Re: Caffeine withdrawal advice (was Re: Is Medicine Healthy? add

Scott Badger (wbadger@psyberlink.net)
Fri, 9 Apr 1999 23:41:36 -0500

Jeff Taylor wrote:

> Interestingly enough, when I stopped smoking, I did so Cold Turkey.
>
> How is it that some people can, and some can't? I don't see any reason why
> I'd be any less addicted than anyone else. Perhaps, I hadn't been smoking
> long enough? I was smoking for nearly three years before tapering off and
> eventually stopping completely. (winding down over about 1 month)

I am happy for you that you were able to quit but, uh, how is it that you quit cold turkey by "winding down over about 1 month"? As for your query, I don't have anything solid for you but it is fairly clear that certain personality types are more prone to addictive behaviors than others and it's reasonable to conclude that genetics plays a role in one's vulnerability.

> The trick I used was visualization. I simply saw them as something
> disgusting, a habit which was more like eating shit, than jello. So I
> stopped.

I actually did quit cold turkey after 15 years (after multiple unsuccessful attempts, of course). I believe that I do not have the hypothetical "addictive personality gene". I've indulged in a number of substances in the past that were allegedly addictive and never had a problem quitting any of them. Lucky me. . .perhaps. I also seem unable to get addicted to good habits!

Scott