Hi Raven! I've never blogged either, so we're in the same boat there 🙂 Personally, I'm staying away from the prescription drugs such as Chantix..I've just heard alot of bad things about them as far as side effects. Also, I'm on enough meds already for anxiety and such. Are you on the right dose of gum? If you smoke more than 25 cigs a day, you should go up to the 4mg gum. Also, if this is your first day not smoking it's going to be tough no matter what. Make sure you're chewing the gum like directed, too. Chew until you feel a tingle, then park it between your gums and cheek until the tingle goes away then chew and park again. Give it a couple days or so. For me, the first week was the hardest..actually, days 1-3 or 4 were really hard...do don't give up! If you need to use the nicotine patch with the gum do that...just make sure it's the right dose for you again. I liked the patch when I tried it...it would give me nightmares sometimes though, even when I'd take it off before bedtime. But, it's different for everyone, so you may want to give it a try.
I know the cravings are horrible...I would actually sit and just cry sometimes because they would get so bad...that's before I started using the gum though. Now that I'm using the gum...it's gotten better, plus I'm on day 10 today so it's getting out of my system more. Just stick with it...watch the videos on this site..they're really helpful! If you need to talk get on here...I'm new, too, but there seems to be alot of nice people here to give support which is important.
Also, if after a few more days or so, if the gum doesn't work, try another nicotine replacement drug. Try the patch, also there are lozenges and other things in the drugstore that are over the counter. Just know that even the prescription drugs you get from your Doctor aren't like smoking a real cigarrette. It will be tough at first no matter what you use to help you along the way..just don't give up! Drink lots of water, eat healthy, exercise and talk to people...do things you love to reward yourself, too. Go shopping with the money you're saving on not buying cigs...get a pedicure, whatever will make yourself feel good.
Oh...and you don't need a drug to help you quit! You can do this...all you need is willpower and a little help from the nicotine replacements along the way! You can do it! I'm with you 100% :)))
