giving up smoking

[mandimoo]

someone very close to me has recently given up smoking. they have found themselves crying for no reason and unable to be at work. is this a common effect of nicotene withdrawl? how long will it last? what can i say to help them through?

[McNoodle]

I, and others I know have packed in smoking after many years. Though frustration is felt at times, never did it get to the stage of crying and being unable to work...

[good-arras]

That sounds like a bit of an extreme reaction; sounds like they're better off smoking if this is what happens!

Most people I've spoken to about giving up say it takes 3 - 4 weeks before not smoking seems normal

[Eve]

How are they giving up, going cold turkey or using something they could be having a side effect to such as the tablets or herbal remedies?

I quit for 4 months and never got to that stage and it does sound a bit extreme, is there something else going on you don't know about that she they could be using the quitting thing as a cover up or does she ever get periods when she is down and teary?

[mandimoo]

for a week he was supporting himself with the odd nicotene chewing gum, but came down with flu and from that point has had no gum or tabacco. i guess im wondering if they have suffered a minor breakdown (if there is such a thing) and giving up smoking is an unfortunate coincidence. he just doesnt seem to be able to cope with any pressure - he has gone back to work today, but phoned me with a very shaky voice saying he'd had to come home for a bit.

[McNoodle]

That can't be down to not smoking...?

[mandimoo]

ive never smoked myself so dont really have a clue what he might be going thru, but judging by responses here i may need to have a gentle probing chat. thanks guys, wish me luck!

[Tiny E. A]

no way is that due to giving up smoking, it sadly sounds like your friend has got some bigger upset in his life at the moment other than not smoking. There is no way it could affect you that badly.