Quote Originally Posted by BrandiR View Post
I want to quit smoking. Sort of.
You have to really want to, then choose a nicotine replacement therapy. Obviously for you Chantix is out, which is too bad since nicotine itself is out of your system within 48 hours. I smoked for 20-25 years and spent many of those sort of wanting to quit. I say sort of because I always went back after a year of so, always when I was drunk. The problem there is I would smoke for 3 or 4 years then quit for a few months/year and a new pattern started.

This time I'm confident I got it right. I don't even want to smoke. It's about control or rather being controlled by a death stick. It's also about NOT buying a tobacco executive a BMW in the next 5 years. I know if I have just one, ever the pattern will start again and I am absolutely not willing to begin the roller coaster of shame again. Chantix was key and because I had experience in quitting I was able to take the 1st month starter and stretch it an extra week and a half, lowering the dose to taper not only my temper but the shock of discontinuation. Didn't have the dreams just the crabby attitude and a couple stomach issues.

I've used the patch in the past with pretty good results and really preferred the patch. It's a good idea to use a little cortisone cream underneath and have several different places to apply one, arms/shoulders, a different place every day. It's like: 20 mins after you put one on your brain feels like you're smoking and you stay calm all day long. Just don't sleep with a patch or the weird dreams find they're way back.

The gum is ok but gave me the hiccups.

Hope you muster up the strength to take that step.