Newbie with doubts

[nsd_user663_44651]

Hi everyone, I wonder if anyone can help with the difficulty I'm having with my desire to stop smoking. I've been a heavy smoker for years and I've struggled with the thought of giving up smoking even though I want to!

I'm now on day 12 of Champix and still smoking. I know it's not a wonder drug but the only time I actually don't really feel like smoking is in the evening. I'm not sure whether a craving is a real craving for nicotine or craving the habit, if you catch my drift. My quit day is supposed to be day 14 which is Tuesday but I'm not sure whether I'll be able to do it.

I've read a lot of forum posts about Champix and most people seem to feel ready by day 8. Any advice would be welcomed.

[nsd_user663_23651]

Sorry to hear you are struggling Ann, I have no experience of Champix myself, but there are many on here that have I am sure will help you.

I smoked for 35 years and quit cold turkey but I really had enough of smoking, it wasn't easy but I put my mind to beating it, and over a year now quit, I think you need will power no matter what method you choose.

I wish you well and hope the champix work for you soon.

[nsd_user663_26699]

Hi Ann,

I'm not a Champix quitter either, so it's very difficult for me to know what effects the Champix might have on a person who is quitting. I am curious, however, to know why you want to know if it is a physical or psychological craving you are experiencing?

Do you think you would handle things differently if it were one way or the other?

Alex.

[nsd_user663_10013]

Hi Ann

Please don't stress too much about your quit date. You'll find some people on Champix quit really quickly, some go the full 14 days and some longer. Everyone is different and reacts differently to the drug.

I set my quit date as day 14 and was still smoking heavily up to then - pretty sure I was smoking more at some points too I stuck with my quit date and here I am still quit nearly two years later

If you decide to go for it on Tuesday get yourself prepared on Monday - throw all your smoking stuff away, air everything and wake up Tuesday ready for a fresh start - you'll have those 'I should have a fag' moments but the Champix will help take the edge off any cravings. Try and think of ways that you can change your routine for the first few days so that you don't have the normal smoking triggers.

Try and relax into your quit and don't stress too much - easier said than done sometimes but it can be done.

Good luck

[nsd_user663_44651]

Thank you

Thanks to all who replied. I'm beginning to think my thoughts and feelings are simply anxieties about how I'll cope. I don't see the nurse again till Wednesday and I'll take the last of the 2 week pack tomorrow which means Tuesday I'll be without Champix. I'll try and get hold of the nurse tomorrow because I'm desperate not to let myself down.

[nsd_user663_10532]

Hi Ann, when I quit the last time with champix, I set a quit date and stuck to it. As it got closer I did panic and probably, no definitely, smoked a lot more than normal. But it was easier than I thought. I think its the idea of letting go that scares people. The ciggies have been a big part of your life for so long so it's no wonder you are scared to let go. I would do as you said and try and see the nurse ASAP, you dont want to be left without your champix.......good luck anyway

[nsd_user663_44651]

Hi Ann, when I quit the last time with champix, I set a quit date and stuck to it. As it got closer I did panic and probably, no definitely, smoked a lot more than normal. But it was easier than I thought. I think its the idea of letting go that scares people. The ciggies have been a big part of your life for so long so it's no wonder you are scared to let go. I would do as you said and try and see the nurse ASAP, you dont want to be left without your champix.......good luck anyway

Thanks shojam. Tried to contact the nurse, not in until tomorrow and I've been advised to ring around 12pm. I am now half way through smoking the last cigarette in the house and I really would rather not go out and buy another packet because I'd be just using not having enough Champix as an excuse. Perhaps I'll see whether I can get by using plenty of mints!

[nsd_user663_10532]

Drink plenty of ice cold water and get yourself some lollíes, they work a treat.

[nsd_user663_44683]

champix

Hi Ann,

I'm on Champix, and gave up with them before for 6 months.

They are excellant and really do work, they are in your system now, so a day or so without shouldnt make to much of a difference, the less you smoke the less you want to. its more the habit you are trying to break.

if you have an android phone there is a great quit app you can download, it helps me with the cravings, its called cessation nation.

[nsd_user663_44748]

I know it's easy to say but try and stay positive and focused - I Each day I get through without lighting up is an incentive to keep moving forward. I'm only quit 3 days so it's too early for me to start being triumphant but I do intend to continue as I am sick of being a slave to those flipping awful little sticks

Good luck and all the best.

Nikki.