Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group
The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...
...to quit an unhealthy relationship. I've been meaning to for a while now. I even bought a E-Cig to help, but it's not cutting the mustard. Sure, on days I go to work it helps cut down from a pack to 1/2 a pack a day, but I'm right back to a pack a day on weekends.
So I scheduled a doctor's appointment for today and got a prescription for Chantix.
I quit Cold Turkey back in '88 and for 14 years and it wasn't that hard, but now I find it very difficult. I've heard it's harder as we get older and that does seem to be my experience.
Anyway it really makes sense. I'm exercising regularly, eating healthy and meditate daily. Smoking is a vice that's contrary to all the good things I now do for my physical and mental health.
By the way, does anyone have experience with Chantix? I know some people who have used it and quit and swear by it.
So I scheduled a doctor's appointment for today and got a prescription for Chantix.
I quit Cold Turkey back in '88 and for 14 years and it wasn't that hard, but now I find it very difficult. I've heard it's harder as we get older and that does seem to be my experience.
Anyway it really makes sense. I'm exercising regularly, eating healthy and meditate daily. Smoking is a vice that's contrary to all the good things I now do for my physical and mental health.
By the way, does anyone have experience with Chantix? I know some people who have used it and quit and swear by it.
AND this amazing group of supporters. Chantix is not for everybody, this group IS. The only 'bad' side effects I had were the VERY vivid dreams. Chantix is a tool to help you quit. You still have to do the work. I am just curious, after quitting for 14 years, why go back to it?
I am here for You.
It was mainly stress from work (or lack thereof) and finances. It was after the tech bubble burst and Y2K work ramped down. I am an IT consultant and it was a bad time for the field. When I did get a gig it was with NYS Tax & Finance, a large project with tight deadlines and we (consultants) were being taken to the cleaners on pay rate because of supply & demand.
Anyway, the guy sitting next to me smoked, and we went outside for a bitch session. It was a bad day on a very bad contract in an extremely stressful work environment. I figured one smoke would be okay...
Yeah, we know where that road leads!
As far as vivid dreams, that's okay. I've dabbled with lucid dreaming and had a couple the past couple of months. I also have a good dream journal since 1/1/15 and it's really amazing how much we do dream when we set out intention to remember and record dreams. Some of them are very vivid and epic.
My sister had some sleep deprivation from the vivid dreams but still felt is was worth it - she is smoke free 4 years now. My doctor and her spouse quit by using just the half dose over a period of about 2 months.
When I tried it two years ago, it deceased my quality of sleep and increased my mild depression so much that it was not tolerable to me. Admittedly, I think my experience with drug might have been better if I did not have a stressful job and if I had put more planning into the quit. But, like all drugs, some people suffer all the side effects, some have a few and some experience none at all. Be sure to talk with your doc about the possible side effects.
I'm so happy you are looking at alternatives in helping you quit. I felt the same and asked my doctor to help. She was skeptical and really wanted me to go cold turkey, but I was too scared. She prescribed me Wellbutrin instead and on the third day, I had to quit and ended up doing the cold turkey thing afterall (the Wellbutrin made me ill and sent me to the ER).
I came to this group for support and friendship and found both which really helped more than the meds. It was a long 2 years to gain back my health and sanity, but here I am going on a 3 year quit next month (April 15th.....tax day....my finger to taxes and the government...lol).
I too had quit for several years, but I was much younger and now it got harder...hence...asking for help which I found no shame in that.
I found obtaining a good/positive....and often humorous attitude is the key to freeing yourself from this addiction. For me the anxiety was worse than the urges and triggers.
Kicking this addiction (really any addiction....I know, cuz I've beat several of them) is not for sissy's....it takes a lot of work and determination....perhaps several tries, but eventually ya get there....one minute at a time!
I wish you the best. Ask for help often. Learn to love and forgive yourself.....and NEVER stop trying to quit and stay quit!
I quit almost 11 months ago using a small dose of Chantix. I did not up the dose after the first weeks. taking more gave me some bad affects but I took 0.5 the whole 2 1/2 months and had very good results. I did not think I could ever quit, but it was great for me. I dident get any nicotine withdraw and before I did Chantix I cut down using the patch. I cheated with the patch but did cut down to 5 a day then did the Chantix. I think cutting down really helped. so try it and see what happens. I tried wellbutin too with some really bad side affects.
I decided that will be my Quit Date because the levels in my bloodstream should be sufficiently built up to knock down the urge somewhat. Plus it gives me a week to mentally prepare for it.
One thing I notice with Chantix so far is cigarettes now taste a little funny?
Picked up some stuff at the store today. Two pounds of lemon hard candy. I big box of Goldfish. The XTRA Cheddar kind!! And a box of 50 straws for the oral fixation.
I've gone for 2 and 3 hours yesterday and today without a particularly strong craving, and when I do light up they don't taste the same. I chalk that up to rising levels of Chantix in the bloodstream.