What a journey!

Champix , how can I say thank you . 

I hated you at first, side effects, stories I'd heard, I nearly didn't fill the script. I'm so glad I did . Despite the 'smelly' flatulance  effects that for myself lasted 3 months, 4 nightmares, headaches (debatable from caffeine cessation at same time) and honestly only 5 - 6 hours sleep at night whilst on tablets, now I can proudly say I no longer smoke.  In fact I have just had a one year anniversary on 1st sept 2014, and unbelievably did not realise I'd been smoke free for the year until sept 4th. I write this in the hope that others do the same. 

My main advice would be to awknowledge that your addiction has had control on your life, but with the help of champix , you gain that control back.  Trust me , it hasn't been an easy    Task.  I was the type of smoker that was scared of the thought of never smoking again. I loved it.  Loved the taste, the reward of a job well done , relieve boredom etc , etc.  I struggled at 4 months, I'd been off champix  for 1 month and had a drink. I knew by the taste in my mouth the next day that I'd had a smoke. I felt so disappointed with myself! All that crap for 4 months and I'd broken my resolution.  I'm happy to say that I did not take up the habit again.  Although I would not recommend that 1 drag, for myself in made my resolve stronger.   I have had other moments in the last year where I could easily have started again.  I guess after the 3 months of champix, I had to rely on will power.       

Not as hard as I expected once the initial cravings disappear.  Don't get me wrong, it still sneaks up on me.  Passing a smoker on the way into a supermarket  can bring it on.   Weak moments only last up to 2-3 seconds now.  Kind of feels like saying no to that second row of chocolate!  It can be done.  I hope this helps one person with their quit journey.  I honestly believe the main thing that has helped me remain a non smoker is my little mantra- not even one drag.