Quote:
Originally Posted by Loial
I think I'm going to give up on this stop smoking medication Chantix... I've been on it just over 4 weeks now, attempting to stop smoking since just before the end of week 2 as per the instructions. I've really been struggling to deal with the cravings relapsing most times after 24 odd hours. I managed 4 days once but since caving that time I've just not had my mind in the right place. I'm not saying I'll give up on stopping smoking just this method... it seems to involve too much cravings for where I am at right now.
I've given up smoking on NRT once before & I think it's probably the best route for me to go down now. All I seem to be doing now is digging a bigger and bigger hole in my motivation by constantly relapsing. What can I say... I tried.
|
What is your motivation to stop smoking? Is it because you wholeheartedly want to, or do you feel like you
should for health reasons etc? Because that will have a huge impact on your ability to resist cravings. For example, I hate exercising and won't do it because I 'should'. Even though I want to get fitter/healthier and more toned in theory, I clearly don't want it enough to actually do it. But if the sun is shining and I feel ok that day, then I will decide to go for a walk and actually go and exercise - not cos I felt that I 'should', but because I actually wanted to.
Have you noticed when you seem to get the cravings? i.e. is there a time of day (e.g. habit), or specific situation or feeling that triggers a craving? A lot of the stuff I've read in the last few years mentions the psychological reasons for addiction over the biological. It's mostly rat studies, and I'm sure SP will know more about it than me, but bored and isolated rats have way higher addiction rates than rats who are mentally stimulated and have good peer relationships.
If you can figure the triggers, I think you will be much more successful at combating the cravings. Eg if it's a habit, like you always have a cigarette doing X, then you could try distracting yourself with something to keep your hands busy. If it's because you're bored and lonely, then you can add activities to diminish boredom. If it's because you're stressed, you can try a stress-reducing activity before you decide whether you will have a cigarette. Etc.
My grandfather stopped smoking cold turkey after 60 years because I begged him to after my Nan died due to COPD. His motivation was my 8yo face crying at the thought of him dying too. My point is that
you can do this 
*Willow*