out on whether chewing tobacco does the same.

Vitamins

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)Meat: Most meat products like poultry, pork, liver, kidney, and fish are excellent sources of vitamin B1. Unrefined, unprocessed, fortified food: Enriched flours, fortified breads, cereals, and pasta are all good sources of vitamin B1. Fortified food has added vitamin B1 and can be easily absorbed by the body.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)-dairy products (such as milk, cheese and yogurt), eggs, enriched or fortified cereals and grains, meats, liver, dark greens (such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach and turnip greens), fish, poultry, and buckwheat.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)Vitamin B3 (Niacin)-high protein content, such as meat, eggs, and peanuts. Other good sources of vitamin B3 equivalents, such as milk, actually provide more tryptophan than niacin. Mushrooms and greens are good vegetable sources.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)-Many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good sources of vitamin B6. Some ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B6. Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Fish, beef, and turkey contain high amounts of vitamin B6.

B12 (Cobalmin)B12 (Cobalmin)-Clams,, Beef, Turkey, Oysters,Chicken, Crab,Salmon,Ready-to-Eat Cereals.

Choline- Shrimp, Eggs, Scallops, Chicken, Turkey, Cod, Tuna, Salmon, Beef, Collard Greens

L-Glutamine-beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, wheat, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, and parsley. Small amounts of free L-glutamine are also found in vegetable juices. (WARNING-Check out the possible side effects of L-Glutamine when taken as a supplement.)

Omega 3 Fish Oils-Flax Seeds, Walnuts, Sardines, Salmon, Soybeans, Tofu, Shrimp, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Winter Squash

Herbs

Oats (Avena sativa)

Rhodiola (Rhodiala Rosea)

I am sitting in this same boat. Concentration comes and it goes, mainly it seems to just go. But thanks for all your guy's inputs. Its nice to know I am only 120 some odd days of being out of this mess for a while.

I have found that getting up for a walk does help, or popping a hand full of Biggs seeds, but those are both only minor fixes. I'm pretty sure my boss and coworkers are starting to get tired of my day dreaming and what not but most of them understand whats going on and why so that helps.

I am going to try to read up on Choline and Inositol, I already take Ginkgo Biloba, which seems to help, but at this point I am will to try about anything, legal and nicotine free, to get my train back on the tracks.

I'm really on the fence on supplements. Here's why. I started with Chantix back before I quit. After about 15 days of being quit (3 weeks of chantrix) I stopped taking it. So I had 5 days of getting of nic rage, then another 5 days during 15-20 with Chantix withdrawals. I had to go through uneasy times twice and wish I would have quit without it.

The rewiring that needs to be done getting off nicotine takes some time. From reading posts it occurs in the 200-365 range where you start to not notice times of no focus. I'd rather do it once and do it right. If 2014 is my shit year fine, I just don't want it rolling into 2015. My fear is that supplement use will cause the brain to stop or slow the healing process. Once one stops the supplements, will there be fog again for a bit? The flip side argument is damn it would be nice to regain some focus and be able to return to a high production employee. Would suck to be out there looking for a job.

I'm pretty sure I can comply with freeflowing.com's request. Pulled pork for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Done4, I also did not stay at a holiday inn express last night, but, chantix is a very powerful drug (I've taken it 2 or 3 previous stop attempts) that is actually poking parts of your brain with a stick. 'bangin' From what I understand, it's preventing your dopamine receptors from receiving the "high" they get from the rush nicotine provided. I believe there should be a ramp down period, at a minimum, to reduce the withdrawal effect, but I never made it that far.

The vitamin B supplements hellya mentioned shouldn't have any withdrawal effects. I do understand your point though, as I too rarely take supplements, etc and it either seems like a snake oil (waste of money) or unknown side effects although vitamin B shouldn't have many ones.

JJFTR derptex bump fix: I really didn't think that this far into the quit Nic would still have such a strong control. Guess I was wrong on that. That's why we have to be careful. I know at least for me it would be so easy to just get "one" little chew. Glad to have the support of the AAA and all of KTC.

B vitamin supplements - eh. Seems like a lot of these get fancy names and dont really do shit. Fish oil capsules? Isnt that basically the same thing?

"Focus Factor" and other such as seen on TV, marketed to stoned college kids nonsense - eh.

A really good high-absorption multivitamin? shit, most of us should be taking that anyway. Good way to still spend your poison money.

Exercise, water, and cleaning up the diet a bit? Very effective.

All of the above are preferrable to stuffing poison in your face, thereby avoiding pain meds, chemo, radiation, massive surgery to remove lymph nodes/tongue/jaw/etc - which might be a bit of a foggy distraction IMO.

bump for more vet input.

Or brass balled input. Don't let that asshat j2b kill the derptex :rustaf1:

This is an awesome thread! Thank you. Can we get this posted in words of wisdom section or some other universally accessible place?

The question on supplement/no supplement is a great one! Is there a doctor in the house? Vadge - did they learn you any of this stuff in vet school?

As for me, I used this post yesterday to motivate myself. I got my old college math book down from the attic and started doing math problems. I'm hoping that by somehow engaging a portion of my brain that was once super sharp, that it would have a trickle down effect on the rest of my brain. I'm not sure it's going to work but I'm giving it a try. I wish my ability to concentrate on Lambo's avatar, would trickle over to help me concentrate on my work. No such luck. I'm fairly sure if my job was being a porn star that I would not have this issue with concentration.

Mt take is doctors are to smart to put the poison in their lip. We have a bunch of lawyers though. 'winker'

Just so you know, this article has been placed on the main site of KTC:

Here ya go

Feel free to add to it in the comments section (or to give personal experiences and remedies as well. There's not many articles about this out there, so let's make sure we get everything covered.

I know so many lawyers that dip it would make your head spin. Doctors - can't imagine you could do it much at work, given that it is a generally sanitary environment. Imagine setting a spitter down next to a patient as you check his charts.

I have a 30 something YO nephew that is a family doctor in northern Alabama that dips. I asked him if there were a lot of doctors that dip and he said there were plenty.

Can't speak for the MD's but I've chewed through damn near every surgery I've done. Put a dip in, surgery mask over the mouth, scrub and gut it all the way through.

[TrueToMyself]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

Cool, appreciate it Grizz. Makes me feel better. I'm about 4 months to go. Hope my wife and boss have staying power. Any others with input?

Yeah Done I had a long time of struggles focussing- a lot like griz. Kept me sane when I had him to check in with while going through it, and fighting back worries similar to yours. It really does keep getting better, though sometimes it drags out when you're in the thick of a particular phase. I promise, every additional day quit is worth it when you look back. Keep it up, you'll see!

Done, everyone has different quits but one thing everyone of us has in common is some weird shit seems to happen with the way our brain interprets the world along the way. I went through a stretch for about two weeks where I felt fucking exhausted all the time. I have my own theory that these feelings happen all the time, but when you were dipping, you ignored those feelings, as your mind was focused on obtaining nicotine. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone on this site feel the same way at day 100 that they felt at day 50. And neither will you. Keep grinding you'll get through whatever you're dealing with today

The good news is that you're on day 51 and you're helping people on KTC.

Are you spending too much time on KTC? To me, it sounds like a resounding yes. If it's impacting your job and relationships, you might want to set boundaries with the internet. Are you familiar with Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites? Cerebrally, this site is no different, except it's a life saver rather than strictly entertainment. Your brain has a physiological response to online social interactions. That's totally normal. These KTC interactions may be filling some of the gaps left by the absence of nicotine.

Give yourself some guidelines and you'll get control of this quickly. Balance, D4M. I'm struggling with the exact same problem but I'm working on it.

Being jobless will make it much harder to remain quit. Poor performance at work and potential unemployment will also chop away at your newfound boost in self respect and pride.

#1: stay quit
#2: find a better balance

Your brain is still recovering from the years of poisoning.

I had a doctors appt just before I quit. In additional to lots of other problems, my oxygen level was low. Nicotine suppresses oxygen transmission, and your brain is now getting the air it needs. But it isn't used to that. So your brain is trying to figure out how to move the brain transmissions around without nicotine, but also how to function with all of this wonderful oxygen.

Think about that for a minute... At the gas station, you can legally buy a product that is as addictive as heroin, causes cancer, has almost 3x more nicotine than a pack of smokes , and robs your brain of oxygen. And you visited that gas station for a lot of years. The fogginess will pass. Just takes a little time. It is worth it.

Done4, just wanted you to re-read True's post. I am with you on being on here most of the work day, and I have lost 2 tax clients over it due to not meeting deadlines. I own my firm, so I have the freedom to be here, but if your job is jepordy I'd cut back a bit. I need to as well, but for me it's my horribly slow time of the year.

^^^ I love those types of scientific explanations, Worktowin. That really helps.

[Thumblewort]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

Cool, appreciate it Grizz. Makes me feel better. I'm about 4 months to go. Hope my wife and boss have staying power. Any others with input?

Yeah Done I had a long time of struggles focussing- a lot like griz. Kept me sane when I had him to check in with while going through it, and fighting back worries similar to yours. It really does keep getting better, though sometimes it drags out when you're in the thick of a particular phase. I promise, every additional day quit is worth it when you look back. Keep it up, you'll see!

Done, everyone has different quits but one thing everyone of us has in common is some weird shit seems to happen with the way our brain interprets the world along the way. I went through a stretch for about two weeks where I felt fucking exhausted all the time. I have my own theory that these feelings happen all the time, but when you were dipping, you ignored those feelings, as your mind was focused on obtaining nicotine. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone on this site feel the same way at day 100 that they felt at day 50. And neither will you. Keep grinding you'll get through whatever you're dealing with today

The good news is that you're on day 51 and you're helping people on KTC.

Are you spending too much time on KTC? To me, it sounds like a resounding yes. If it's impacting your job and relationships, you might want to set boundaries with the internet. Are you familiar with Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites? Cerebrally, this site is no different, except it's a life saver rather than strictly entertainment. Your brain has a physiological response to online social interactions. That's totally normal. These KTC interactions may be filling some of the gaps left by the absence of nicotine.

Give yourself some guidelines and you'll get control of this quickly. Balance, D4M. I'm struggling with the exact same problem but I'm working on it.

Being jobless will make it much harder to remain quit. Poor performance at work and potential unemployment will also chop away at your newfound boost in self respect and pride.

#1: stay quit
#2: find a better balance

Your brain is still recovering from the years of poisoning.

I had a doctors appt just before I quit. In additional to lots of other problems, my oxygen level was low. Nicotine suppresses oxygen transmission, and your brain is now getting the air it needs. But it isn't used to that. So your brain is trying to figure out how to move the brain transmissions around without nicotine, but also how to function with all of this wonderful oxygen.

Think about that for a minute... At the gas station, you can legally buy a product that is as addictive as heroin, causes cancer, has almost 3x more nicotine than a pack of smokes , and robs your brain of oxygen. And you visited that gas station for a lot of years. The fogginess will pass. Just takes a little time. It is worth it.

Done4, just wanted you to re-read True's post. I am with you on being on here most of the work day, and I have lost 2 tax clients over it due to not meeting deadlines. I own my firm, so I have the freedom to be here, but if your job is jepordy I'd cut back a bit. I need to as well, but for me it's my horribly slow time of the year.

[worktowin]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

Cool, appreciate it Grizz. Makes me feel better. I'm about 4 months to go. Hope my wife and boss have staying power. Any others with input?

Yeah Done I had a long time of struggles focussing- a lot like griz. Kept me sane when I had him to check in with while going through it, and fighting back worries similar to yours. It really does keep getting better, though sometimes it drags out when you're in the thick of a particular phase. I promise, every additional day quit is worth it when you look back. Keep it up, you'll see!

Done, everyone has different quits but one thing everyone of us has in common is some weird shit seems to happen with the way our brain interprets the world along the way. I went through a stretch for about two weeks where I felt fucking exhausted all the time. I have my own theory that these feelings happen all the time, but when you were dipping, you ignored those feelings, as your mind was focused on obtaining nicotine. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone on this site feel the same way at day 100 that they felt at day 50. And neither will you. Keep grinding you'll get through whatever you're dealing with today

The good news is that you're on day 51 and you're helping people on KTC.

Are you spending too much time on KTC? To me, it sounds like a resounding yes. If it's impacting your job and relationships, you might want to set boundaries with the internet. Are you familiar with Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites? Cerebrally, this site is no different, except it's a life saver rather than strictly entertainment. Your brain has a physiological response to online social interactions. That's totally normal. These KTC interactions may be filling some of the gaps left by the absence of nicotine.

Give yourself some guidelines and you'll get control of this quickly. Balance, D4M. I'm struggling with the exact same problem but I'm working on it.

Being jobless will make it much harder to remain quit. Poor performance at work and potential unemployment will also chop away at your newfound boost in self respect and pride.

#1: stay quit
#2: find a better balance

Your brain is still recovering from the years of poisoning.

I had a doctors appt just before I quit. In additional to lots of other problems, my oxygen level was low. Nicotine suppresses oxygen transmission, and your brain is now getting the air it needs. But it isn't used to that. So your brain is trying to figure out how to move the brain transmissions around without nicotine, but also how to function with all of this wonderful oxygen.

Think about that for a minute... At the gas station, you can legally buy a product that is as addictive as heroin, causes cancer, has almost 3x more nicotine than a pack of smokes , and robs your brain of oxygen. And you visited that gas station for a lot of years. The fogginess will pass. Just takes a little time. It is worth it.

[TrueToMyself]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

Cool, appreciate it Grizz. Makes me feel better. I'm about 4 months to go. Hope my wife and boss have staying power. Any others with input?

Yeah Done I had a long time of struggles focussing- a lot like griz. Kept me sane when I had him to check in with while going through it, and fighting back worries similar to yours. It really does keep getting better, though sometimes it drags out when you're in the thick of a particular phase. I promise, every additional day quit is worth it when you look back. Keep it up, you'll see!

Done, everyone has different quits but one thing everyone of us has in common is some weird shit seems to happen with the way our brain interprets the world along the way. I went through a stretch for about two weeks where I felt fucking exhausted all the time. I have my own theory that these feelings happen all the time, but when you were dipping, you ignored those feelings, as your mind was focused on obtaining nicotine. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone on this site feel the same way at day 100 that they felt at day 50. And neither will you. Keep grinding you'll get through whatever you're dealing with today

The good news is that you're on day 51 and you're helping people on KTC.

Are you spending too much time on KTC? To me, it sounds like a resounding yes. If it's impacting your job and relationships, you might want to set boundaries with the internet. Are you familiar with Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites? Cerebrally, this site is no different, except it's a life saver rather than strictly entertainment. Your brain has a physiological response to online social interactions. That's totally normal. These KTC interactions may be filling some of the gaps left by the absence of nicotine.

Give yourself some guidelines and you'll get control of this quickly. Balance, D4M. I'm struggling with the exact same problem but I'm working on it.

Being jobless will make it much harder to remain quit. Poor performance at work and potential unemployment will also chop away at your newfound boost in self respect and pride.

#1: stay quit
#2: find a better balance

[Dagranger]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

Cool, appreciate it Grizz. Makes me feel better. I'm about 4 months to go. Hope my wife and boss have staying power. Any others with input?

Yeah Done I had a long time of struggles focussing- a lot like griz. Kept me sane when I had him to check in with while going through it, and fighting back worries similar to yours. It really does keep getting better, though sometimes it drags out when you're in the thick of a particular phase. I promise, every additional day quit is worth it when you look back. Keep it up, you'll see!

Done, everyone has different quits but one thing everyone of us has in common is some weird shit seems to happen with the way our brain interprets the world along the way. I went through a stretch for about two weeks where I felt fucking exhausted all the time. I have my own theory that these feelings happen all the time, but when you were dipping, you ignored those feelings, as your mind was focused on obtaining nicotine. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone on this site feel the same way at day 100 that they felt at day 50. And neither will you. Keep grinding you'll get through whatever you're dealing with today

[brettlees]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

Cool, appreciate it Grizz. Makes me feel better. I'm about 4 months to go. Hope my wife and boss have staying power. Any others with input?

Yeah Done I had a long time of struggles focussing- a lot like griz. Kept me sane when I had him to check in with while going through it, and fighting back worries similar to yours. It really does keep getting better, though sometimes it drags out when you're in the thick of a particular phase. I promise, every additional day quit is worth it when you look back. Keep it up, you'll see!

[Done4Me]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

Cool, appreciate it Grizz. Makes me feel better. I'm about 4 months to go. Hope my wife and boss have staying power. Any others with input?

[Grizzlyhasclaws]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

I had major problems concentrating from about day 20 until about day 180. I got next to nothing accomplished work wise during that period. The past two months or so have been more productive than ever. I am getting work done and more confident than ever when it comes to taking care of business. It is a tough period to get through. But so worth it to get through. I don't know what to tell you as far as how to concentrate better. But I do know it eventually gets better. I was worthless for about 5-6 months. Luckily I didn't get fired. But I am kicking ass at work now.

You will get better. I guarantee it. Do whatever it takes to stay quit.

[Done4Me]

51. Wow, about a month between ramblings. Tide goes in and out on urges and sanity. Right now not so much craves but I can't keep track of the completion of thought patterns. I go from one thing to the next and the next like a pinball. I spend way too much time on this site to the point that it's affecting my job. Maybe I'm being paranoid on the job piece but I need to start leaving my personal laptop somewhere other than my office.

I wonder if the use of dip gave me the ability to think rationally on a constant even level at all times. Seems like the further I get away from my quit date the worse it's getting. Beginning to think I am ADD or whatever they are calling it these days. Anyone out there with similar story?

Hoping it goes away but if not, there's always medication which I absolutely hate taking. Makes me think I'm dependent. Quit on gents.

[TrueToMyself]

How about an update, Done4Me?

[Done4Me]

Keep doing what you're doing Done- lots of people telling you it looks good- that's how to build a quit!

Your first long weekend of quit. Look around. Freedom looks good. If you are like me, I'll be spending a good part of this weekend thinking about and honoring people taken out of my life through their nicotine addiction. Glad my family doesn't have to put flowers on me! We are quit!

Have a great weekend!

Thanks Worktowin. I will definitely do so.

Since this is at the top - might I say that's a mighty fine change at the top of the KTC pages for Memorial Day weekend. To those on this board that have served, you have my gratitude.

[worktowin]

Keep doing what you're doing Done- lots of people telling you it looks good- that's how to build a quit!

Your first long weekend of quit. Look around. Freedom looks good. If you are like me, I'll be spending a good part of this weekend thinking about and honoring people taken out of my life through their nicotine addiction. Glad my family doesn't have to put flowers on me! We are quit!

Have a great weekend!

[brettlees]

Keep doing what you're doing Done- lots of people telling you it looks good- that's how to build a quit!

[Thumblewort]

Well done, Done. Gratz on lessening the booze intake, I haven't crossed that line yet, but I started low-carbing Sunday so I can fit my ass on several roller coasters in 3 weeks. From one pocket patter to another, I quit with your bad ass today!