Hello everybody. I am native Italian (Rome) and I excuse myself for my English.
Here is my story.
I am 39, been smoking 25 sigs per day until I was 32 (began when I was 17) than was able to reduce to no more than 3 sigs because I converted myself to running, which I adored so much that I really did not feel the desire to smoke anymore 25 sigs per day.
BUT i really did want those 3 sigs per day, could not give them up.
When I stopped running (2009), I began to "smoke" electronic sigarette (with nicotine), plus the usual 3 sigs per day.
From 2012 I smoke 10 sigs per day (gave up electronic sigarette).
I hate the craving. It is compulsive and have never been able to handle it.
I obviously did try, but now I decided to use Champix, to help me deal with the cravings
I am on day 5 of Champix(followed by a doctor) No side effects at all (to those who are taking it as well I suggest to EAT before taking it to avoid nausea and to take the second pill no later than tea time in order not to interfere with nightsleep)
My quitting day should be Aug 15
I smoked on day one and on day two
On day 3 and 4 I smoked ONE sig.
Same this morning....I HAD to smoke and went to the shop to buy a 10 sig pack Just could not resist. It has been so compulsive.
With champix I can handle the craving for the other 9 sigs I used to smoke, but still absolutely need and want the ONE sig I still smoke (which than meakes me desire the second one as well, but I resist, in order not to want a third one as well)
To those who are using champix, I have the feeling that the side effects will be worse if you smoke too much while on it
I believe champix can be of great help BUT MOTIVATION is absolutely necessary.
I read Allen Carr but I do not FULLY agree with him because nicotine is an alkaloid and because in a sigarette there are other substances which give also physical addiction (e.g. anti depressive stuff).
And I also believe that everyone has a special psycological reason to smoke. Speaking for myslef, I NEED to smoke when I am very sad. And I do feel less sad after I smoked.
Maybe I have a wrong view of smoking?!
Well, I hope really this time I will be definitely off sigs, also because taking champix is for me an extreme measure ( I have an adversion for medicines, especially for those which deal with the psyke) even though I have the feeling that I still need to work on the MOTIVATIONAL SIDE. If I don't strengthen that side, than I fear champix will not work and will be back to smoking after quitting it.
Hope this forum will help!!!