How I Quit Smoking

[acon4726]

Here is some advice based on how I quit smoking:

It is good to keep yourself busy to keep your mind off smoking, but it is even more important to manage your stress. Quitting smoking can a stressful experience. Nicrotine withdrawal can cause irritability and lots of stress. Your best weapon in the first few weeks is stress management! Try light cardio excercise (walking or jogging work), stretching, meditation, massages, saunas or other stress relieving techniques.

-Eliminate triggers. This means avoid things that make you think of ciggarettes. The smell of smoke, driving in a car, old smoking spots, the 'after-meal' ciggarette. These are all important triggers to keep in mind. Knowledge over triggers gives you power over them!

-Consider medication. If you have had a hisory of unsuccessful quitting attempts, medication can help greatly! I've heard wonderful things about Chantix. People have said it completed removed their cravings. Wellbutrin is another good medication for quitting. Both of these have been shown to be effective in studies. Talk to a doctor about these.

I personally don't recommend nicotine replacement (the patches and the gum) because they just continue the addiction. They are healthier because there is no smoke involved, but they can cost a lot of money. I know people who have been chewing nicotine gum for ten years!

What is most important is an absolute resolution to quit. Make reminders for yourself of the benefits of quitting. You WILL feel better! You will live longer! You will have more energy. Make post-its to remind yourself of these things. Stay strong. One thing that is really cool is that you will find ciggarettes didn't really relax you at all (nicotine is a stimulant). All they did were relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. When I quit i started having a much easier time sleeping because the nicotine didn't have me all worked up at night. Good luck, you will find yourself much happier being smoke free!

Share your experience quitting/trying to quit/wanting to quit!

[namelessone]

Thanks for the tips! I have been trying to quit for years.

[marle]

I picked a day and said "That's it." Been smoke free for 2 months and a week. Very very hard for the first 6 weeks, but getting better now. Hugs, Marle

[grammabobbie]

Hi, this is my first time here. I quit smoking 4 weeks ago, using Chantix. It was like a magic pill. Until the the strange dreams started, then the nightmares. I quit using the drug a week ago, figuring I had the addiction beat. Two days ago, the craving started again. Today I smoked 2 cigarettes, and now I am freaking out. I said I would never smoke again! They tasted so good though. I can already feel it in my lungs. I love cigarettes. So I started taking my Chantix again tonight, I will try again. Maybe I can get by with half the dose. I was so proud of myself. I am so confused, to quit or not to quit. I am depressed also, have been for years, disabled with that and anxiety. Is stopping smoking now really going to improve my life? I am 49 years old and have been smoking for 35 years! I think the damage is done, I feel I don't care if I live long anyway. Then I think of my grandkids.........anyone with some of the same feelings, or some insight would be appreciated.

[CarolD]

Hi grammabobbie ....
I see you found your way to the Correct Forum.

Welcome to SR!

[tstorm08]

Grammabobbie, Welcome! I'm 48 and have been on Chantix starting on my 6th week. I haven't smoked for 2 week. I'm wondering if you went off Chantix too soon? I can understand why...the nightmares. I know several people who have quit with Chantix. I know how you feel, you feel life is almost over anyway...it's not! You are only 49!! You have a lot of good years ahead to be with your grandkids. Please hang in there!

[MrsMagoo]

I am going to start taking Chantix tomorrow. I'm a little nervous but I've heard good things about it. I think I'm worried about missing my "best friend". I'm 39 and have been smoking since I was 12 so I'm not too sure what I'm going to do if I don't smoke - oh, I know, change to a smaller purse!!

[acon4726]

Good luck everybody! The chantix is great stuff. Don't do what I did the first time I tried to quit- I thought I could stop taking it after a few weeks. I started smoking again in three days. Stay with it and it will pay off!

[acon4726]

How is it working out Mrs. Magoo. I know you probably don't stop smoking until you are a week into the Chantix. Keep us updated!

[Zanthos]

I slept for 2 weeks.

[dogged]

so if yo use chantix and go off it it whenever, you will still have the real cravings to deal with right? im using chantix right now and it does help alot, it takes the edge off of the cravings greatly...but i suppose once i stop using chantix. the real cravings will start... ????

[historyteach]

I quit for two weeks with Chantix.
Then, I kept forgetting to take it, cuz, I was have *no* problems at all! And I mean *none.* I started smoking again!
I'm on day two of the Chantix again.
My doc said to take it for the full 12 weeks. I'm going to do it religiously this time.

Shalom!

[tstorm08]

I was on week 6 of Chantix when I stopped taking it. I still don't smoke, been off it since April 29. Stopped smoking April 12th. Once in a while, I think about it and then it passes. Hang in there!

[DarkGravity]

I stayed on Chantix for 3 months just to be safe. When I quit taking the chantix, I was absolutely amazed that I had no withdrawels and the cravings did not return. I did suffer really awful nausea and nightmares while taking chantix, but it was worth 12 weeks of bad sleep and bad appetite to not smoke anymore! I haven't had a cigarette for almost 7 months and haven't had chantix since new years!

[historyteach]

I have dreams, but, they are cool, funny dreams! :rof
I really have not been able to remember having dreams for years now. I *know* everyone has them, but, I've never remembered them.
Now, I do, and I often wake up in the middle of one, when the alarm rings, and have this big ole silly smile on my face as a result of it!
And no nausea either. I take it after I eat.

Shalom!

[tstorm08]

Can anyone tell me when I'll get my taste back? I smell things now but nothing I eat or drink tastes good or normal. It's like having a cold or sore throat, though I don't. It's driving me nuts!