I've been thinking how to quit smoking. I know I need to. I did get a prescription for something from my doctor, but don't want to take it. Any time that I've tried to quit I just sleep. I'm thinking I will try on my vacation which is the beginning of August. I know it is such a stupid expensive habit. I know this is so much easier said than done. I only wish I never tried that first one.

I don't know anything about quitting smoking, but good luck, you're doing the right thing!!!! (i'm sure by tommorow this will be full of great advice from people who have experience with it!)

I don't have any first hand experience as I've never smoked. My parents both did though. They quit and started numerous times but stopped for good when a spot showed up on an xray of my fathers after he was broadsided.

You'll want to keep yourself busy and find something to occupy the time and attention that was put on smoking. Go out for walks. If you get the munchies try to snack on carrot sticks/celery sticks....something healthy that won't sabotage your weight.......unless you need to gain some.

Having an accountability partner would help too. Close by would be best but maybe someone else here is also looking to stop. Actually, user name fajitas is heading down this road to.

One of my coworkers took that Chantex no smoking pill and it worked for her. She is so happy, she didn't have any of the withdrawl symptoms or the mood swings.

Me too.

I tried to quit (again) last week & got sideswiped - another excuse to stop the momentum. I heard about that Chantix (that Amanda mentioned) at a party this weekend. The guy was a pharmacist and was telling us about it. He said it has a really high success rate. It actually sounds interesting. I visited the website to look into it. I don't know how keen I am about anything that "activates" receptors in the brain, but it does seem to work.

It really stinks to keep trying and trying and failing to quit. I'm tired of feeling like a failure over & over again in this. I'm getting the wheeze when I laugh - how completely embarassing. Anyway, I will try again. One of these times, I'll succeed.

Maybe we can come up with some strategies and motivation. Hopefully, some others will want to be non-smokers too.

In any event, I hope that we can all break the habit.

EDIT: AndreaB is right - I am heading down this road - seems I'm always heading down this road. I just can't seem to make it to my destination.

Take care

i've quit smoking many times, but i think this last time i quit is for good
and it was easy
and i didn't make my family 'pay' for it by, because i wasn't going through sudden withdrawal

what made this time i quit different?

i took welbutrin

it removed my desire to smoke (couldn't taste it anymore), but because i was hooked, i still smoked - but cut down slowly.

previous times i quit, it was torture. and it was a constant struggle.
this time, it was easier, and i didn't really have the desire to smoke since i quit. I can't even believe that i used to smoke.

i know some people have had issues with welbutrin, but i didn't - it may possibly have saved my life.
different things work for different people. try what you think will work. go for it
good luck
-rg

Well i have had several goes over the years but my most recent attempt has been the most successful (Easter) with the nicotine patches.
So far so good!!....but have gained 10 pounds but working on that.

I really can't ever see me smoking again - it rarely enters my head (I think I have transferred all desire to smoke to desire to eat )

Several things were different with this attempt:
My hubby gave up as well
My sons were aware of us smoking AND telling us what it was doing to our health
I was really embarressed by my habit

I must say I imagined that both hubby and I would have been at each others throats through the withdrawal but suprisingly NO MOOD swings with the patches.
We kept ourselves busy and did plenty of crosswords/suduku

Somehow - this time seems to be for keeps - hope it is for any of you out there!!

My doctor did give me the Chantix. I have had so many weird drug reactions, I'm afraid to try it. A part of me doesn't want to deal with the side effects, but I know I have to. I just know it's time to quit this stupid habit.

I'm a little concerned about the side effects too. I haven't made the decision to take it either.

Are you still thinking about quitting while you're on vacation?
I think - depending on the length of your vacation and what you'll be doing - it may work for you. I did it once. I quit on a ski trip. It lasted until about 3 weeks after I got back (then, the smoke-break habit at work got to be too much of a draw). But it was the only time I was ever able to just quit without assistance. I think I was just so busy and having such a good time that I didn't really have time to think about smoking. While the 1st few days were kind of rough, it's almost easier to do it on vacation because you don't have to quarrel with your day to day routines and habits.

I haven't set another quit date yet, but I gotta do it. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I say it - it doesn't make it happen. I wonder what it's going to take !?


Nikki-uk,
Congratulations on quitting. I agree - if you're married, you have a greater chance of success if you do it together.
I'm curious (if you see this) - Are you done with the patches? If you are, how long did you use them? Easter was like 4 months ago or so. (?)

I am taking chantix right now. It really works! I do not snack or sleep more, nor did I gain weight. I have tried to quit before and was a nervous wreck half the time and wanted to strangle someone the other half. I am pretty calm while taking the chantix. The only side effect I suffer from is some nausea. I knew nausea was a side effect before I started taking it but figured that I could deal with it for a couple months for such a huge long term benefit. Besides, I dealt with nausea for a couple years before I was dianosed with celiac! A couple months is a piece of cake ( gluten free of course)! I highly recommend chantix!!

Yep, finished with the patches now.It was a ten week course (starting with high strength - weaning down to low strength)
I did have the 24 hr patches but had to take them off at night as I found it hard to sleep at night with them on (OR had the weirdest, scariest nightmares)

I now only ever use a low strength nicotine gum if
1) At a gathering where alcohol is involved!
2) Highly stressed!!

My vacation is 9 days. I do wonder how I will deal with my breaks at work. I will have to work on healthy snacks. I can afford to gain a few pounds anyway. I am now working on cutting back. I have a couple of weeks until vacation time.

Best of luck with quitting! As you know, there are all sorts of products that help with quitting, but, IME, none of them work that well if one is not really ready to quit.

I quit for good almost 11 years ago. Tried quitting a few times before that...used nicotine gum and the patch (not at the same time! ) In the end it was will power and timing that worked. The short version is that we wanted to start a family, and there was no way I was going to smoke while pregnant or ever around my kids, so when I had to stop smoking due to dental surgery I just stopped for good...about 6 months before pregnancy. There was no desire to smoke again.

My husband didn't have as easy a go with it. He quit at the same time, but kept resuming the habit off and on for awhile (but never at home.) He found that Zyban final helped him kick the habit for good. Again, he had to be really ready to do it.

Michelle

One of the tips I remember about quitting is that you need to avoid situations where there is temptation. In other words, change how and where you take your breaks. Don't go hang out with the smokers, because no amount of determination will keep you from smoking when others are smoking around you and offering you cigarettes. Active smokers are not going to offer the level of support you need to quit and stay quit.

Michelle

The dor put me on the chantix also. But it has gluten in it so i cant take it. Had reaction after the first pill

I found out the last time I attempted to quit that I did myself in with wishy-washy thinking. I wasn't determined to quit. I had a weak resolve. I need to remember all the very good reasons why I want to be a non-smoker - all the benefits:

I won't stink
I won't wheeze after a few weeks (it's that wheeze that you hear during a serious laugh - just when you want to enjoy the laugh, you hear yourself wheeze and it takes the joy away)
Exercise is easier
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
It's a pain to be a smoker - when I'm not smoking, I'll "blend" more.
Smoking is highly inflammatory - I'm trying to reduce all the inflammation, and I can't do that as long as I'm smoking.
I want to grow old with my husband.
I want to see my nephew be married (he's 15) - that means I need at least 10 more good years.

A thousand more reasons - You guys have more?? Please list them.

**Well, after talking about this, I think I want to set a date. I'll get back to you guys with that after we decide. I'm ready to set a date.



I'm planning to go for short walks and practice breathing while I'm walking when I make it to my quit date (you know - when I set one) .
I'd also say that quitting right from the start (of the vacation) would probably help. If you wait until you've established new smoking routines on vacation, you'll just have to break those habits too.



The other smokers will do me in every time.

Wait... Chantix has gluten??? I was going to ask my doctor about it! Anyone else have gluten reactions?

I quit smoking for 14 years... and then last summer I "vacation" smoked after several glasses of wine. What a dope. It's been almost a year and I promised myself and hubby that I'd quit before we moved (from PA to AR) later this summer.

Crap

EDIT: I just realized I'd better clarify: I mean:

Oh Crap - I'm bummed about that

It looks as though Zyban doesn't have gluten in the inactive ingredients, and so may be worth a try. It worked well to help my husband quit...it elminated the cravings for him.

Michelle

Now, this worries me!!!
Having given up at Easter - I do worry that one day I'll do something stupid!!!

I think you have to look at it like an alcoholic!! - you simply canNOT have 1 or 2

Another thing I did while on the patches was I had to see my pharmacist once a week for 'counselling' and a breath test thing - where you blow into a tube and it shows levels of all the chemicals in your lungs.
That kinda kept me on the straight and narrow!! and each week he would tell me what % my lung capacity was better - my lessened chance of heart attack ...etc... all encouraging stuff!

I am taking chantix right now. I called the manufacturer before starting it, and they said there was no gluten in it. Some of the side effects can be mistaken as getting glutened?

I had one friend who stopped smoking. A few months before, he stopped smoking in the house, which ultimately made it easier for him to quit. Once he quit, he was used to not having cigarettes as part of his indoor routine so the breaking-the-habit part of it was much easier. He was also motivated by the fact that Minnesota winters are COLD - he didn't want to go stand outside and smoke.

Good luck!

Okay wowzer,
What's the dealio? You going to quit when you go on vacation?

My quit date is August 2 - that's 1 week from today. I'll be using the gum. My hubby's using the patch. I'm totally committed. How 'bout you? I mean, I'm not trying to put any pressure on you - just wondering if you're still going to do this. If not, that's cool. Just curious.

It'll be my one year anniversary of quitting in a few weeks.

I tried the gum first and it only puts you in a state of constant craving. Don't bother.
I now believe there's only one way to quit:
1) Find in your mind to fully believe you want to quit.
2) quit cold turkey
3) don't believe it'll be easy for the first two weeks. it'll be hell.

This theory is how I got through it........ How many months of life have you had on this earth??? Well spare ONE just ONE to be smoke free. don't fear the foreverness of quitting. Start your new life. NOW. How can I continue having ANY pride in myself unless I conquer this one thing. "cause it's not that big a' deal when you are looking from the other side. It takes 14 days to get the nicotine out of your system. COld turkey. Get the crap out of your system and move on!!!!!

I swear after the first 14 days it's like flipping a switch. I wanted to quit and tried for two years until I finally grabbed a hold of own life and made it happen.

4 days.

This thread never developed into much, but it inspired me to pick a date, so I wanted to update.

It's been 4 days that I haven't smoked. I don't get it. It's like someone reached inside me and took out the part that likes to smoke cigarettes.

I'm really happy about this - but, mostly, I'm confused - where did this 18 year-long nightmare go? It seems too easy. It's never been easy before.

I'm using 3-4 pieces of nicorette a day. No cravings - no yelling, stomping, strangling, nail biting ... nothing - oh - but I have been eating lots of snacks - lots and lots of snacks. Still, I don't get it.

I felt exactly the same!! No terrible moods - nothing
Kicking myself that I hadn't done it earlier (and yes I've tried before and it was AWFUL!)

I think it's when it's the right time for you and you're ready it just works out
...Need to apply that philosophy to losing a few pounds now

I called Pfizer and talked to a Chantix Representative. She assured me that Chantix had NO gluten ingrediences.

I started today. Day one! Quiting day is next Monday. Wish me strength, determination, and a continued hopefull attitude.

Good Luck Momma Goose!

Go Lisa!!! You CAN do it!!

Yaaaay !

I've heard really good stuff about Chantix. I know you'll do well if you stay determined to be a non-smoker.

I'm only 4 days in, so I'm still quite vulnerable, but I feel pretty confident. It definitely takes determination above all else. I had to really want it. So far so good.

Day 5 today. I'm still doing just fine. Haven't even thought about having 1 cigarette.

You have a week before being a non-smoker! That's exciting, Ms. Goose !

Well, I was doing well (previous post).
I still haven't smoked, but I take it back. I now have thought about having 1 cigarette. I almost lost it this morning (frickin' doctors). I guess this is when it's hard. I'm going to hang tough (I hope).
Determination.

Think how the aftermath will taste in your mouth....eww. But, yes, I talk big now. Hang in there babe. I need you to be strong so you can tell me how to do it.

This has been rough - much worse than the last few days. I think I'll be fine. It got to the point where I had to fight minute by minute. Got through 10 minutes and the next 1/2 hour. Then, I made it through the afternoon.

A couple of nicorettes ... a couple thousand calories ...
I hope it gets easy again soon, because I feel so unsatisfied, but I guess that'll go away.
There's plenty of chocolate in the world - I'll be a size 13 again in no time flat.

Nikki-uk,
I'm seeing your point more clearly about the 10 lbs now (different thread). It's amazing how many changes can take place in such a short period of time. Funny how different it is when it's happening to you.

I'm abandoning this thread. I'm not feelin' the love, and I feel as though I'm posting to myself & nobody gives a crap anyway.

Good luck Momma Goose.

Don't you dare!!!! This is something that requires support. I'm just getting started. How are you doing? I know that you have been tempted, are you hanging tight?

If you don't want to do this on the full board, then PM and we can talk that way.

I know that there are alot of cheerleaders out there. Aren't there???

You know what we can do for our health if we can make it through the gluten free diet. Smoking is just the same. We have made it to the top of one mountain, this is just another one. It can be done!

So...hang in there with me.

Raises hand!!

Kat,.... sounds like you had a couple of bad days. Do you think the gum is enough for you??
I've heard that the nasal spray is very good for instant hit of nicotine (I think nicorette make this too)

I think *I* have transferred every craving for a ciggie into food...so really traded one addiction for another!!
....and although I gave up Easter I don't know I'll ever confidently say ''I don't smoke''
When people ask ''do you smoke?'' I immediately say ''yes,...but not at the moment''

...and damn!...I'm also addicted to the gum now!


Lisa, how are you doing??
Are you finding it difficult to smoke yet on the tabs??

Glad your there Nikki!

This is the third day on Chantix and it should take a full week to take optimun effect. It's odd though, I have all this energy and I have been through the house twice cleaning. It's like I have to be doing something. Perhaps that's the effect of Chantix. Keeping busy and you don't think about stopping and having a cig.

I have cut the cigs in half and working on another half this week. So by Monday, I hope to be done. They say you can still have a few, but the desire will gradually diminish. It is a three months process/package.

I'm still hopeful. I haven't told anyone yet what I'm doing (only a few thousand of you all). It's like announcing to the entire family that you are going to get straight A's this semester. One day at a time.

Kat come back

Well, first off, I didn't start this thread, but it was perfect timing for me, so I jumped on. I would think (based on what I've seen here and there on the board) that there would be plenty of people who are battling this or at least contemplating the battle.

Smokers are a strange breed. It's something you want and need desperately. The fact is that it's a lot more than a physical addiction. The habit is much harder to break than the addiction (at least for me). I pretty much broke the addiction. It only takes one sparkle of doubt to break your stride. My husband woke up this morning with the same doubts that I did. We stopped smoking, yes - until now. Support is necessary, yes - but I wasn't necessarily expecting a bunch of support here. There are those encouraging me on another thread - and I appreciate that they are lending their support, and I feel some shame in falling off the wagon. Non-smokers want to see you quit, but unless they know you, why would a non-smoker offer any encouragement? Current smokers are too ashamed of themselves to offer encouragement because they feel they don't have much to offer - I know ... I've been there too.

I'll tell you what's happened to this point. The first few days went swimmingly. No problems at all. Day 5 came and so did the doubts. Yesterday was almost impossible. I just wanted that smoke break. A moment to clear my mind and not fight it. I chose, yesterday, to fight all day. I was worn out from the battle by the time I woke up this morning. We didn't stick to the program. We were going to exercise - we were going to do activities to keep us busy - breathing exercise, and so on. So, after talking ourselves out of buying a pack and then talking ourselves back into it - like 5 times, we settled on buying a pack. I've smoked 2 cigarettes already. My throat is dry and sore already. It went straight to my head. I could actually feel the nicotine filter through my body and it immediately made me dizzy. I'm going to get back on the wagon this afternoon, because I know this is something I really want and need. One day of breaking the cycle can't kill the momentum. We'll have to get our heads back on straight and try again. I didn't break because of a lack of support here, althought it's a convenient excuse. I broke because I didn't have the fortitude to fight it today. I became weak.

Momma Goose - I think that it's important that you and I understand that the habit is the one you need to take care of - especially if you're using Chantix. I believe that the chantix site has support that you can take advantage of too. We've realized that it's our thoughts that have done us in this time. You have to get control of your thoughts first and foremost. Thankfully, I have my husband for support - and he has me, although, he's a smoker too, and is having as difficult a transition as I am.

You can do it Momma Goose ... I'll be here - we can pm if that works out for you. Make a plan - stick to it at all costs. I'm going back for another try. I have to get back up on the horse - it's that or slowly wreck my system with oxidation and free-radical chaos.

Nikki - I just saw your post. I don't think I'll be using the nicorette except in emergencies. I say that now, but keep changing my mind on that one. But, I think it's my thoughts. That's what killed the effort today. You've been free since Easter. I feel confident that you can keep it up. Keep that nicorette in your back pocket. It's better than smoking.

I'll not give up !

I'm sorry for being such a loser. This really stinks !

I'm starting to think, by what you're saying, that maybe I should try the Chantix. I've heard the success rate is really good. I don't know what to do. I feel like a big cry-baby. I want to be positive and supportive. I want to be a good influence and not a downer.

Sounds like you're off to a great start. More power to you Lisa.

I'm going for a long walk now. Take care.

Kat,

I am only on day 3. Today I have had three cigs and I found myself putting them out half way finished. I thought wow, that's cool.

Don't beat yourself up, try looking into the Chantix website and see if it may work for you. My doctor said that it has a 50% success rate. Or, there are other options available to you.

My father died at 62 from his second heart attack. I'm 52. My brother's heart is full of plaque, and he is 60. And I want to see the day that I can play with my grandchildren. Therein is my motivation.

And easy it is not. I don't mean convey that it is.

Just wanted to say congrats to all of you and keep it up! You're doing great!

No offense intended. I'll assume you're talking to the other gals.

Hmmmm....remember that one less cigarette is one step closer. Take one day at a time. On Monday, I want you to throw this back at me!!

Oh, I'll be throwing it back at you all right. You just wait, Sugar !

Hubby & I had a big discussion at lunch. We'll be old pros by Monday.

Sounds like it's worth looking into.
I wish I'd tryed it - but as I was still on anti- depressants at the time (contra-indication).
I mean...how fabulous is it that you take a tablet...and then it's an EFFORT to smoke :lol




No, there's alway's an element of willpower unfortunately
My Mum (lifelong smoker) has has 2 heart attacks and a stroke - my incentive


GOOD WORK PEOPLE!!

I am hoping some of you that are on Chantix can give me a hand here. I started taking it 6 days ago...and I am supposed to quit tomorrow, even though I have essentially quit already. I called the drug company, and did a ton of research about this med and if it contained gluten or not. So far I have only experienced one of the side effects (crazy dreams) but no nausea or anything....until today. I believe I have a break out of DH starting on my elbow....haven't had any of those in well over a year and I am terrified that it is from the medicine. This is the first thing that has ever actually worked for me and I feel like I can actually quit this time. Has anyone else had any gluten related problems with Chantix? Oh and congratulations to all of you new non-smokers out there, I hope I can join you soon!

Hey Amy.

I started my third week on Chantix. The only side effect that I have noticed is restless sleep with some very odd dreams and an occassional dull headache. I have no gluten issues at all, but I don't have DH.
You might want to call Pfzier and talk to a Chantix representative. I did and she was very helpful and informative.

I think that lack of sleep for a while is well worth it for the rewards of becoming a non-smoker.

DAY NINE SMOKELESS!!!


Good luck to you.

I quit smoking last year after being a smoker for 13 gross years.

It is a struggle at times (particularly during stressult events or after a few libations). However, the difference now and the other 2000 times I tried to quit is that I really wanted to quit this time. I know it sound simple, but when you really want to quit. You will.

For the record, the first 3 months were hell. The next 3 were better and the last 6 has been much easier. I feel better now than I have in a very long time.

FYI, I quit cold turkey. (Although I did also quit hard alcohol for 3 months and quit going to bars for 6 weeks for preventive measures...)

First of all CONGRATULATIONS to you Broncobux and Momma Goose!!! Also, thanks for the support! I did stay on the Chantix without any other problems and I quit 5 days ago. Its going well and for the first time in my life I really don't miss it. I am a little worried about Labor Day weekend....we are taking a mini-vacation to the beach and while celebrating my husbands 40th birthday I am sure we will be having at least a few adult beverages. That will by far be my toughest challenge yet since I rarely drink as it is. Oh well, I will cross that bridge when I get to it!

Have a great holiday everyone!