[John]

By the way Duke, another method that has had some success for some people is the use of Welbutrin (anti depressant) in combination with the nicotine patches. As you might imagine the Welbutrin counteracts the mental anguish experienced when the brain is being deprived of the toxic substance it has come to depend upon for normal functioning.

My doctor prescribed this for me too but having a history of drug abuse, I chose not to take it. It reminded me of the high I experienced with speed and I thought it best not to remind my brain of that feeling.

Part of the battle in quitting is to stay up beat and positive about not smoking. The welbutrin helps do this for some folks.

There are also groups like Smoke Enders and Nicotine Anonymous that provide support for the recovering smoker. Again I did not participate in this because I was able to use my friends in AA for that same support. Talking about the difficulties in quitting and the smoking dreams that often occur after quitting is very helpful in preventing the addict from feeling scared and alone.

Most people who try to quit without some support structure behind them invariably fail. Just having someone who cares and has been there can be very comforting and reassuring.