For those of you thinking about quitting smoking...

[Shizelbs]

I have a few patients that are on the new smoking cessation drug Chantix. They are reporting some pretty good results. Just today I spoke to one person that normally smokes three packs a day, and has been for about 25 years. After being on the medication for less than a week and not yet at the goal dose (still in the warm-up stage), they are already down to one pack per day. They have called the change to be effortless.

I realize their results aren't necessarily what everyone can expect, but I was pretty impressed.

Just food for thought.

What does a pack of cigarettes cost these days anyways?

[Fireman32]

By me its just around 6 bucks a pack. I used the Nicoderm patch to quit but my boss used the Chantix. The only weird side effect with both of them though is you get some wierd ass dreams while your on the meds. I had to rip the patch off before i went to bed but if you on the pill there is no escaping it. By the way I hit 60 days smoke free tomorrow. I know there were a few others that quit recently as well hope they are all doing good and have not relapsed.

[Shizelbs]

I'd gladly take weird dreams if it was going to save my life and $12 per day.

[Fireman32]

I agree. I will add another note. I smoked a pack plus a day for just over 23 years. I tried quitting countless time and lasted a week or two and then went back for one reason or another. Even though the Chantix helps you have to really want to quit. This time around I just said one day that I didn't want to smoke anymore and just stopped. I was supposed to be on the patch for 10 weeks but stopped after 2 as I felt I did not need it anymore. I attribute this to really wanting to quit this time and not to make my friends or family happy. If you really want to quit you can do it.

[avguytx]

It was 6 weeks this past Saturday that I quit cold turkey...no drugs, etc. I've smoked for over 20 years, too. I just keep telling myself...."$1500 a year"... Ok, that and my health of course. But for a smoker, you have to put a monetary value on it. I feel better that's for sure. I haven't really gained any weight so far. It works opposite with me. If I was to eat something, I would want a cigarette afterwards. The less I'm eating, the less the crave.

So far so good. Good luck to all that can do it. It's nothing but good for you. There is no bad side to quitting.

[Neskahi]

If you made it this far you are doing great ! Maybe take that $1500.00
that is saved per year and buy those SDA SRS 2.3's on E-bay.
There are 5 hours left on the auction. They are at $1400.00 now. wow

[hoosier21]

eff quiting, beer and booze and a smoke are great

feaking quiters :)

[Ricardo]

60 days for me was on the 15th.. I used Walgreen's gum. My wife is still smoking and makes it tough, but this time it's for good.

Congrats Fireman and avguytx ;)

[engtaz]

Buy George's 2.3's or htrookie's 3.1's. Thats way I call a quit smoking payout.

Congratulation and best of luck,
engtaz

[dorokusai]

I was hoping to start smoking this month but I'll guess I'll wait and see what happens to you guys.

[Fireman32]

60 days for me was on the 15th.. I used Walgreen's gum. My wife is still smoking and makes it tough, but this time it's for good.

Congrats Fireman and avguytx ;)

And congrats to you as well! :D

[organ]

Congrats to those who conquered.

Just want to add that the Nicorette Gum works. Again, like it was mentioned earlier, you have to want to quit.

I was on the gum before and was able quit for about 9 months. I used the gum for about 2 months.
It was stupid of me to have that "first" cigarette again. I was hanging out with an old buddy of mine and thought, ah what the hell, I'll just have one. Next thing you know, I'm back to smoking 2 packs a week again. Tried to quit again a few months back and only lasted 2 weeks. Still smoking right now and not sure when I'll be ready again.

I'm telling you guys, if you're able to quit, STAY CLEAN. It only takes one to start again.

[Ricardo]

It only takes one to start again.

True; I quit for 6 months 18 months ago and one day I had that "only one"; wrong move; I think that when I started again I was smoking even more than before.

[organ]

Can't really say I'm smoking more than before, but the urge to have a smoke when the cravings kick in is definitely stronger.

Are you planning to quit again?

[Ricardo]

Me? 64 days smoke free :) After starting again I thought I would never quit; the truth is, I love smoking :rolleyes:

[schwarcw]

Congrats to all you quitters! I hope that you can stay smoke free!

Here's to your health!

[audiobliss]

Wow, what an inspirational thread for quitters everywhere! It's moving me to tears!

I'll think I'll head over to the Human Resources dept at school in the morning and drop all of my classes!


:p

[avguytx]

Buy George's 2.3's or htrookie's 3.1's. Thats way I call a quit smoking payout.

Congratulation and best of luck,
engtaz
That's George's that are on the Bay, right? I thought about hitting the button. If George wold give me a couple of weeks...I'd be good to go. That way, it doesn't come out of my regular funds! lol

[avguytx]

Don't think I wouldn't love one about now as I am drinking a bourbon and coke. It's hard. I will still have one on occasion but the last one I had about made me pass out. That was weird. But not wasting the money on them like I was before it a good thing.

[Fireman32]

I can say that the cravings have dissapeared for the most part. Today I had the urge for one but then just popped a piece of gum in my mouth and all is well. I have realized that I will probably never completly get rid of the urges to smoke I just have to stay strong. Also have somthing to keep in your hands to play with to stop the physical urges such as a straw or a pencil.

[avguytx]

I "chew" on toothpicks like they are going out of style! lol. I guess it's anything that keeps me from thinking about it or at least that can take the place of it.

[steveinaz]

I was hoping to start smoking this month but I'll guess I'll wait and see what happens to you guys.

LOL!!!

[Grimster74]

I have to admit, I was clean for about 2-1/2 weeks up until a week ago. Got around a bunch of friends drinking and playing poker and like Organ said, "Oh, I'll just have one", should have never touched it again. Now, I'm not smoking near as much as I was, it used to be a pack a day and I've got it down to about 5 a day. I think the thing that was the worst for me wasn't the first week of trying to quit, that was pretty easy, the second week seemed to be the worst, not near as many cravings but when I did get them, they seemed to be 10 times as bad which is probaly what pushed me over the edge. Like everyone has said over and over again, you have to want to quit to make it work.

[Ricardo]

If I could smoke 2 or 3 a day I would be smoking.

[PolknPepsi]

You guy's that quit or are trying, congratulations!, my younger brother smokes and one day I know it may get him. My mom-in-law 87 tells me about her father, a smoker coughed so hard he would pass out, get up off the floor then fire up another one.

Oh well.

[TennesseeOutlaw]

True; I quit for 6 months 18 months ago and one day I had that "only one"; wrong move; I think that when I started again I was smoking even more than before.

That is probably due to the fact that major cigarettes manufacturers in the past year or so have increased the nicotine by around 20% if I am remembering correctly.. Im sure you could "Google" it and find out.

[dudeinaroom]

man am I happy I only pay a $2.01 for two packs out the door.