My Smoking Life

I am now 11 days smoke free. I have smoked most of my life.  I’m now 59 and started as a teen.  I guess I started smoking because my peers were smokers.  It was the “cool” thing to do and the really popular kids did it.  I wanted to be one of those.I have tried to quit smoking many times.  I guess I needed to practice quitting, but hopefully this time it will stick and I will be successful.  I’ve tried Cold Turkey and with the cessation aides of Zyban (1 time) and Champix (2 times).  I am currently taking Champix.The Zyban did work for relieving nicotine withdrawal, but caused me to have horrible nightmares and often waking at night feeling like I’d had a jolt electricity.  The Champix never caused any major side effects, including those listed on the package.I joined a smoking Chat Group at Quitnet.com.  That has helped immensely and if I have an urge to smoke I have somewhere to go and talk.  I hope to succeed in quitting for good this time, but I have to think of it as “I’m Not Going To Smoke Today.”  Or “For The Moment.” depending how severe my cravings are.