7 days

It has been 7 whole days since my last cigarette.  The Chantix is working!  Believe me, it is not will power that has gotten me this far.  If I had to rely on that, I seriously doubt I would have made it 24 hours.  My willpower is nonexistent over cigarettes. 

It's strange how the Chantix works.  I still think about cigarettes a lot.  I just don't necessarily desire one every time I am thinking about them.  My trigger times are still stronger- when I finish a meal, riding in the car, after work, and first thing in the morning.  As a matter of fact, I have woke up the last two mornings without the alarm clock at 4 AM due to that used to be the time I would get up and smoke.  Even though I think about cigarettes a lot still, I don't want one, 99% of the time.  It is odd and yet a miracle that a pill has been created that can perform such an amazing transformation. 

I have no doubt that with time the memories and thoughts of cigarettes will subside.  For me, it is like giving up a friend.  Someone I turned to in times of stress, celebrated a good meal with, said farewell to a workday with.  It wasn't just about a need for nicotine, there is an emotional component that Chantix cannot fix.  I am having to deal with that on my own.  I find myself wandering, not knowing what to do with myself at the times I would have been smoking.  I miss my friend............but not that much to have him back.