Day Five - feeling really Blue

Hi Bray. As Nuts told you things will get better day by day and the mindset does make it easier. Be happy that you have embarked on this fabulous journey to freedom. Your son will be so proud of you. A boy needs his Dad, and I can think of no stronger motive to keep you on the right track. Please be aware however that Champix does not agree with some people and has been known to cause suicidal thoughts. Not to scare you, but you should be aware of that fact, and let people close to you know that you are taking Champix and the effect it may have. Just be aware and careful.

72 hours after your last nicotine it is out of your system, so congrats on being nicotine free for 2 days. Receptors start shutting down and are totally shut down in 21 days. Champix attaches to these receptors so that you do not enjoy the nicotine. 80% of the journey is psychological (Mindset) . Changing routine so that you do not miss it, and having something to do to fill the voids where you might have normally had a smoke does help.

Cravings are only thoughts, and will only last a minute or two generally, so just divert your attention. When a craving does come, remember that it is the nico monster begging to be fed. Just one puff will set you right back. That is why we adopt the NOPE, Not One Puff Ever mantra. You are stronger than a mere craving, and the nico monster is dying. You are winning! In reality it is just the effects of the habit that lingers. Accept being a non-smoker and things can get better in a hurry. You will not crave what you do not want.

Allan Carr's book is free to read on-line if you click on my name and go to the posting. I implore you to read it as it will help you achieve this mindset.

Knowledge is power and a positive attitude is a must! You can do this!

Thanks Happiness, I'm aware of some of the Champix side effects, luckily things have not gotten to the point of thinking about self harm. I've told my colleagues at work so they are aware also my wife as a non smoker is an absolute champion for watching over me.

Hi Bray_Boy35. You are at the right place and it does get better but not immediately. The best part is that after you get over the addiction you feel free. However in your mind you have to want to quit more than you want to light up. Mindset is the key but initially your brain will play tricks on you to get you to succumb to having just one puff. One puff will lead to more and more puffs and soon enough you’ll be right back where you started. This bit is from personal experience. To experience all those feelings that you described is just normal. After all you are losing your false “best” friend. Also, physical withdrawals are painful. The good thing is that it does get better, a lot better. Good luck and stay strong.

Thanks safe2017. I have to say this forum is great, talking to people on the same journey lets me know I'm not alone.

I caught up with a friend last night who has been off the smokes two years he had a great analogy - it's like the heartbreak of coming out of a long-term relationship.

I look forward to continuing my journey with you wonderful people

Your friend is absolutely correct. Another thing is that most likely you’ve forgotten what it’s like to feel normal without a cig. Actually I would bet that you are feeling quite abnormal without a cig right about now. The good thing is that as more time passes by your motor reflexes will adjust to not having a cig between your fingers going up to your mouth and back down again. Recently, I picked it a cig and placed it between fingers and have to say that it felt foreign. With some willpower you’ll get there too. All the best in your quit and not one puff ever (nope).

Hi bray, welcome aboard, I quit on champix, day 80 for me today, dropped down to half tab in middle of 2nd month. It’s interesting because I have not craved a ciggie since, however, did have spells of what I thought may be depression and lack of energy. I am still struggling a little with the extra time and to keep motivated to move. I used a ciggie as a reward after completing a task????? I think even with champix we experience physical withdrawals which also mimick close to the side effects. Are you feeling blue or just a little at odds with the huge change in habits, health, physical changes? It’s hard to know. All I can say is after 80 days, i can breath and it has never felt better in my life. Sinuses good, I don’t stink anymore, my hubby keeps telling me how nice my skin looks. The savings, OMG, it is crazy here in Australia. Just think, why would you ever smoke again, there is no positives in being owned by this addiction, you can do this

Thanks Broncor, no matter how bad it gets the last thing I'll is have a smoke. Feeling hundred times better today than yesterday, already feeling the benefits

Keep at it Bray.... day 355 for me and work in a high stress job. The benefits outway the thought of bad breath, smelling like an ashtray and worring about your next check up with the Doctor.

We are so lucky to have this forum, keep in touch read all you can and this will be your friend instead of your cigarette.