NEWBIE HERE!

[beaquitter]

HELLO EXER'S,

MY NAME IS TESSA AND I AM NEW TO THIS SITE.  I HOPE TO MEET ALOT OF NEW PEOPLE WHO HAVE QUIT SMOKING OR ON THE JOURNEY TO QUIT, LIKE MYSELF. 

I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN A BLOG BEFORE THIS IS A FIRST.

I AM 46 AND HAVE BEEN SMOKING SINCE I WAS 16, THAT'S 30 YEARS.  I STARTED CHANTIX 2 DAYS AGO AND HOPE THAT IN 5 DAYS I WILL BE ABLE TO QUIT.  I NOTICED THAT I DON'T WANT TO SMOKE A WHOLE CIGGIE.  I HOPE THAT IS A GREAT SIGN. 

EVERYONE IS TELLING ME ABOUT DEPRESSION AND THE TERRIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG.  I THINK IT IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYBODY.  I SPOKE WITH MY DOCTOR ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS AND HE ASSURED ME THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SMOKING IS ALOT WORST THAN CHANTIX.

I HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT THIS AND I WANT TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN FOR MY LIFE AND MY DAUGHTERS.  i HAVE ALOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR AND BY SMOKING I FEEL I AM TAKING IT FOR GRANTED.

GOD GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO GET THRU THIS.

TL 

[SarahP]

Hi Tessa, welcome to the site!  

We have some readings we always recommend for new quitters, resources that have helped many of us understand this addiction and the mind games we play with ourselves:

The 10-lesson course at:
http://www.quitsmokingonline.com

The free Allen Carr book you can download at:
http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

Reading through them also gives you something to distract yourself with. 

This is the best support site on the web, you will receive no end of support and help here! 

And I'm sure some of our members who have used Chantix will comment on that part as well. As you said, everyone is going to react differently. 

Sarah

[jim_ohio]

TESSA....JUST SOME INFO....I USED CHANTIX.....I DO NOT GROW A THIRD ARM........A EYE IN BACK OF MY HEAD......AND 5 NEW TOES......ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO ASK......JIM OHIO................GOD BLESS GOD SPEED TO YOU AND YOUR QUIT JOURNEY

[JonesCarpeDiem]

avoid the yellow snow and you should do fine

[Michwoman]

Hello and welcome Tessa! Please do the readings Sarah recommends - especially the Allen Carr book. It's not a real long book - only 110 easy pages and it will help tremendously!

We'll be here for support when you finally put down the enemy cigarettes!

[johio]

Hi Tessa

Welcome to the site....stay positive and stay involved here....you can do this

[Stac2]

  Tessa, you can and will do this.  I am on Chantix too.  There is a Chantix Group on here but they aren't very active - posting blogs on the general site is the way to go.  You are already off to a running start just by getting on here!  [Disclaimer - I am on day 14 of my quit but I talk about 3 weeks on this comment - I did a weird pare down thing w my doctor on Chantix so my numbers are awkward.  I am on day 14 of a nicotine free life so I am a newbie too, but been on Chantix for longer than 14 days]. 

  I hope I do not come off preachy in this message.  I am writing you because I made mistakes at the first part of my journey and some exers got me by the heels, and thank God.  I am writing what I do on here so that you can learn from my errors and get the power of knowledge I wish I'd had before I even tried to quit.  For all I know, you are already doing some of the things I suggest here.  But in case you aren't here are things that have helped me sooo much to date, so I send this with love and hope that it will help you in some way.  You will be in my prayers!

  First, please know that readings are absolutely essential.  Chantix is really really good at cutting the cravings but you need to learn about nicodemon and believe me, I tried Chantix for 3 weeks before I delved into this site, wrote blogs, and did the readings and I wish I'd done the other in reverse.  You came on here early so girl, you are already headed in a good positive direction. 

  Ok - first reading an exer on here told me to do is on a website called quitsmokingonline.com.  They have these lessons that you can do on a computer.  Computer is fine.  Another way  - I wanted to have a printout to take w/ me wherever so, I went on the site and donated $20.  For $20, they will send you a pdf of the lessons.  You print like 150 or so pages (yeah a pain but way worth it) . I three hole punched mine and stuck in a 3 ring binder.  The reading is just awesome. For the donation they also send you daily emails of support.  $ well spent - same cost as two packs of cigs you no longer want, or need. If for some reason the pdf doesn't pop up in your email right away, email them at their address and they will send.  I had to do that and then got the materials.  

  There is also a book by Alan Carr that you can get. It's called Easy Way to Stop Smoking. I ordered on my Kindle just to make easier to read.  It is good too.  But the first one I mentioned from the online site in my humble opinion is even better.

  Arming yourself with knowledge allows you to know what to expect.  Then should you have any effects of nicotine withdrawal (I pray you won't but some do), you will know it is normal, and that it will pass.  No surprises + validation actually helps.  Go Nancy's page on here (she is Youngatheart). She has some older blogs about side effects of nicotine withdrawal (you have to go to her older blogs but you'll find it) and also a list of 100+ things to do instead of smoke, etc.  Some really good stuff on her page.  Thomas same - he has really great stuff on his page as well!

  If you find any moment where a craving hits (for me Chantix eased cravings but they still snuck up some - I pray for you, that you have none! but just in case...) first thing to do is jump on here and blog.  First, distracts nicodemon.  Second, you will get advice immediately.  Third, by time you finish blogging and reading the replies it is likely the craving will have passed.  Fourth, you make new friends.  The readings also tell you how to pass thru any cravings and work the mindset.  It is such great stuff.

  I had lots of people tell me about Chantix side effects.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  But you have the right attitude going in with Chantix so I do not think it is likely you will have any of those.  Do take w/ food.  Tessa, when I started just days ago I thought this was a physical battle of the will and willpower and medication.  It isn't.  More of this is about mindset than anything else.  I promise.  That was the part I missed during my first 3 weeks.  Your mindset is already in a great place.  Stay there.  If you haven't already, do the readings.  They will help give you the mindset I say is so key and explain why and how to get the mindset that is so helpful.  If you have questions ask.  If you need help, ask.  This site is incredible.  The friends and help you will get on here will be of such value to you you will not even believe how great it is.

  Welcome!  Stay with us!

  Hugs,

  Stacie

[tomthetool]

Hey now Tessa, we're the same age and have been smoking the same amount of time! Oh and would you look at that, we have the same initials. I'm a cold-turkey kind of quit, but whatever gets you through. Stay close and do A LOT of reading on what to expect.

Welcome aboard!

[freeneasy]

Hi Tessa ,Congratulations on your decision to quit. Also congrats on writing your 1st blog. Well done! Come here often - I found  and still find it really helpful. Here is a link to About.com smoking Cessation. Along with the readings here others suggested, I found it really helpful. They have a  free quit smoking 101 course ,and will send you informative emails if you choose to sign up.   http://quitsmoking.about.com/?nl=1

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!   I highly recommend you start your education with the Allen Carr book.  It is an easy, entertaining read that contains a wealth of good information on what nicotine does to your body and mind.

We are all behind you, cheering you on.  Ask for advice and support as you need it!

Nancy

Quit 7/4/12

[freeneasy]

[beaquitter]

oH WOw,

tHANKS FOR THE WARM WELCOME!

i am printing the Alan Carr book right now, been reading it online but wanted to take it home with me. LOL  I will check the other websites also. 

Thanks so much for your support, I know I am in for an exciting journey and I am ready to be an Ex.

Tessa

[SmokedOut041412]

♥ Glad you are here.

Do stick close and don't be afraid to reach out whenever needed.

Teresa

[Nyima_1.6.13]

Welcome Tessa! Come often and if you ever think about smoking, COME HERE FIRST!

[jojo_2-24-11]

Hi Tessa and Welcome to the site!