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Posted: **Sun Jan 13, 2008 1:24 pm**

Sorry to bring up a weird one-- but thought you guys might have some input. Yeah, I'm a smoker and will be starting on Chantix to help kick it. Here's my questions:

My heaviest smoke time is during a gig (drinks/ the bar environment/other smokers, etc.), especially the breaks after each set. Have any of you quit while facing the same challenge? Any hints/tips? NOT going to gigs is NOT an option.

Posted: **Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:33 pm**

CT,

Over here in Europe, new rules have been in for a few months where smoking is banned in public places. I now feel better, and smell better after a gig and it has helped some people break the habit and the link between drinking and smoking.

Solution?---get your ass and your tubs over here

Otherwise, it is total will power

I used to be a smoker and the only way that worked for me was to smoke way too many one night. I broke out in spots and had the sh*ts for about a month after that-nicotine poisoning, and never wanted them after that.
The only time I weaken now is when there are some good Cuban cigars around.

suave

Posted: **Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:29 pm**

CT,
There are some herbal teas that you can drink instead of smoking. They will get rid of your craving for nicotine and also clean your body of the toxins. Check with your local health store.

Paz

Olsongo

Posted: **Sun Jan 13, 2008 6:50 pm**

CT,
I don't know the effects or means Chantex uses to stop the addiction. I smoked for 25 years and used Quest low nicotine cigarettes. They are a three stage of nicotine reduction series that keeps you in the smoking routine but eases the addiction until I just stopped 3 years ago. It worked for me but everybody is different.

My advice is that you have to make 3 changes in lifestyle to be a success with whatever method you use to quit.

1. replace cigarettes with some other oral sensation... lollipops, cinnamon gum, etc. It keeps the mouth and taste buds busy while missing the cigs....

2. avoid smokers and smoking areas. while you have to work, at breaks step outside to breath fresh air. you don't have to avoid smoking friends, but you can find a way to be away from smoke. When they go outside or light up at the bar, you have to leave. Start another routine and a reward for not smoking. It cannot be food outside of non-fattening food. snacks like carrot sticks, celery are good....hmmm sounds like the beginning of a bloody mary....

3. begin an exercise routine. You will find greater success when you can see it. Plus, you will be fighting over eating at the same time, so boost your metabolism daily. 30 minutes of elevated heart rate every day. drink plenty of fluids. also as a reward, whiten your teeth with any of the whitener products out there, it's worth the investment with the money saved from cigs...

Quiting smoking started my life over. I was killing myself every day. I am not an anti smoking fanatic. I can be around smokers and I don't preach to them. I do know that I am better off without it. You will be too. It will be hard. Some say it's as hard as any other drug addiction because it is a public addiction. But you will see rewards every day... more time with family, a better appearance and smell about you, more productivity and generally a better empowerment because you beat an addiction. Oh, and you will live longer. Good luck.

Cheers,
Jim

Posted: **Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:08 pm**

What great and supportive responses. I will be in France this spring -- hopefully as a non-smoker by then. At 65 I still exercise regularly by walking my psycho-bitch dog every day for 20-30 minutes, and I weigh less than I did in high school (160 nekkid). And besides the Chantix, I love the herbal tea suggestion. I've quit before (twice), perhaps 3rd time will be a charm. You guys have confirmed much of what I know, but getting your responses has meant a lot to me!!!

Posted: **Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:16 am**

I BURNED A LOT OF HOLES IN MY POLYESTER PANTS BACK IN THE 60'70'S WHILE SMOKING AND PLAYING, WHICH A LOT OF CATS DID BACK THEN...STOPPED SMOKING BACK IN 74.....I WILL BE 60 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR AND STILL GOING STRONG!...JOHNNY CONGA...

Attachment: http://mycongaplace.com/forum/eng/uploa ... h_2007.jpg

Posted: **Fri Jan 18, 2008 2:55 pm**

chewing a liquorice root stick did helped me when i quited cigarettes 'bout 12 years ago
(i still indulge in a good cuban cigar from time to time, as some other member )
i don't believe in the chemical help: will power is the key!
peace & blessings

Posted: **Fri Jan 18, 2008 5:43 pm**

Though I gag on licorice, I sincerely appreciate your best wishes and the support, Zumbi.

Posted: **Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:31 pm**

Just a brief update. Haven't puffed on a cig for almost 2 weeks. CHANTIX anti-smoking med is incredible. First smokeless gig last night, despite smokers in the club.

Posted: **Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:09 pm**

Congratulations my friend. Down here in P.R since sometimes last year it is forbidden to smoke in public places including any club,disco,pub,casino ect. I remember before that law, I would get home stinking worse than an ASS that even my dog would look at me & question who the f_ck I was.

Edited By caballoballo on 1201875059

Posted: **Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:22 pm**

Well done CT, stay strong mi hermano.

Posted: **Sat Feb 02, 2008 12:10 am**

CT, Awesome! Tell us more often, you deserve the pats on the back. Plus maybe others might like to see that it can be done in a hostile environment like gigs and need a success story to draw upon.

Cheers,
Jim

Posted: **Sun Feb 03, 2008 1:25 pm**

Your support means a lot. Could not have done it so far without the CHANTIX, which I will be on for another 2 mos to make sure my mind and body are locked on being a non-smoker.

Posted: **Sun Feb 03, 2008 2:31 pm**

Yeah, Congrats CongaTick! Glad this med works for you.

I'm off and on again, mostly off lately, borderline - but best is to just stop cold!

A book I once read called "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" (Allan Carr) was great. I need another copy. So much of it is in the head, after the physical part wears off (pretty quickly).

Always gotta rejoice about stopping - it affects everything and we work much better without it, period!

Posted: **Fri Feb 15, 2008 8:56 am**

Oh, just an up-date,

I've been totally smoke-free for about 2 months now and am feeling better all the time.

Can even feel and hear the difference in my playing!
Much more energy and bounce. Sense of smell, taste and even vision is enhanced. As said, the cigs negatively affect the body in every way, and simply SUCK!

Maybe I now have a little TOO much night time energy for my lady love, but she still prefers the "smokeless me".

Definitely feel like I've "de-aged" 20 years or so.

Maybe one day I'll out-grow adolescence.

All the best to you all!

Yonatan

http://www.myspace.com/yonatanbarrashi

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