I used nicotine heavily for a little over 6 years mostly vaping, but eventually transitioning to Zyn. I did the patches for about 5 weeks before deciding to finally go nicotine-free. I feel vastly better physically. I don't really crave the damn things anymore. However, mentally I am definitely not recovered.

I have made a lot of progress, but the brain fog is still lingering, anxiety is horrible, and lack of motivation is the worst part. I quit because I lost my job which I was going to quit anyways, but the lack of mental clarity is such a handicap for interviews.

When do most people start to feel "normal" again?

I'm definitely not going back because I don't want to go through the initial withdrawal phase again, but my brain used to work like a well-oiled machine and now I feel like my brain has a check engine light on, a flat tire, and a cracked windshield.

I've commonly read it takes 3 months for dopamine to return to normal, so I guess that would be when, but I'm sure it's a gradual process and just want to know what other people experienced. I also started young at 17 or 18 and am now 23 if that makes a difference.