Kicking The Habit

A newer stop smoking medication is Chantix™ (varenicline). Chantix is different from other smoking cessation treatments because it works directly on the nicotine receptor sites of the brain. The medication reduces withdrawal symptoms AND blocks the effects of nicotine if a person decides to smoke a cigarette.
The most commonly reported side effects of Chantix include changes in dreaming, nausea, constipation, gas and vomiting. Relapse is common among those who are trying to stop smoking.

David Gonzales, Ph.D., Research Psychologist, Oregon Health & Science University, says one of the most common reasons for falling back into the smoking habit is giving up too soon. Typically, smokers are advised to start a smoking cessation program by first picking a quit date – usually within one to two weeks of the decision to stop smoking. They start the nicotine replacement, medication and support programs and aim to reach the quit date goal.

If they are still unable to deal with the cravings by the quit date, or if they have a cigarette or two, they become frustrated and give up. Gonzales estimates only about half of all smokers reach their quit date goal. But that shouldn’t mean the others have failed – they may just need more time. He recommends smokers stick with their program. Some may need extra support or a different kind of medical therapy. If smoking cessation patients can hold their course, most will be able to stop smoking within 8 weeks.