EVERY ONE KNOWS SMOKING IS BAD FOR YOU .....
I HAVE BEEN HOUNDED by SM, my mom and my big bro for years; that I should quit, I must quit. I know all the theories behind the dangers smoking causes to my health and well being. I have tried quitting at least 3 times in the past using nicorette chewing gum and patches to no avail. Cold turkey did not help either because I had no will power to quit on my own volition.
Tuesday 04/12/13 was a milestone day for me, that day I went on my first day of taking Champix. Two of my colleagues in 2013 had used Champix and are now fag-free. I want to kick the habit. From research I know that nicotine from smoking causes the release of a feel-good chemical in the brain (called dopamine; the same reason you feel good after cocaine, heroin, sex, or having sugar). Unfortunately, it’s only temporary and the body processes nicotine so quickly that the effect wears off. To get that ‘feel-good’ feeling back one has to smoke another… and another… until the only way to feel ‘normal’ is with nicotine constantly in your system.
I HAVE BEEN HOUNDED by SM, my mom and my big bro for years; that I should quit, I must quit. I know all the theories behind the dangers smoking causes to my health and well being. I have tried quitting at least 3 times in the past using nicorette chewing gum and patches to no avail. Cold turkey did not help either because I had no will power to quit on my own volition.
Tuesday 04/12/13 was a milestone day for me, that day I went on my first day of taking Champix. Two of my colleagues in 2013 had used Champix and are now fag-free. I want to kick the habit. From research I know that nicotine from smoking causes the release of a feel-good chemical in the brain (called dopamine; the same reason you feel good after cocaine, heroin, sex, or having sugar). Unfortunately, it’s only temporary and the body processes nicotine so quickly that the effect wears off. To get that ‘feel-good’ feeling back one has to smoke another… and another… until the only way to feel ‘normal’ is with nicotine constantly in your system.
Champix is based on a plant extract, which is found in a variety of plants including the Golden Rain tree and the Kowhai tree in New Zealand. It doesn’t contain nicotine and isn’t addictive. It’s designed to do two things:
- Help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms that happen when you give up smoking.
- Block the effect of nicotine - so if you do smoke while on Champix, you may get reduced feelings of satisfaction and not enjoy it as much. This can help remind you why you are stopping and reduce the desire to have another cigarette in the future.
Champix is only available on prescription from a doctor. I bought my first 30-day supply of Champix almost a year ago on 29/12/12. But I never did start it until now. Because this drug in on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) I only paid $35.40 instead of $103.25. The game plan is to complete my first 30 days on Champix and continue taking it for the next 2 months thereafter. Hopefully I am not one of the 30% of people who may suffer varying degree of side effects such as dizziness, stomach or bowel problems (e.g. constipation, gas, dry mouth, vomiting,
indigestion), headache, sleeping problems, unusual dreams,
feeling tired, increased appetite and changes in taste; or in extremely cases, depression.
16/12/13 I am on my day 14 Champix. So far I have mixed result - daytime I still rely on my fags for dopamine but at night time my urge is very much reduced. I am taking 1mg each for day and night. I am putting it down to work stress during the day is heightened but night time there is basically no stress. I am keeping it going for the next two weeks and hopefully I can get better result.
Christmas Eve - Today's my day 22 on Champix. I have been off smokes since Sunday 5pm, Yipee. So that's officially more than 53 hours ago. I have been tempted to light one more than once, but I keep myself busy doing something; eat an apple, have a drink of water, chew a gum, talk to someone, just do something. That has helped me to, after a few minutes, get away from re-committing the habit. Will it work again in coming days and weeks, I don't know. I hope so.
03/02/14 I have been off smokes for 39 days. 39 days, wow. I am astonished within me that I could last that long. I still have 3 more weeks' Champix to go. There have been days when i feel like a fag but the thought or desire goes off when I do not entertain it.
Christmas Eve - Today's my day 22 on Champix. I have been off smokes since Sunday 5pm, Yipee. So that's officially more than 53 hours ago. I have been tempted to light one more than once, but I keep myself busy doing something; eat an apple, have a drink of water, chew a gum, talk to someone, just do something. That has helped me to, after a few minutes, get away from re-committing the habit. Will it work again in coming days and weeks, I don't know. I hope so.
03/02/14 I have been off smokes for 39 days. 39 days, wow. I am astonished within me that I could last that long. I still have 3 more weeks' Champix to go. There have been days when i feel like a fag but the thought or desire goes off when I do not entertain it.
2 comments:
Well done!! Hope u hv quitted it completely now
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