Quitting Smoking Or Vaping In Addiction Recovery

It was once believed that trying to quit smoking or vaping during addiction recovery would negatively affect recovery. However, this has been proven to be incorrect.

A recent study found that quitting smoking or vaping during rehabilitation does nothing to affect recovery negatively, and it may even help with recovery.

Quitting smoking or vaping has been linked to sustained sobriety because, for many, nicotine can be a behavioral trigger for drug or alcohol use.

The Health Implications Of Smoking And Vaping

Both smoking and vaping can create negative health effects. Over 16 million Americans are living with diseases caused by smoking.

For every person who dies from smoking, 30 people are living with a serious illness related to smoking.

Vaping was also found to cause health risks because e-cigarettes contain and emit a variety of potentially toxic substances.

The Impact Of Smoking On Your Health

There are a variety of health complications caused by smoking that range from mild to severe.

Smoking-related health conditions include:

• cancer
• heart disease
• stroke
• lung disease
• diabetes
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• chronic bronchitis
• emphysema
• heart attack
• cough
• shortness of breath
• headaches
• vascular disease
• aneurysm
• rheumatoid arthritis
• inflammation
• impaired immune system
• death

Statistics show that stopping smoking can repair smoke-induced lung damage over time; however, once COPD develops, it is irreversible.

The Impact Of Vaping On Your Health

There are a variety of health complications caused by vaping, which result from the toxic substances inhaled from an e-cigarette.

Vaping-related health conditions include:

• asthma
• lung scarring
• organ damage
• lung injury
• cancer
• coughing
• shortness of breath
• eye irritation
• nausea
• headaches
• COPD
• heart disease
• damage to blood vessels
• death

Combining vaping with regular cigarettes may increase the occurrence and severity of health risks.

Nicotine Addiction And Your Brain

When you smoke, your brain changes as a result of the high levels of nicotine in cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

These changes to the brain may cause someone to become addicted to nicotine.

Nicotine binds to cholinergic receptors, which stimulate the release of dopamine, glutamate, and
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which may lead to nicotine dependence.

Dopamine plays a key role in the reward system of the brain and creates a feeling of pleasure when nicotine is used. This creates dependence and resulting addiction.

The Benefits Of Quitting During Recovery

There are several proven benefits of quitting smoking or vaping during recovery.

Those who quit during recovery had increased abstinence for a year and a decreased likelihood of
relapse for alcohol and drug use.

Those who quit smoking during recovery also experienced decreased mortality rates, improved health status, a reduced risk for adverse health effects, including cancer risk, and reduced financial burden.

The Challenges Of Quitting During Recovery

Quitting smoking during recovery can be challenging. Recovery is a demanding process, both emotionally and physically.

You may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms when you quit, including:

• cravings
• restlessness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• irritability
• anger
• depression
• anxiety
• increase in appetite
• increased weight gain.

Less common, more severe symptoms may include:

• cold symptoms
• constipation
• dizziness
• mouth ulcers

Many people find that withdrawal symptoms go away within two to four weeks after quitting.

Smoking Cessation Strategies

For the majority of people smoking or vaping, tobacco cravings can be strong. There are a variety of cessation strategies that can help you quit smoking or vaping.

These strategies include:

• nicotine replacement therapy
• avoiding triggers
• delaying
• chewing gum or candy
• physical activity
• relaxation techniques
• leaning on a support person
• reminding yourself why you quit
• pharmacotherapy
• finding a new healthy habit
• minimizing stress if possible

Not every strategy will work for everyone. It is crucial to find a strategy that works best for you and your individual situation.

Getting Help To Quit Smoking Or Vaping During Recovery

There are a variety of methods to get help with quitting smoking or vaping during recovery. Some states offer free counseling and medication to help you quit smoking or vaping.

The American Lung Association also offers a Freedom From Smoking program designed to help you quit smoking or vaping.

There are also a variety of self-guided apps designed to allow you to track your progress with quitting vaping or smoking that provide tips on how to stop smoking and handle cravings.

Your addiction program may also be able to provide treatment or resources to help you quit smoking or vaping.

Ask About Addiction Recovery Programs In Massachusetts

If you are looking for addiction recovery programs in Massachusetts, we can help.

Contact our team at Bedrock Recovery Center to learn more about how we can help you stop
smoking during addiction recovery.