Hello all-

I have been smoking between 20 - 30 cigarettes daily for the past 24 years. A little over 3 weeks ago I decided to quit and just went cold turkey. So I went from being a resonably heavy long-term smoker to zero nicotine overnight. I now realise this was a mistake, I was okay for the first 5 - 7 days, a little tense etc but nothing too uncomfortable, however since then I seem to have developed a serious sleeping disorder (last night I did not sleep at all), and I'm now suffering what I believe to be anxiety attacks on a daily basis, sometimes they last a few mins, other times they go on for hours. The worst time seems to be when I try to go to sleep.

I got hold of some nicotine gum 3 or 4 days ago, and have started using it, it seems to help a little, though it does not solve the problem. Can anyone recomend a GOOD doctor to visit in Bangkok to see about this sittuation. I don't want someone who doesn't listen and just throws a bag full of tablets at me, I want to speak with someone who understands, and knows what they are doing.

Many thanks.

PS, I noticed there is a 'quitting smoking' forum but thought my post would get more exposure out here in the open.

Tips on dealing with anxiety/panic attacks is also warmly welcomed.

Since you don't want pills (or don't want only pills), I suggest rather than a doctor you contact a one of the qualified therapists listed in the Mental health thread, they can help you through this difficult time. They can also recommend a doctor if it appears medication is necessary.

You can also easily enough find psychiatrist specializing in anxiety and panic disorders but they will, indeed, only give you medication.

If your level of anxiety is not too overwhelming to prevent it, a course of medutation might greatly assist you, www.dhamma.org and click on Asis ---> Thailand for list of courses in Thailand.

BTW if you do end up needing to take medication for the anxiety, try to avoid benzos (xanax and the like). There are other options such as Lyrica, beta blockers etc. The fact that you were addicted to nicotine likely indicates that you are prone to addiction, some people's brains are just wired that way, and thus will also be highly susceptible to other addictions.

When I was having some severe problems connected with alcoholism and depression, my therapist sent me to a psychiatrist to prescribe the correct medication for my condition. he told me that it was absolutely essential that I took the right meds and that this doc was an expert.

I did as requested, the doc prescribed what he considered the right stuff and it worked very well for me.

2 years later I am free of alcoholic tendencies and depression and also free of all drugs which I weaned myself off over a year ago.

I too am averse to taking random ad hoc drugs, just in case they may work, but I have to accept that sometimes the right ones can be of considerable help.

I also quit smoking some 30 years ago after having been a 60- 80 a day addict for over 20 years. It can be done.

Good luck.

I think the key thing in Mobi's success story is that he was seeing a therapist, and his therapist recommended the doctor (and probably also gave the doctor information to help in determining the right drugs).

it is always better in my experience to see a therapist first, as unlike pyschiatrists who see people for 5 - 15 minutes max before prescribing, they really get to know the individual. And while they are not licensed to prescribe medication they have considerable expertise in knowing when medication is necessary and also have working relationships with good psychiatrists to whom they refer. You are much more likely to end up with what you need this way.

Thanks to you both, Sheryl and Mobi. Your replies have been most warmly and greatfully recieved. I'm going to try and get hold of some Melatonin to see if it gives me some help getting off to sleep. I actually had a good nights sleep lastnight, and a calm day today, trouble sleeping tonight again though.

Having quit smoking last year I can sympathise with what your going through. I really dont have any advice except that nicotine is a neurotransmitter used in smooth muscle in the body, the body will increase production to compensate for the lack of smoking and things will get better in time. But what I really want to say is hang in there because its worth it in the long run,

Thanks, Waza. Your encouragement is much appreciated.