OT: How to stop smoking

Um = yea - thanks for coming in - but NO - it's not me that's the smoker, it's my boyfriend and NO it's not the illegal stuff - simple cigarettes..... LOL!!!!

Now that all THAT is clarified - can anybody give me some feedback/tips on what system worked for them?  There are so many patch systems and whatnot out there, I don't know what's REALLY good to use and what will actually work.  

thanks!

I know several people that have used Chantix and it has worked wonders for them.  No problems with weight gain or substituting other bad behaviors.  Only prob some people have is it requires a Dr's prescription.

I also knew someone that did the hypnosis thing and it worked really well until the stress level in her life increased.  Rather than fight the urge she went right back to smoking.  If he's really motivated he could go this route.

Hypnosis, huh?  Hmmmm - I will tell him about that one - didn't think of that! 

thanks!

Hopefully this doesn't seem like a stupid answer! But has he tried cold turkey.  I used to smoke and I just lost interest in smoking.  Got tired of the smell, going out into the cold, and they are expensive AS HELL!!!!! 

But if not I heard Chantrix (sp?)  works really well.

no - he knows he doesn't have the strength to do the cold turky.  So he wants to try the patch.  He's starting a new job and insurance doesn't kick in for 60 days - sp Chantrix is a little down the line.

I was hoping to find out if one patch brand works better than another - that's what we're going to try for now - I suspect he will need the Chantrix. 

My mom smoked for 42 yrs and even lost the inside of her nose and some of her cheek due to cancer. She was found non-responsive and blue and they put a patch on her because her oxygen was so low. She was smoking 2 1/2 packs a day and she did quit and never went back. That was many years ago.

I know a lot of patients call for prescriptions for Chantix though.

Dang!!!  That was a wake up call fo yo azz!!!

Well - he's been reading a lot of stuff about the risk of heart attack and the other effects on the body - he's motivated - his goal is to be smoke free by 40 - and that's in April. 

Girl my momma smoked and my daddy was a drinker so I didn't do any of it because I saw all of the ugly growing up.

LOL... thanks for the preface.  I was like, "I didn't know she smokes!"

Word of advice about Chantix, I've heard that it's a beast!  From the horrid nightmares to the deep, deep depression & suicidal thoughts.  If he does go that route in the future, go in with your eyes wide open.

From the Chantix website:

Safety Information

CHANTIX is a prescription medicine to help adults 18 and over stop smoking. You may benefit from quit-smoking support programs and/or counseling during your quit attempt. It's possible that you might slip up and smoke while taking CHANTIX. If you do, you can stay on CHANTIX and keep trying to quit.

Some patients have reported changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions when attempting to quit smoking while taking CHANTIX or after stopping CHANTIX. If either you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, depressed mood, or changes in behavior that are not typical for you, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.

The most common side effects include nausea (30%), sleep problems, constipation, gas, and/or vomiting. If you have side effects that bother you or don't go away, tell your doctor.

You may have trouble sleeping, vivid, unusual, or strange dreams while taking CHANTIX. You should use caution driving or operating machinery until you know how quitting smoking with CHANTIX may affect you.

CHANTIX should not be taken with other quit-smoking products. You may need a lower dose of CHANTIX if you have kidney problems or get dialysis.

Before starting CHANTIX, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you take insulin, asthma medicines, or blood thinners. Medicines like these may work differently when you quit smoking.

DAMN!!!!

I was just worried about him snacking too much after he quit - I don't think I want him to take that ****!!!  he already has wierd dreams at the drop of a hat and ain't no WAY I can deal with him being depressed!!!!

thanks for that info - we will steer CLEAR of that crap!!!!!