I have tried 3 times to quit over the past 10 years (smoked for 23, 20-30 per day. I am 36). 3rd time was successful. I used Champix (twice). My first attempt on Champix failed, because I did not really want to quit, a very close family member died and a few other things, so the timing was not the greatest. I also did not complete the 1st month. The 3rd attempt was quite easy - by now I knew what to expect, and I really wanted to be free of my addiction. That being said, I learnt valuable lessons in the process:
1. You have to WANT to quit. That is the ONLY reason that will get you to stop. If you try quit for financial reasons, family/partner pressure, health reasons, etc., you will most likely fail (I did).
2. Quitting is easy. The hardest part is taking the decision, by far. Then just stick to it and never doubt yourself.
3. If you can do step 2, you are already free of it. Be happy about it. Be proud of yourself. You accomplished something few people can. This is one of the most addictive drugs in the world!
4. DO NOT replace smoking with ANYTHING else. That will constantly remind you of it and make you feel you are missing out on something (remember step 2). Just remove the habit from your daily routine, do not do something to replace it. I tried e-cigs, but after 3 months went back to smoking again. I used to be one of those guys that get up in the morning, kiss my wife, then go outside to smoke before anything else, even in the rain and bitter cold. Do not replace it. As an example of not changing your routine - I still go outside with the smokers at work often, and it doesn't bother me at all - even during the first week. Because once you told you mind that you have taken the decision, it's over.
5. Don't set targets like 3 days, 3 weeks or the like. That will also make you feel that you are "battling" against something that you THINK you need. That is your mind BS-ing you, trust me. Yes it is true, some people say that it takes 21 days to break a habit. For some people it might be the case. But don't obsess about it. Before you know it, you will be way past that mark before even realizing it. If you have already taken the decision, you can relax about it.
6. Don't freak out if you have cravings or thing about it a lot. It's normal. Just tell yourself you've already decided you quit, and you don't need it. It will pass within the first month, if not sooner. For me, it passed just after two weeks, without losing my mind or abnormal behavior.
7. After about 6-7 weeks, your sense of smell and taste will start improving DRASTICALLY. This was one of the most awesome things for me. I could smell coffee again from a mile away! Not to mention the wonderful food prepared by my wife... Awesomeness. Cigarettes will also smell pretty awful.
The above 7 points are probably the most important things I had to learn/realize. Yes, some quit going cold turkey (which is most successful), some using replacement treatment like Quit, some try by cutting down. I tried quite a few things over the years. But most people trying other methods than cold turkey (assisted or not), fail. The most important things I had to realize, were points 1 and 2, and that it is all in your head.
Just a warning about Cahmpix though. I knew what to expect the 2nd time around, so I was prepared for it. But I encourage you to go online and read about the side effects. They can be quite severe. I had very bad mood swings, I would get SO angry because of the smallest and most stupid things. I've heard of people having constipation, nausea and anxiety. But please do a bit of reading before you start using it (and do the full 3 month course). Here is a good place to start:
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/champix-side-effects.html Another product similar to Champix is Zyban. Both are Schedule 5 prescription drugs, so you have to get it from a doctor.
One thing I liked about Chapix is that it gave me VERY vivid dreams. No nightmares though.
I also continued drinking after I quit, and found no difficulty. I have quit smoking. Period. But after a while, I thought to myself: Hey, you quit smoking, why not drinking as well (I was drinking too much too regularly)? And poof! Using the same method, gone was the booze as well. I have been drinking excessively for well over 10 years - every day to the point where I'd fall asleep, and I am ecstatic to be rid of that as well.
I have never felt better and more grateful, it is good to be alive and well, and in full control of my life. I am not dependent on anything anymore (except my paycheck, for now)!!
Congrats to all who have made the change, and good luck to those considering it. It is not that hard, I promise. It is all in you mind! There is NO physical withdrawal WHATSOEVER. None. Everything is psychological, that I promise you. And you don't have to "trick" your mind, just stick to points 1 and 2 and your done. The rest comes naturally.
I didn't mean to write an essay, my apologies. I just wish someone told me what to expect when I tried to quit the first time (lasted 4 days). So if you really, really want to quit, I hope this will be of some assistance. For those who are unsure or not ready to quite, it will not. I know. When I wasn't ready to quit, you could tell me all this and more, even show me graphic images. Nothing would make me stop.
YOU HAVE TO WANT IT. YOU HAVE TO WANT TO STOP.
Good luck.
) I never smoked another cigarette again. Tried to smoke cigs, but it felt like sand in my mouth.
