I recently quit smoking! Yeah!

After 25 years of smoking ( 20 of which have been really fulltime ) I finally took the leap. I am using a drug called Champix here in Canada, I think its Chantix in the USA. This drug seems to have the abilty to rob all pleasure that one gets from smoking a cigarette. On occasion I have even felt nauseous after smoking.

I know those of you that have never taken up the habit are probably shaking their heads over the pleasure comment, how can one really get pleasure from a cigarette you may ask. Well I certainly cannot explain the scientifics of it, but I do know that I enjoyed smoking, in fact I really really liked it. I liked the little rituals that happen prior to lighting up, I liked the morning headrush, I liked the escape it gave me. I liked the social part, especially over the last few years as anti smoking campaigns began to really demonize the habit and smokers banded together. But..I definitely do not miss the 7-8 dollars a day I spent on them, or the thought that always lurks as your last pack gets low, should I go get more? will I make it through the night?? Is there enough to at least have one, preferably 2 for the morning? this was stess and addiction at its finest. Imagine being so worried about your supply of death sticks, it boggles my mind now as I type this. How stupid of me for falling for all this.

I truly am glad that I can now call myself a non-smoker. Fo those of you still smoking, your time will come just always keep the thought ready and at the forefront. Ask your self everyday if today is the day you take action. Soon enough you too will be breathing easier.

I took the drug for 2 weeks ( will be on it overall for 3 months) while I continued to smoke, over the weeks the desire became less and less and I went from smoking a pack a day to half a pack. On day 14, I decided to BUTT OUT. That day was a bit difficult and I did smoke 4 cigarettes, still a success compared to the 20 I would have normally smoked. The next day I smoked 2 and on Sunday I had my final cigarette…EVER!

It is now Friday morning here and I have been smoke free (cigarette smoke anyway :-)) for 12 full days and onto my 13th. I am still craving cigarettes although I think it is more about the habit than an actual craving. I feel good, I can breathe easier, sleep better, have more energy and am even starting to get my sense of taste and smell back. Its weird to all of a sudden realize that my toothpaste tastes really good!

Cheers for now,