So I decided to quit smoking. It wasn't an easy decision to make. If you've ever been a serious smoker you may understand what I mean by that. Here's the thing, even though you KNOW that you're stinky, that you are (in effect) killing yourself daily, etc., you still WANT to smoke. I've always loved smoking, I've enjoyed it really. Despite all the negatives and the cost, I really REALLY liked it. But I decided it was time.

I've tried to quit twice before, both times on the patch, both times unsuccessful. Both times I tried to do it for my health. Apparently, that's not much of a motivator for me. I've decided, the 3rd time's the charm. And, by God, I am NOT using the patch. No little black adhesive residue patches on THIS girl. Not this time. I'm using Chantix.



Now, that's Chantix not Tantric. (in case you're like the girl in my office who got them confused) Although, hey, I could go for a little of the latter. Who couldn't? Chantrix is the stop smoking drug. You keep smoking while you start taking it and eventually you taper off and stop. Chantix works on your brain, it blocks the receptors that nicotine uses to stimulate pleasure and keep you addicted. I'm discovering the hard way that it also sort of does that for caffeine as well. (D'oh!) Anyway, it kills your cravings for another cigarette. Mostly.



Smoking isn't purely a chemical addiction though. It's a habit addiction too, and that's where I'm having the most struggle. After I eat, when I'm driving, the morning coffee and smoke. Those are the tough times. Sometimes out of no where the urge will hit and it's strong. If I stop, take a few deep breaths and think about it, it's not actually a chemical need, I think it's a psychological one.

They say quitting smoking is as hard as kicking a heroin addiction. But you know, I've seen Trainspotting. So I find that a little hard to believe. Certainly, it isn't easy but I wouldn't say it's as hard as kicking heroin.

Things are going in the right direction so far. I haven't had a completely smoke free day yet, but I've gone from a pack and a half habit per day down to 1 or 2 cigarettes per day. That's huge for me. My plan is to just take it slow and do it right and I'm not doing it alone. My sister, Mom & Dad and one of my best friends are all doing it with me. Anyone else want to join The Chantix Challenge??

Before you decide to start taking Chantix there are a few things you should know. If you are depressed, Chantix may not be right for you as it can cause further depression. There have been several studies done showing that Chantix may even cause depression in those who weren't depressed to begin with. Don't do it alone, have a buddy there to support you. Every one works differently, if you decide to quit, pick a method you think will work well for YOU.

A friend of mine quit smoking by taking a week off and going up into the mountains with his bike. He'd ride until he couldn't ride anymore, then he'd hike until he couldn't hike anymore. I'm in awe of his methodology and conviction. It takes a spine of steel to do it that way, I sure as hell couldn't do it like that! 8 months later and he's still not smoking. Color me impressed.

Here are a few things that have been helping me get over the urge:
breathing deep, like I would if I were smoking (inhale, hold it a second, exhale)
gum (ah, peppermint you are ever so delicious)
singing (I can already tell my voice is getting better from not smoking so much)
Getting up, moving and doing something completely different

I think I'm going to throw on some sweats and go for a long, fast walk.