1st timer

[BillyR3]

This is going to be the first time i really give it my ask and try to quit smoking. I've smoked since i was 15, sneaking a few here and there from my dad's packs. I'm not afraid to quit just doubtful of the gums, patches and other things. Any advice on brand or type of either? 

[Want2Stop4ever]

Congratulations on making the decision. I just did too and still preparing for quit day. I tried the patch a long time ago. I’m trying Chantix this time. So far, after 1 week on it, I haven’t felt the cravings when I normally do which keeps me from lighting up. It also helped me realize it’s a lot of my routine that ties me down. I think if you plan ahead and start making small changes here and there, it won’t be as dramatic of a change. Good luck! We can do this!

[Barbscloud]

@BillyR3 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your decision to quit. Welcome to the Ex and congrats on two days of success. For this quit, I used Welbutrin and nicotrol inhalers and they worked great.  Over the years I've probably tried them all.

No matter how you choose to quit, cold turkey or with aids, you need to educate yourself about nicotine addiction and have a quit plan. Many have found success with knowledge and preparation. It took me 50 years and many attempts to finally get it. I went into my quits blindly and was never successful. In addition to some aids for my final quit, I found the Ex a week prior to my quit. For the first time I learned how to quit and had the support that was always lacking.

This link is a great place to start.
https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

Make the commitment and you can do this too. We're here to support you on your journey. So reach out anytime you need help, want to share your experience or to support fellow quitters. We're all in this together.

Start your day by taking the Daily Pledge. It's a great way to stay on track on day at a time.

Here are some posts from the Mayo Clinic about quit aids that you may find helpful in making your decision.

To NRT or Not to NRT – That is the Question - EX Community

Trying to decide on a short-acting nicotine replac... - EX Community

Better Than Turkey: Using NRT to Manage Cravings - EX Community

Navigating Nicotine Replacement: What are the opti... - EX Community

Chantix vs. Wellbutrin - EX Community (Varenicline now instead of Chantix.)

Stay busy and stay close. Look forward to celebrating with you on the 15th.

Barb

[excoach]

Hello,

Congrats on beginning your quit journey by reaching out on here for support!

I wanted to chime in on your question about patch gum and lozenge. The name brands are Nicoderm for the patch and Nicorette for the gum and lozenge. Most drugstores  and stores like Walmart/Target provide their own store brands which are often less expensive and work pretty much the same as the name brands though there may be some differences in appearance. It's also possible to quit without using them though they can help make your quit a little more comfortable by minimizing unpleasant withdrawal effects.

It's really your choice on how you want to do this-the research shows quitting with medication and also changing your habits and routines around smoking can significantly increase your chances of being successful but there's no one way that is right for everyone.

 Here's a link to more information about quit medications:

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/quitting-and-your-health/all-quitting-medications/

Keep us posted on how you're doing!

~Margaret,  EX Coach Team