not 100% sure I can do this...
I'm 48, been smoking 2-3 packs a day for 3 decades and not 100% sure I can do this. But who is - right? Started Champix and nearing the end of my first week. Frightened about setting a quit date, and have re-set it twice to give the Champix more time to start to work as I move up to a therapeutic dose. I have a great GP who doesn't pressure me, simply supports me, so that's a terrific start. I don't respond well to other people pressuring me to stop. Just makes me want to smoke more. I also find the phrase: "you can do it" rather empty and meaningless, just doesn't work for me. BUT - I really HATE being a nicotine addict. I'm so sick of it. I only smoke because I'm addicted. I'm typing without smoking at all and finding it very difficult to concentrate. Anybody with any tips on how to be at the computer without smoking? It's my greatest trigger to smoke bucketloads of cigarettes. I would love to participate here, but I'm afraid being at the computer will trigger me to smoke. Worst side effects of Champix so far, nightmares and insomnia. The insomnia means I have to battle the urge to smoke through the night as well as the day. If I were smoking right now I could concentrate and write moe clearly, but that would defeat the purpose right? I'm here, I'm terrified and I'm imperfect. Shaking in my boots really!!! Part of me wants to edit this post and make it read better. But that wouldn't be honest. Just went and got a cigarette and am now smoking. Edited it a bit. Now, I just need to be brave enough to hit the PUBLISH button and get started on my journey here...
Hey there. . . Firstly let me say that i totally get what you're saying and where you are coming from about feeling pressured and the cliché of supporting words that are hollow and really of not much help at all.
CONGRATS on hitting the PUBLISH button!! you're on your way!!
I have found through my own experience of quit attempts that i have to find support from within myself not from the outer. Setting rules/goals for myself, Not being harsh if i slip up, getting back on the wagon straight away etc.
Maybe set a rule for yourself where as you only smoke outside? see this as a way of cleansing your home too from the smell of smoke (you will start to notice the difference).
It's important to also remember and understand that it is just an addiction and the rest of it is habit. I said in my post that i am going to treat the addiction as a screeming, attention seeking child. If every time a child screems for attention and you give it to them they will continue to screem to get the attention however, if you acknowledge the screeming child but continue with what you're doing it soon gives up and eventually won't screem anymore as it is not working or getting a reaction.
Anyway. . that's my advice for now. I am only one day without a smoke and feeling good about today. I'll check back in for any new posts and be a support for you where i can. GOOD LUCK!!
Oh and i'll just add. . . The addiction is no worse for a 5 per day smoker to a 2 - 3 pack a day smoker. That is habit. Think about it. . what makes you grab a ciggy and smoke it? Especially if you have just nhad one a minute or so ago? It's more likley to do with that you have nothing else to do = habit
It's really important that you find something else yuou enjoy doing to take up your time.
Don't think that it's harder because you smoke so many. . breaking the habit is hard but totally doable :)
Cheers!!
Thanks so much for your response...really appreciate your feedback and honesty. Mostly, I'm just grateful for your understanding. I relate to the things you say and I find your personal program very inspiring.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way you compared addiction to an attention-seeking child. Brilliant!!! It resonated within me far more than any "empty cliché" ever would.
I had my first good sleep last night on Champix and feel so much better today after a decent nights sleep. No nightmares either! Threw out two ashtrays today and agree that limiting my smoking to a single area (outside) prior to quitting is a good start. Not quite there yet, but getting there...
Thanks for not only helping me, but I'm sure you are also helping many others who are considering quitting, but not ready to start their journey yet...
GOOD LUCK today...