Smoking - Please.......

[GoinCruisin]

I wonder if Chantix is the same as Zyban... that is what worked for me back in 98 when I quit my pack-a-day habit. Now, unless I am having a drink I have no desire for a cigarette, and even then I can't finish a 100s ultra light because it starts to taste nasty before I get to the end.

 

 

No, they are different... Zyban is actually just Wellbutrin (an anti depressant).. Chantix is unique as it actually works on your brain... Congrats on keeping your quit!!!!!

[StuartLittle]

My sister said she hasn't seen an insurance company cover it yet... which burns me up. To think of the THOUSANDS I have paid in cigarette taxes, and what MY taxes are paying for... when they should be paying for things like this. There is no better cause for what those taxes should pay for... yes, the taxes help pay health costs, but those would be decreased if they would use some of the dollars for smoking cessation programs that work... don't get me started.

 

 

Unfortunatley, the relapse rate for users of Chantix is pretty high. There are many studies, but here is one.

 

http://whyquit.com/pr/082506.html

 

I wish you all the luck in the world. As a smoker who has quit and gone back many times, I know the struggle.

[ShedQueen77]

I wonder if Chantix is the same as Zyban... that is what worked for me back in 98 when I quit my pack-a-day habit. Now, unless I am having a drink I have no desire for a cigarette, and even then I can't finish a 100s ultra light because it starts to taste nasty before I get to the end.

 

Sort of, but not really. Zyban is actually a brand name for bupropion, which is technically an anti-depressant. Wellbutrin is another brand name for the same thing.

 

The difference between Zyban and Chantix is that Zyban is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor while Chantix blocks the receptor site of dopamine directly. Zyban chemically alters the brain/nervous system activity quite a bit more than Chantix does. Zyban is very potentially mood altering due to the inhibition of norepinephrine. The risk of suicide is one of the more disturbing effects of Zyban. Zyban also causes false positive drug test results. My ex almost lost his job because he was on Zyban and tested positive for amphetamines! :eek:

[vjmatty]

No, they are different... Zyban is actually just Wellbutrin (an anti depressant).. Chantix is unique as it actually works on your brain... Congrats on keeping your quit!!!!!

 

Thanks but I am not perfectly quit... I do smoke when I drink, which actually has the effect of cutting down my drinking since I have to consume both at the same time or I'll do neither ;)

[vjmatty]

Sort of, but not really. Zyban is actually a brand name for bupropion, which is technically an anti-depressant. Wellbutrin is another brand name for the same thing.

 

The difference between Zyban and Chantix is that Zyban is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor while Chantix blocks the receptor site of dopamine directly. Zyban chemically alters the brain/nervous system activity quite a bit more than Chantix does. Zyban is very potentially mood altering due to the inhibition of norepinephrine. The risk of suicide is one of the more disturbing effects of Zyban. Zyban also causes false positive drug test results. My ex almost lost his job because he was on Zyban and tested positive for amphetamines! :eek:

 

I actually went on Zyban/Wellbutrin again a few years later for appetite control but it had the effect of making me really btchy and highly sensitive to minor irritants like nagging... had NO idea about the false positives or suicide risk :eek: Glad I am off of it.

[woohoo4ue]

So easily said by a non-smoker (I presume). I am willing to bet that if it were that easy to just not smoke for 7 days then 90% of smokers would just quit smoking.

 

True, True. I quit smoking after my June 2006 cruise. I can honestly say I don't think the cravings will ever go away. One of my friends at work has been smoke free for 10 years and still craves a smoke. I have flubbed a few times when I've been drinking. Cigarettes and alcohol literally go hand in hand.

 

To the OP: You can smoke in the casino, some bars, a certain side of the ship on an open deck. It can't be too far of a walk!

[hersheykiss]

I wonder if Chantix is the same as Zyban... that is what worked for me back in 98 when I quit my pack-a-day habit. Now, unless I am having a drink I have no desire for a cigarette, and even then I can't finish a 100s ultra light because it starts to taste nasty before I get to the end.

 

NO chantix is a different type of deterrent..it turns of the nicotine receptors in the brain..It does have side effects..I was nauseous the whole time I was on it..only took it 6 weeks..my last day to smoke was dec 25,2006...I also read the book "Easy way to quit smoking"..that made a big difference...daughter also quit just reading the book..

[vacruizer]

Sort of, but not really. Zyban is actually a brand name for bupropion, which is technically an anti-depressant. Wellbutrin is another brand name for the same thing.

 

The difference between Zyban and Chantix is that Zyban is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor while Chantix blocks the receptor site of dopamine directly. Zyban chemically alters the brain/nervous system activity quite a bit more than Chantix does. Zyban is very potentially mood altering due to the inhibition of norepinephrine. The risk of suicide is one of the more disturbing effects of Zyban. Zyban also causes false positive drug test results. My ex almost lost his job because he was on Zyban and tested positive for amphetamines! :eek:

 

I'm assured by my Dr. that Chantix works completely differently than Zyban. I tried it to quit some years ago and had a very bad reaction including the first suicidal thoughts I'd ever had:eek: :mad: . Couldn't speak right or think straight - it is scary stuff. Was fine as soon as I quit taking it a week later. DH was somewhat succesful with Zyban - said it really helped the cravings, but had to stop taking it due to it causing heart rhythm problems.

[GoinCruisin]

Unfortunatley, the relapse rate for users of Chantix is pretty high. There are many studies, but here is one.

 

http://whyquit.com/pr/082506.html

 

I wish you all the luck in the world. As a smoker who has quit and gone back many times, I know the struggle.

 

I was part of the original research study years ago (although we didn't know anything about the drug at the time), but one of my friends I met during the study is still not smoking, and she was one of the ones that did the extended study (I was only in the program for 6 weeks)... HOWEVER, the extended studies that I have seen have emphasized the importance, as I mentioned above, on staying on the medication for an extended 12 weeks past the initial 12 week period, especially if you have been smoking for many years, every study I have seen sends the numbers up much higher with extended use... much higher than any of the other methods I have seen... the relapse rate on ANY person that quits is actually pretty high, the relapse rate on people addicted to heroin, meth, etc is also pretty high... it's an addiction, you know that, LOL... I know people that quit for over 15 years and started back... but having been someone who has tried everything out there, I can tell you it's unlike anything I've ever tried... but I am also not naive enough to think that the pill is going to do it... I have to take the responsibility and not leave it all up to a pill... just like any addict, it's completely up to me...

[GoinCruisin]

I'm assured by my Dr. that Chantix works completely differently than Zyban. I tried it to quit some years ago and had a very bad reaction including the first suicidal thoughts I'd ever had:eek: :mad: . Couldn't speak right or think straight - it is scary stuff. Was fine as soon as I quit taking it a week later. DH was somewhat succesful with Zyban - said it really helped the cravings, but had to stop taking it due to it causing heart rhythm problems.

 

I took the Zyban (and Wellbutrin) in the past and can assure you they are completely different! I wouldn't take either of those again if paid to do it... HORRIBLE side effects... It is very scary stuff IMHO. The only problem I have had with the Chantix is that you HAVE to eat with it... and not just a few crackers... so when I don't eat enough I get a little nauseated, but it's never been bad enough to make me stop taking it... I just know the importance of staying on it as long as I possibly can to increase my chances... so I make sure that I take it at my biggest meal of the day, rather than taking it with a smoothie :p LOL!!!!

[Steph123]

I have been smoke free for 101 days after taking chantix. I only took it for about 10 weeks the last 2 weeks I cut it back to 1 a day. Costco was $100 for a 4 week supply. I am still having a hard time fighting smoking, most people I have talked to do not seem to be having as hard of a time as I am having. I do not think I could have done it with out the chantix.

[GoinCruisin]

I have been smoke free for 101 days after taking chantix. I only took it for about 10 weeks the last 2 weeks I cut it back to 1 a day. Costco was $100 for a 4 week supply. I am still having a hard time fighting smoking, most people I have talked to do not seem to be having as hard of a time as I am having. I do not think I could have done it with out the chantix.

 

That is great!!! I wish you the best of luck! I hope it gets better... my mother is having a tougher time... she went off it early too... I just see myself still needing it, even though I'm only taking one a day... hell, I may just stay on it for as long as I can! LOL!!!!

[Steph123]

Lucy, After I have read what you have to say maybe I should go back on it. I know I will before I would smoke again. I never thought I could really quit and I am not sure I could do it again so I have to make this time work.

[e150club]

i just had three smokes and a glass of wine while reading all the responses this habit stinks nothing to LOL about. gotta talk to the doc. about the about the pills.

[Name game]

NO chantix is a different type of deterrent..it turns of the nicotine receptors in the brain..It does have side effects..I was nauseous the whole time I was on it..only took it 6 weeks..my last day to smoke was dec 25,2006...I also read the book "Easy way to quit smoking"..that made a big difference...daughter also quit just reading the book..

 

I will look into this book and the Chantix. What the non-smokers don't realize is that most smokers would really like to quit. This thread has been very helpful to me. I have quit so many times I've lost count. Those first three days are torture, something that I hate going through again. It's hard for everyone. I truly admire everyone here that has quit, it is something to be truly proud of.

[Twinflow]

But it is allowed, and actually, it's not a serious fire hazard, as ships use the same materials as hotels... now, a fire can obviously start on a balcony... but when was the last time you heard of a fire starting in a cabin?? It's allowed in the cabins on most cruise lines... thankfully, the materials allow anything that might fall to smolder rather than flame...

 

Why does Carnival not permit irons or any type of heating devices in the cabins?

 

Why does Carnival remove them if found in your cabin?

 

What's the difference between a FIRE at sea on a Ship vs a Fire on a land based Hotel both having an occupancy of several thousand people?

[Skyuka]

I have to thank Carnival for helping me to quit smoking :) . We booked our first cruise back in 99 on the Paradise which was smoke free at that time. I picked a date in April of that year and then we had the cruise in June, have been smoke free since then. Look at it as saving money for your next cruise to buy some Bar Credit (4 Drink Cpns) :rolleyes:

[boaterette]

Does anyone know if you can but chantrix in Mexico?

[GoinCruisin]

Why does Carnival not permit irons or any type of heating devices in the cabins?

 

Why does Carnival remove them if found in your cabin?

 

What's the difference between a FIRE at sea on a Ship vs a Fire on a land based Hotel both having an occupancy of several thousand people?

 

Fires are an electrical hazard... if you look at most fires, they have been electrical... when was the last time you heard of a hotel burning down?? As I mentioned, they use materials that cause a cigarette to smolder out, rather than flame... they aren't idiots (this goes for hotels and cruise ships)... again, when was the last fire you heard of that started in a cabin?

 

Carnival allows "heating devices" (curling irons and blow dryers heat up), they don't allow irons (electrical reasons, and don't get anyone started, we don't know their electrical system, but 2000 people trying to iron clothes at one time on formal night would be a disaster :p), candles (open flame) or heating pads...

[Matlily]

No one should ever smoke inside any cabin period! It is very dangerous and a serious FIRE hazard on the ships.

 

 

Yes Sir!

 

If you read my original post I didn't ever plan to smoke in the cabin, but it is permitted.

 

:)

[Twinflow]

Fires are an electrical hazard... if you look at most fires, they have been electrical... when was the last time you heard of a hotel burning down?? As I mentioned, they use materials that cause a cigarette to smolder out, rather than flame... they aren't idiots (this goes for hotels and cruise ships)... again, when was the last fire you heard of that started in a cabin?

 

Carnival allows "heating devices" (curling irons and blow dryers heat up), they don't allow irons (electrical reasons, and don't get anyone started, we don't know their electrical system, but 2000 people trying to iron clothes at one time on formal night would be a disaster :p), candles (open flame) or heating pads...

 

So, I assume that every piece of clothing a passenger brings into the cabins meets your fire safety standard. Also, all items purchased from the ship and ports of call meet the same standard. Have your ever seen clothing throw about a cabin floor or across the beds? Carnival does not permit any TOWELS or CLOTHING to be placed on any balcony because of fire concerns. I am talking about the safety of the crew and all passengers including yourself. I have done 11 cruises and never seen ash trays in any cabins. After 30 years as a Professional Firefighter leaning towards safety is common sense to me. BTW...sure newer buildings usually don't burn to the ground. But the smoke and super heated gases from the FIRE will kill you in less then a minute.

[big_duck]

So, I assume that every piece of clothing a passenger brings into the cabins meets your fire safety standard. Also, all items purchased from the ship and ports of call meet the same standard. Have your ever seen clothing throw about a cabin floor or across the beds? Carnival does not permit any TOWELS or CLOTHING to be placed on any balcony because of fire concerns. I am talking about the safety of the crew and all passengers including yourself. I have done 11 cruises and never seen ash trays in any cabins. After 30 years as a Professional Firefighter leaning towards safety is common sense to me. BTW...sure newer buildings usually don't burn to the ground. But the smoke and super heated gases from the FIRE will kill you in less then a minute.

 

As a professional firefighter surely you know the difference between a class A, B or C fire. Surely you no the difference between areas protected by fire suppression systems and those that are not.

 

A fire in a hotel results in a lot of people standing around on the street. A fire at sea results in a lot of people bobbing around in the ocean in teeny tiny life boats.

[Twinflow]

As a professional firefighter surely you know the difference between a class A, B or C fire. Surely you no the difference between areas protected by fire suppression systems and those that are not.

 

A fire in a hotel results in a lot of people standing around on the street. A fire at sea results in a lot of people bobbing around in the ocean in teeny tiny life boats.

 

Don,

I did not want to even get into the Classes of Fire with Lucy who thinks it's safe to smoke in cabins on any ship.

[big_duck]

Don,

I did not want to even get into the Classes of Fire with Lucy who thinks it's safe to smoke in cabins on any ship.

 

Sober and vertical in your cabin is as safe as anywhere else. Drunk and Horizontal on the other hand ...

 

A person pre-disposed to do the later is likely to do it whether it is permitted or not.

[GoinCruisin]

Don,

I did not want to even get into the Classes of Fire with Lucy who thinks it's safe to smoke in cabins on any ship.

 

That's not what I said :rolleyes: But I did ask for you to let us know about all these fires that have been caused in the cabins on cruise ships... that cruise with millions a year, where smoking is allowed in the cabins... I'm just GUESSING here, but I'm GUESSING they know how the ships are built, the safety systems implemented and wouldn't knowingly allow it if there was a history of fire in the cabins... even just one fire. Note that when the fire started on the balcony on the Princess ship, once it entered the cabin, it didn't spread... so I'm guessing that they know what they are doing.