Yes, my friends I sure do. People with SZ are twice as likely to smoke (on the average) than people without the ailment. WHY ????? Do cigarettes give me a soothing, comfortable sensation ? Perhaps relaxing me between cups of coffee ?
Well, scientists have stated that nicotine follows a similar pathway to the brain as psychiatric medication. So, in a way, smoking is a form of self medication.
So, I'm going to ask my psychiatrist if she'll prescribe nicotine pills. Then I won't get cancer. I do know she won't prescribe stop-smoking medication. Apparently there is a warning on the bottle that says "If you take psych. meds or have a mental illness, this could make you psychotic". I think I'll just chew gum.
Take it easy,
Don
I love to smoke, too, but have only smoked a few times since 2002. Smoking makes me feel all nice and relaxed -- it helps soothe the anxiety and calms me down. In fact, I would like one right now! It seems like maybe just 2-3 per day wouldn't hurt me, but the experts say even that much is bad for you. And I live with my mom and she wouldn't let me smoke in the house. Gets kinda cold out there in the winter.
Carolyn