I have a new primary care physician and I saw her the other day so that I could get a prescription for Chantix. This stuff is supposed to work wonders for quitting smoking but apparently I'm not a candidate for it.
I was diagnosed with depression in '93 and was prescribed Paxil (Paroxetine). I was taking it up until (maybe) the beginning of August this year. Since I took myself off it I haven't had ANY signs or symptoms of depression. This tells me that I was either mis-diagnosed or that I am 'cured'.
I also have a history of suicidal thoughts and attempts that go hand in hand with my previous drug and alcohol use.
Because of these things, my doctor does not want me to take Chantix because it can cause depression and suicidal thoughts.
She would like me to pursue alternatives starting with Smoking Cessation classes at the local hospital. These classes are facilitated by a psychologist and I believe it is also a support group.
When I finally make the decision through/during/after the classes she is suggesting nicotine gum.
I guess I don't get to take the easy way out through the 'magical' properties of Chantix. It would be nice to make it as easy as possible but, as I think about it, I tend to benefit to a much greater extent when I accomplish, or simply 'get through', things when it is painful. My addiction was painful, the realization of 'M's true feelings for me was painful, the tossing away of my career was painful.
All of these I have learned from. I can see different perspectives. I'm humbled and I feel, for the most part, at peace now. Pain helps me grow. The pain and discomfort of not smoking will be yet another growth experience for me.
I plan on making this Monday, October 26th my official quit date. I have some transdermal patches, running shoes and OTC sleep aids that I will be incorporating into this endeavor.
I figure the first three days will be the hardest (I know this from previous attempts I have made). During these three days of irritability I'm going to isolate from the new friends I've made in NA. I'm still going to go to my meetings but right after I'm gonna fly the fuck out because I'm well aware of how much of a dick I can be when withdrawing from nicotine. People tend to get on my nerves BIG TIME when I'm like that.
We shall see. I really want to get ALL monkeys off my back and not be controlled by something that I have the power to conquer.
I was diagnosed with depression in '93 and was prescribed Paxil (Paroxetine). I was taking it up until (maybe) the beginning of August this year. Since I took myself off it I haven't had ANY signs or symptoms of depression. This tells me that I was either mis-diagnosed or that I am 'cured'.
I also have a history of suicidal thoughts and attempts that go hand in hand with my previous drug and alcohol use.
Because of these things, my doctor does not want me to take Chantix because it can cause depression and suicidal thoughts.
She would like me to pursue alternatives starting with Smoking Cessation classes at the local hospital. These classes are facilitated by a psychologist and I believe it is also a support group.
When I finally make the decision through/during/after the classes she is suggesting nicotine gum.
I guess I don't get to take the easy way out through the 'magical' properties of Chantix. It would be nice to make it as easy as possible but, as I think about it, I tend to benefit to a much greater extent when I accomplish, or simply 'get through', things when it is painful. My addiction was painful, the realization of 'M's true feelings for me was painful, the tossing away of my career was painful.
All of these I have learned from. I can see different perspectives. I'm humbled and I feel, for the most part, at peace now. Pain helps me grow. The pain and discomfort of not smoking will be yet another growth experience for me.
I plan on making this Monday, October 26th my official quit date. I have some transdermal patches, running shoes and OTC sleep aids that I will be incorporating into this endeavor.
I figure the first three days will be the hardest (I know this from previous attempts I have made). During these three days of irritability I'm going to isolate from the new friends I've made in NA. I'm still going to go to my meetings but right after I'm gonna fly the fuck out because I'm well aware of how much of a dick I can be when withdrawing from nicotine. People tend to get on my nerves BIG TIME when I'm like that.
We shall see. I really want to get ALL monkeys off my back and not be controlled by something that I have the power to conquer.
