AndrewTraub answers:

Nicotine supplements like gum and patches are not helpful when taking Chantix, which attaches to the nicotine receptors in the brain. The medication essentially tricks the brain into thinking you already have the nicotine in your system, which decreases the craving for smoking. So nicotine supplements generally won’t make a difference in how you feel and could cause some nausea. Most of my patients that have taken Chantix are able to quit after about 1 week and most are successful in quitting completely if they take it for the recommended 6 months. Good luck.

AndrewTraub answers:

Your idea is creative, but as an ex-heavy smoker I’m afraid it probably wouldn’t work, except perhaps for people who are forced to use it. Antabuse is usually forced upon alcoholics; they don’t normally opt for it. Problem with that idea is unless somebody really wants to quit they won’t use it. And really wanting to quit is the most important part of quitting anyway, after that things like gum or the patch can take the edge off. Your idea won’t do anything to stop craving.

AndrewTraub answers:

Keep yourself busy with other activities that you enjoy or that just keep your hands busy. I have been a long time smoker but have tried to quit on numerous occasions, I have been successful for as long as a year, but usually stress will bring me back to this bad habit. I would also suggest avoiding things that you did when you smoked, for some people it could be coffee and cigarette , for others it could be a cocktail and a cigarette, or long phone conversations. Some people practice relaxation breathing techniques , others will exercise. My grandfather was a smoker for 50 years and managed to quit smoking. He would say that eating foods with strong flavors seemed to satisfy his urge for a cigarette, for him it was onions. I use to eat watermelon Jolly Ranchers and the sourness did seem to help with the urge. Wishing you the best of luck and maybe avoid smokers for a while till you have a little more smoke free time under your belt.

AndrewTraub answers:

I was a smoker, started when I was 11- and married at 16, the moment the DR said I was preggers, as I walked out of the DR office, I dump my cigaretts in the garbage can!
Stay quit foir nine months…. All on my own, it is a mind thing, anything you set your mind to do, you can do it.
I will admit though some things are more difficult for some others, like I cant seem to loose weight for the life of me! But I drop them smokes like a hot potato!
I want to add, I would goi back to smoking each time I had my baby- (had 3 of them) and when my baby daughter was 2- she picked up a pencil and was pretending to smoke- I said right then NO MORE.
That has been almost 17 years ago.
And I have not had a single smoke.

AndrewTraub answers:

Hi hallettjames..

As a matter of fact,most states have a quit line.. Phone 1-800-QUIT NOW the often have counselors, as well as free aids.. If your state is not among those participating, try your local health department, good luck there is simply no wrong way to quit..

Also there is free suppport online with daily meetings available..

The good news is that i now have been quit for over 5 years.. I quit trying to quit alone, and joined a support group.. I attend nicotine anonymous meetings both locally and on line.. On line voice meetings are he as close as your computer, and you can attend while still smoking, before actually attempting a quit.. However you decide to quit good luck, there is simply no wrong way to quit!!

Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12 Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The Fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 Steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine.