47 with ADHD and just quit smoking

[Holly70]

Hi- don’t know if anyone is in the same boat. I️ was diagnosed with adhd as an adult and nicotine was my “ medicine”. Just quit smoking almost a week and a half ago. Nicotine has helped me focus better.. Last time I️ quit smoking for a while and my concentration never improved-

Trying to make it to the other side of being cigarette free and have been prescribed adderall xr 25 mg

So tired of running around and not getting anything accomplished! Would love to hear from someone adhd who successfully quit smoking!

[Yoeboesayo]

Hi Holly,

My name is Noelle. I was diagnosed with Adhd at the age of Eighteen, I'm now 45. So, I was a 2 packs a day smoker for twenty odd some years. My last cig was in labor day 2015. How did I do it? I tried to quit many times, patches, cold turkey, slowly deceasing the number of cigs with each passing day. I started using an e cig, with 18mg nic level. Over the past two years, I have decreased the nic level, to between 0 and and a 3 nic level. For me, it was extremely difficult, however, this the 2nd longest quit I have had. I immediately went straight to vaping, no cigs at all since labor day 2015. I also quit drinking soda, and I have started exercising. Anyway, I have digressed. I take ritalin 3 times a day for my adhd.

I hoped this helps you, Holly.

[Holly70 in reply to Yoeboesayo]

Noelle,

Thank you so much for your reply. So glad to hear from someone that gets this merry go round. Congrats to you. I’ve had no tolerance to exercise yet but guessing that will come with time. Still feel horrid- finally stuck a patch on because my concentration is so bad. It does help to a degree- not a magic solution for sure. I’m looking forward to two years off cigarettes - it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. My belief is that there is a strong correlation between adhd and smokers.

It was very nice hearing from you!

Take care-

Holly

[MellisaW]

I am also a 47yo woman just recently diagnosed with ADHD. I am planing to quit smoking on June 1st of this year. I've set up a support system to help with the quitting smoking. When I think of quitting I feel real fear. Like my best friend has died fear. I agree with what you said about the correlation of ADHD and smoking. I've smoked for 34 years. The longest relationship I've ever had. It saddens me that I have to end it. I have been diagnosed with COPD. My best friend has damaged my bronchial tubes to the point I struggle to breathe.

Thanks for sharing I hope for the best for you and your recovery. Mellisa

[adapting]

Hi, I am mid 50's female, and only in recent realised, I have undiagnosed ADHD. I self-medicated with smoking since my teens, I was a chain smoker. 3 years ago I had chest pain, breathing problems and had to go to A&E, my oxygen was very low and Xray showed enlarged lungs. The very kind doctor there spent a lot of time with me, talking about my smoking...suggesting wouldn't it be wonderful if I left there and never smoked again. I did this for about 6 months, using a patch and basically hibernating. I didn't socialise at all. Smoking is my crutch in social situations. Slowly I went out having the odd one here and there...the last year has been on and off. Near deadlines, I always persuade myself I can smoke for a few days to help me get through it. I still use a patch daily after all this time, on the highest strength, and I still crave every day.., the best I seem to be able to do is just not smoke when I can...a few off, a few days on...I need to get off this cycle..looking for any suggestions here, I recognise ADHD is my problem, I have a test booked for next Summer, I will try the meds

[adapting in reply to adapting]

How are you getting on?

[Exnicotine7]

Hello I was diagnosed as a kid and started smoking around age 15 after that I forgot about ADHD and the medicine I had been taking. So now at the age of 52 I quit vaping/ smoking and my nicotine addiction is gone but with a firm reminder of how it was helping me cope. 2 1/2 weeks I was literally losing my mind and confused to what just happened to me, then it dawned on me that I still have ADHD. ADHD overload! and it's been nothing short of suffering state of mind, depression and hell these past few weeks. I have to get to a doctor soon. I have lost all interest in anything. Not sure if this is the right place to be talking about this?!?