Quit Smoking--does willpower alone help?

Willpower. Does willpower alone help if one wants to quit smoking?

I say, yes---if one really wants to stop smoking. IF he or she WANTS to stop smoking. Very simple. One has to admit that smoking is Nicotine addiction. Smokers are addicted to Nicotine both physically and psychologically. Smokers need to want to quit. Period.

Personally I say, no. Willpower has nothing to do with me wanting to quit. I didn't even want to quit EVER, but I was so sick of cigarette tax (last time I checked, it's about $4 or so plus 6% tax in Indiana) plus my sinus infection that doesn't seem to go away. So a few months ago I started shopping around. I tried Nicotine patches for a few weeks, then I came to realize, patches irritated my skin so badly and that it didn't help me stop obsessing over smoking for a long period of time. So I spoke with a doctor (oh yeah....it took a lot out of me to speak with a health care provider about cigarettes.) Chantix was introduced to me then.

It is a good option, though many ex-smokers I know oppose the fact that Chantix is pricey. I take? You pay for Chantix once a month and it lasts you the whole month. At the end, the cost is about the same. Smoking is actually can be more expensive. 

Just like any other drugs, you have to weigh out between risks and benefits. Chantix comes with side effects, but hey, you have gotta have your eyes on the price and where you want to be. So I said to myself, suck it up! When consumers are reading about side effects, most notice the worst first, suicidal thoughts. I say if you are a depressed kind, better speak to the MD closely. I'm not sure where that comes from, but I think it's pretty rare. It didn't happen to me.

Obvious and more regular side effects are constipation, nausia and weird dreams. Oh yeah....dreams are weird, but bareable. Afterall, they are just dreams. The worst is the nausia. This "yuck!" feeling comes a few minutes after taking the pills and lasts about an hour. It is not fun, but not going to kill you.

Chantix works for me--no craving whatsoever. Chantix helps in the craving area, but does nothing with behaviors and urges (which I don't think any genious medications or replacements will be able to assist in behavioral area either.)

I'm writing this blog for educational purposes and for those who want to explore other options for smoking cessasion.