I have been a smoker for about 32 years. I have given up several times over the years. I started when I was about 13 or 14yo. I started smoking heavier when I finished year 12,.especially when out drinking and partying with friends.
My first serious attempt at stopping was when I was 24yo. I was determined. I went cold turkey. It felt so weird. I didn't know what to do with myself. I was so vague and had difficulty concentrating and trying to remember things one minute to the next was a task. Insomnia for a good 4 days until I finally crashed out. Will power and determination is the key. I also used to think of my non smoking friends. They didn't smoke. They carried on and lived their lives without smokes. I reckon I can too. But 9 months later. A smoking friend came over with an issue and started again.
So over the years many failed cold turkey attempts. However once for 4 years no smokes yay. Then went through a divorce. Anyway kept trying. Then the patches... successful for a few months each time.
But wow Champix. It is amazing and doesn't contain nicotine. I wish I had tried it earlier. I commenced on the Monday 8/2/21. On Tuesday evening 9/2/21 I ran out of cigarettes at 1930hrs. I said to myself no I am not driving to the shop to buy more. The champix for me almost worked immediately. The urge, desire or craving just wasn't there. I was smoking out of psychological habit. It was even starting to taste different. And was even starting to feel like a silly thing to do. Holding this smoking stick between your fingers and breathing the stinking smoke into your lungs. Just silly and detrimental to health. But it is the addiction to nicotine that keeps us going back. But champix blocks those nicotine craving desires. Yes I had mild nausea and some difficulty getting to sleep in the first few days. Ensure you have eaten before taking the tablet. I started taking magnesium tablets and chamomile tea to aide sleep. Drink plenty of fluids and fresh fruit too. Constipation can be an issue. The key is you have to want to stop. Learn to live your life without smoking. Do other things to occupy your time. Crosswords gardening walking yoga go to the library and find a good book. And don't think I'll just have one. That has been my downfall every time. Thinking I'll just have one smoke. Don't do it. You don't need it. They have no benefits at all..Wishing everyone the best of luck through their quitting journey 💃🌈