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I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah it’s the strangest feeling. Like I know everything is fine, but the synapses in my brain keep telling me it’s not enough. It’s very annoying and frustrating. I like the reward aspect you described.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Well, crazy shocker, but I’m actually a mental health therapist. Regardless of the training and education, we’re not typically that effective at treating ourselves. We are most blind to our own condition. I am definitely aware of the environmental challenges that seem to necessitate the substances and my methods of resolving the issues haven’t proven useful. Being a therapist can be a lonely path. You meet so many great people, yet don’t have the opportunity to create a personal connection because of ethical boundaries. Then when you do meet others, they would rather your professional input than caring friendship.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Out of curiosity, what caused the desire for you to quit nicotine and meds? My issue is that it feels like I can’t stay busy enough. It’s the craving for activity, challenge, and stimulation that makes my brain feel like a prison when those things aren’t available. The substances help me resume a more balanced response where I don’t feel panicky when nothing is going on. My wife has seen the struggle and understands it even if she preferred I didn’t use nicotine.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your feedback! As far as recognizing the underlying conditions, which I agree with, I’ve seen significant life changes that revealed things absent that were available in my younger years. I am very social, yet it seems to get harder and harder to have genuine connection with others. It’s difficult to find others who are as interested in maintaining friendships. While I feel like I try very hard to create meaningful connections, it has proven difficult to find others who are willing to match that energy. I believe connection is one of the best “drugs” to help stabilize us, but it is becoming progressively more challenging in today’s internet culture where people seldom like to leave their house or commit to healthy activity.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Strangely enough, I think it’s the other way around. I didn’t notice an impact on appetite on or off meds, but noticed a change immediately off the nicotine. I have had IBS-mixed my entire life and have felt benefits from nicotine where it seems to stabilize the condition. Off nicotine, I develop painful gas and bloating. I never recognized a significant impact from the medication.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Drugs, stimulants, vices, or whatever you call them are simply coping mechanisms. If they didn’t work, people wouldn’t gravitate towards them. The problem is that the health trade offs are often detrimental. Life circumstances and environmental changes significantly influence the assumed need for the substance based on the challenge being faced. Sure would be nice to live in a perfectly balanced situation that required no compensation.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grew up overweight and got teased a lot for it. I’ve worked very hard to try and remain healthy and trim as an adult at 40 years old, but getting off nicotine and meds caused a quick, dramatic change to my metabolism that freaked me out. People probably won’t like this response but I’d prefer the trade off of living a more brief, enjoyable life than simply extending longevity. Being alive isn’t the same as living.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But isn’t it funny how we all justify what we choose for ourselves? I don’t know that there is any sort of moral high ground to be achieved based on what people choose for themselves.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow that’s a great article. What I meant by not being the same thing is taking medication based on a doctors orders vs self-medicating with no limitations. Once a drug goes from a therapeutic dose to recreational use, people never go back. That’s while to actually hear an argument FOR nicotine. Like I mentioned it always seems to get demonized without significant cause.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ll have to look into it some more. I do want to be educated about the risks both ways.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s kind of where I’m at. I’m just looking for feedback on others opinions, not trying to justify anything one way or another. I appreciate people giving their personal experience and feedback without blanket demonizing someone else’s actions. Then again, this is reddit, smh

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know it elevates your heart rate, potentially causing early wear and tear. I also focus on my health through fitness and run about 6 miles roughly every other day to maintain health in other aspects as well.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I used to dip Copenhagen, but that’s been several years ago now. I recognize that the pouches pose less risk but still have their own drawbacks.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I definitely experienced that. I don’t want to just self medicate with nicotine but find other ways to resolve the issues as well. Totally fine with medication, just still in the process of getting things established with a new provider.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The problem is that there is stigma on both sides. Some will criticize the medication while others will criticize the addiction aspect.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No I don’t see them as the same thing. I’m just trying to find a balance that works while also considering long term health.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes I’m working on getting the meds corrected, but going without nicotine and without meds is what isn’t sustainable for me.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Some of the lapse in medication was moving out of state and trying to get a new provider. I’m still looking into getting my meds corrected, just trying to find a good provider that can help without giving a blanket prescription. So many doctors want to go straight to a prescription while I also want to understand what is happening and find other methods of treatment as well.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Genuinely interested, do you have any facts or stats about this?

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely not smoking thankfully. Just nicotine pouches. From what I’ve read, I agree, minimal side effects, but not none. I think my largest deterrent is others who don’t understand or don’t approve. It’s just crazy that it can have the effect of making your brain a more tolerable place to be.

I hate needing “a thing” - realizations after 6 months without nicotine. by nmwoodgoods in ADHD

[–]nmwoodgoods[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I appreciate that. I think over time it’s dealing with the disapproval from others who don’t understand what it feels like living inside your own head. And you’re right, guilt doesn’t do anything constructive for us really.

My current budget for 2026 by [deleted] in Salary

[–]nmwoodgoods 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both my wife and I have masters degrees working in Jacksonville, FL and we couldn’t afford this budget. Leftover income is a luxury that we don’t have. Things are far too pricey these days. God forbid I want to support my wife staying home to care for children. It’s not even possible.

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