ct versus nrt

[nsd_user663_54751]

hi just wondered if people think going cold turkey is a better or quicker way to try and quit smoking rather than using nicotine replacement gum/patches/etc ? have read good and bad for both online so far .

[nsd_user663_54857]

Respect to those who do CT but for me I need the psychological crutch! Losenges have really worked this time. I think because they resemble a tablet, my brain thinks 'cure' for the craving!

However you do it, the most important thing is you find what works for you and quit!

[nsd_user663_54332]

Hi Net

Think it's an individual thing really - and it's a case of whatever works for you.

I have huge respect for people who can quit cold turkey but like Stupot says there's no way I could do it that way, if it wasn't for patches and gum I'd definitely have started smoking again by now.

[nsd_user663_54857]

I understand the reluctance for some to try NRT - replacing one addiction for another, but I think it is a huge help to have that safty net in the background. I'd rather have a mint or a puff on an inhalator than reach for a tab...

Plus after 10 days...I'm starting to lean on the NRT a lot less...but I triple check I have it before leaving the house!

[nsd_user663_54751]

hi thanks for replies , ive tried cold turkey and managed 7 yrs smoke free , but started smoking again , then tried nicotine gum but got addicted to that for 2 yrs so started smoking again , now on day 9 going cold turkey , i dont know if its the way you give up that works or the frame of mind your in when you decide , but im hoping it is frame of mind as nothing else has worked for me long term , and ive never felt this determined.

[nsd_user663_54554]

My view - I think there are two things that need whacking into touch - the smoking, and the dependence on nicotine.

I'm doing both at the same time, AKA cold turkey. A term who's origins I understand and appreciate, but don't agree with in the context of smoking (I don't look like one, anyone else??) and don't like - I wish it was called something else!

I also agree with everyone else here - how you kick this thing is a matter of choice, and whatever you're comfortable with, which is largely down to your mental picture of yourself. No right or wrong way, only what's best for you. I chose to stop completely - the 'just don't do it anymore' approach, mental defiance. I've heard of gum - my mother used nicorette to quit many years ago, successful. So it worked for her, and I know of many more it's worked for too. Never heard of lozenges or Champix before, still don't know what Champix is!

So I'm CT, but only because NRT didn't fit with my attitude to quitting. I never gave it a thought. So from that - Net, to answer your question with my personal view I think for me it's frame of mind and not the method that brings success or otherwise. CT works for me, NRT works equally well for others though I'm sure, and good luck all whichever path you take!

H

[nsd_user663_4522]

I have tried everything patches,lozenges, mints, inhalators, mists and champix, I have had no success at all with NRT maybe a couple of days at the most,I have stopped for months at a time with champix but the side affects always floored me. This is my 1st time at CT and to be honest it has been awful, far worse than anything I could have imagined going through but do you know what I havent smoked, I have no nicotine in my body and even though I am only on day 9 I am going strong. I can see the arguments from both side but going turkey is working for me at least..

[nsd_user663_54878]

Hey,

I am going CT (Hawkeye, I also wish it were called something else!) as for me I wanted to fully rid myself of nicotine, as well as the obvious smoking habit. But I agree with the above – for me this time around is more of a frame of mind. I actually believe for the first time I WANT this, whereas on other quit attempts it was simply as I thought I SHOULD.

It’s been painful (Day 3 and Day 6 were pure evil :mad:), but like Bossdean I’m on Day 9 and going strong The determination and this forum are keeping me going.

However I wonder if it is worth investing in a e-cig? I know my body has now rid itself of nicotine but I'm scared of those first nights out (dry January means I've been at home for the past week!)...I'd much rather reach for a few puffs on an e-cig if the urge got too much...

Han

x

[nsd_user663_54751]

its good that people have a choice of ways to help them give up and both have worked for me before short term, but i suppose in the long run its will power that will keep you off the fags for good not how you give up .where can i buy some of that lol

[nsd_user663_54857]

However I wonder if it is worth investing in a e-cig? I know my body has now rid itself of nicotine but I'm scared of those first nights out (dry January means I've been at home for the past week!)...I'd much rather reach for a few puffs on an e-cig if the urge got too much...

Han

x

My worry exactly...my method (which worked on Saturday gone, my day 7) was to use a NiQuitin mint walking between bars and a Nicorette inhalator whilst in bars if I got a craving...my god it was tough...but it worked.

The sense of achievement at having survived was far better than the craving the night before!

I actually found the hangover on Sunday difficult to deal with mind...be warned!

Oh and other brands are available

[nsd_user663_54878]

Ha! I have heard the hangovers are worse! I don’t have to find out until 26th…I’ve purposely become a hermit so I don’t drink as I think this will be a big hurdle

My only worry is that if I have some form of e-cig I’ll use it on other occasions or it will become a crutch…quite like this whole ‘I have nothing, I can’t use’ …find the strictness is working with my frame of mind. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it!

Just seen your signature – one of my main reasons is I don’t want to be 31 and still smoke!!

[nsd_user663_54857]

Yeah...my first time quit was at 27 as I didn't want to have smoked for 10 years but it was a half hearted attempt...30 is going to be bad enough...13 days to go but when I get there I'll be on day 23!

I know what you're saying around the cruch - when I started on the mints I was having them as often as I smoked but I'm down to 4ish a day so as long as you don't rely on them longterm, I reckon you'll be fine...

I could probs go CT now...but I don't want to risk it just yet!

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

Every successful quit drops nicotine at some point whether its at the same time as stopping smoking or not doesn't really matter. NRT draws the withdrawal period out over a longer term and, although I used it myself, if I knew then what I know now then I would have just gone CT. Although its a harsher 1st 3 weeks to endure I think there is a lot to be said for getting it out of the way at the beginning.

However, the right frame of mind is IMO the clincher, if you see it as making a sacrifice or depriving yourself of pleasure then whether you go CT or NRT its going to be harder than it would be if you see it as a positive thing regaining health, wealth and control.

The simple truth is that whichever method you choose so, long as you don't put fags in your gob and light them you are winning!