A stroke of good luck for smokers (Brain addiction center found)

The Age ^ | Jan 26, 2007 | Radowitz

[Trailerpark Badass]

You'd think that being 6 days from my quit date, I'd feel desperate to cram in every cigarette I could, but there's no panic. For the first time since I can remember, going to get cigarettes seems like more trouble than it's worth.

I started Chantix 3 weeks ago, after reading this thread. I have been dipping Copenhagen, along with smoking cigarettes and cigars since age 14 (27 years). Since starting the habit I have tried to quit several times, but have never gone more than 18 hours without nicotine. I would literally be non-functioning until I got some nicotine.

I quit on my quit date and have not had nicotine in any form since. I have had no side effects except for vivid dreams and some very mild nausea/queasiness. I have had no withdrawal symptoms at all, and while I have had the "desire" for nicotine, I have not had the "need."

This drug has truly been a miracle for me. My inability to quit nicotine has dogged me for 10-15 years, and I can not describe the positive effect this has had on my psyche.

[KoRn]

Wow! I could have written most of that post. The only thing different is that I didn't downgrade brands. The rest of it is EXACTLY how I felt before the quit date. It's almost eerie to read by someone else.

[Osage Orange]

Pass the Perdomo........

thanks-

[The Raven]

Really glad to hear about both of you !~~!!!

[daybreakcoming]

Hi Flaming - I downgraded brands also as my usual brand costs about a dollar more and with the new dollar tax....well. I think maybe that helped but it was Chantix all the way.

I used to wish for a med that would make me literally throw up when I smoked.

You are coming along great - your wife must be as happy as you are. :o)

[alarm rider]

Not me pard, I would rather die on my feet fighting, then to die on my knees.

[daybreakcoming]

***I can not describe the positive effect this has had on my psyche.***

One of my doctor's nurses has been on Chantix since 1/31 and she is doing great also. She said word of mouth has been spreading about Chantix and they are getting calls all the time for a prescription.

You have the dreams also? Small price to pay for quitting the nasty addiction, eh? Actually some of my dreams are interesting. :o)

[ko_kyi]

I need an appetite suppresant that works!

Sibutramine

[KoRn]

My biggest issue right now is bad irritability. Seems things that used to be mildly annoying are totally pissing me off, and things that used to totally piss me off are making me border on homicide. I stopped carrying my handgun until this passes, I'm sure it has to do with nicotine withdrawal. lol

[Randy Larsen]

Thank You!

[spectre]

This is an amazing thread and needs to be bumped..

I'm addicted to "nicotine". I gave up smoking about 6 years ago, BUT I am addicted to the gum.

I'd love to try this new med and get off the gum..

sw

[tomkat]

*dog eared*

If there's a ping list for this, please add me

[tomkat]

*update request bump*

I'm to pick up my first scrip for this stuff tomorrow.
This thread has sparked a bit of hope...

[The Raven]

Good for you !!!!

Yippeeeee!!!! This is great!

Still the most important part -- is you need to want to quit.

[Gabz]

is you need to want to quit.

Of course ..... and if you want to quit you don't need drugs, you just do it.

[KoRn]

" This thread has sparked a bit of hope..."

Do it! The stuff really works! I quit totally after the 7th day of taking it. I've slipped once since, but never went back, never looked back. Just be ready to deal with that first stressful day after you quit. It CAN get the better of you if you aren't prepared to deal with it. In all my previous attempts a single breakdown would mess up the entire process. With this medicine, even when I fell back it was like my body didn't want it. Even when my mind was telling me I did. Just take the Chantix like you are supposed to, use the online support program, and stay determined. You will make it!

[KoRn]

"Of course ..... and if you want to quit you don't need drugs, you just do it."

That has never worked in my experience. Alot may depend on the person, the level of addiction, and the level of dependence. It's also possible someone may want to quit on a certain conscious level, knowing they need to, but on a subconscious level they may still very much desire it and not want to let go.

Will power is required, and alot of it, whether you have medicine or not. Some people may need just a little help.

[Gabz]

What did people do before the advent of these so-called "miracle" quit smoking drugs? They just quit.

This is a touchy subject for me because of a recent personal experience. I was in the hospital in October and was absolutely harangued by the nurses who insisted I NEEDED a patch because I am a smoker and wouldn't be permitted to leave my room to go outside to have a cigarette. These women could not get it through their heads that I neither WANTED nor NEEDED a cigarette. To be perfectly honest, I missed being at the stove cooking or at the computer typing more than I missed having a cigarette.

[tomkat]

Thanks much, y'all.

Plan to get signed up with the support site this weekend, do some reading, and get started.

I'd also like to thank the smug (.)s who invariably show up on threads like this.
They make me grateful somehow...

[daybreakcoming]

You know, I always *wished* I didn't smoke, but I didn't really want to quit. I enjoyed a smoke. But this Chantix just kind of made me forget all that along with the addiction.
Each person is different but with this med, the results are the same. I've not heard anything but enthusiasm from those who are taking it. I bet the tobacco people are not happy about this. :o)