Struggling stress head

[KazG]

Hi i am Karen. Recently give up smoking with the help of champix, but there are times i am really struggling. A suggestions?

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Hello there!

I don't think there are any easy answers here. In my experience, you just kind of have to plough through each day while clinging onto the knowledge that it does become easier. I think it helps a lot to understand the nature of addiction. Have a look on WhyQuit.com- the information on there is invaluable.

Just take it one hour, one day at a time. Don't give up because you can do this.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome to our community KazG - how long are you smoke free?

It is very tough for the first 3 months of our quits BUT, as every day passes by, the stronger you become to deal with the huge emotional trauma your body is going through, especially mentally and the re-wiring from the damage done - have a look at the pinned posts across the way which will be helpful to you as knowledge is key in our quits.

Wishing you strength and stay close to us - I promise, it does get better

PS Can you let me know your quit date for your milestone badges

[Nudge 2 Years Smoke Free]

G'day Karen. Congratulations on taking the big step - I am exactly 7 weeks into my quit so I have some idea what might be going on. If your on Champix, the way the stuff works is to help with the chemical dependency - so after a few days that side of things is usually taken care of.

Word of caution first - everybody is different and all the stuff that hits you will be different to everybody else's experience.

For me - knowing that the chemical dependency has been solved means I needed to tackle the psychological/mental thing. I found that I had (have) a number of triggers - sitting at a specific location, walking out of work, starting the car, finishing off the lawn, going to morning tea - that sort of thing. Boredom and specific times also has a role in it.

What I have done is in some instances avoid the place that creates the trigger (if possible) or delay the trigger by doing simple things like having a glass of water instead of a cigarette. The trick seems to be aware of the trigger - and then be proactive in removing/avoiding/voiding the trigger - I have even taken up spider solitaire and learning to play the electric guitar instead. The other thing is to take the money you normally spend on smokes are buy yourself something as a reward - maybe use it to save for something special as a kinda future incentive - if that makes sense.

Anyhow that is my two bobs worth

Nudge

[Dp338 1 Year Smoke Free]

Just don't do it

[sara2503 2 Years Smoke Free]

Hi Karen,

I also quit with the help of Champix, currently at 45 days smoke free.

I can totally relate to what Nudge has said in regards to fighting the urge psychological and that certain acts can be triggers. I can go hours without thinking about smoking but when I get in the car or pop out the garden I get that urge.

Im using an app on my mobile phone which tracks my days and it also has progress charts which details after so many days the changes that happen to your body i.e increase in oxygen levels and ability to taste and smell improvements. I found this really helps when im struggling. It also has a craving feature which will give you handy tips when your getting the urge. I would recommend this to anyone trying to quit.

Good Luck Karen, just take each day as it comes