First Post - Day 2

[garyc]

Good morning It's my second day smoke free, yesterday was tough but keeping busy really helped. I'm on day 11 of Champix which seems to help a lot, last Thursday I went most of the day without a cigarette which I put down to the Champix. I've been smoking around 15 a day for about 18 years now and after being diagnosed with moderate hypertension I've decided it's time to stop.

My girlfriend doesn't smoke and has been very supportive, but we don't live together and evenings when alone at home concern me, I think my biggest risk of giving in is there.

So, I just wanted to introduce myself, say hi, and if there's any advice that's appreciated too

Gary

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Hi there Gary, and welcome to quit support. There are lots of hints and tips if you have a browse through the topics on the right of this page. Why not bob on to this site when it comes to being on your own on an evening. There is usually someone around. I know I found it a good distraction from smoking.

Take care. xx

[Hidden]

Hi Gary - well done on the best decision for your long term health. I quit cold turkey, but I am sure you will get some good comments/advice from other folks who quit using Champix.

The most important thing for me was to identify the triggers for cravings and in that way to anticipate the cravings before they arrived and then ride them out. A craving generally lasts a few minutes (opinions vary between 3-10 min) and the frequency reduces quite rapidly after the first 4 days. The first week for me was hell and when a craving struck I actually stopped what i was doing and timed my cravings regardless of where i was. It was interesting how the craving sort of "dissolved" when you face them head on. I also consumed many TicTacs (and still do). This site also helped a lot, i was here constantly, not only for support but also to pass time and i am sure i would not have been able to do this without the support i found here. I still get cravings, but they are relatively easy to deal with and I have gone too far to mess this up now.

Good luck with your quit

[garyc 4 MONTH WINNER]

Thank you for the advice and well wishes. I've been browsing around the site for a couple of weeks now and I think I'll end up here tonight

A TicTac addiction sounds pretty good to me! I might start working on that!

[Maddyg]

Hi Gary, well Done. The hardest thing to quit, but well worth it stay close to the site and shout out if you need help. When I was at my worst I would log on here and chat to others, helped me a lot, great support , got me through some really tough times. Stay strong you can do it

[Lydia14 5 MONTH WINNER]

Hi Gary,

I am on Champix too. I am on day 8 of them and it is day 1 of no ciggies - to be honest, in the first week of Champix the cigs started to taste awful so it helped me to cut down to quit day today

How are you finding them? I am having the weirdest of dreams...but nothing I can't cope!

Stay strong, we have this one in the bag!

[garyc 4 MONTH WINNER]

Hi Lydia,

I found that the cigarettes stopped giving me that buzz I craved so found myself cutting down too. I think the habit element is going to be the hardest part to get over for me at the moment.

I'm not having any side effects on Champix as yet, I don't find I need to eat or drink a pint of water with them as some people have mentioned but I tend to stay quite hydrated anyway.

Sounds like you're staying strong on your first day, keep it up!!

Gary

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

hi Gary and welcome to quit support😊

The evenings can be hard at the start alright but just imagine we're watching you👀 our lovely Monky has been known to perch on people's shoulders and whisper in their ear............NOPE not one puff ever🚭 actually just visualizing that is enough to put you off😂

Try our breathing techniques under pinned posts to help a craving pass. Pop on here as other lovely members have said already. Candy Crush....... Just a suggestion🤔

Good luck with your quit🍀 take one day at a time and you can do it🚭👍🏼😊

[glolin LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi Gary and a warm welcome to quit support.

Keep this site nice and close, the support is amazing. We have all been where you are and know just how tough it can get.

Have the desire to quit and the determination to make it happen..and you will be successful. 😀😀🚭🚭🚭🚭

All the very best of luck - if you have any questions, just ask away 👍

[Hidden]

Welcome Gary. Way to go on 2 days. 👍i just know you can do another and another pretty soon you well have a month.