Smoking: Winners never quit quitting, quitters quit to win

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kurt Arkenberg
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  The Air Force recently put guidance out that pulled the use of the anti-smoking drug, CHANTIX, from Air Force flyers and members who fall under the Personal Reliability Program. 

According to Jo Hamsher, Warren's Health and Wellness Center education program manager, the policy was enacted after an FDA release highlighted some side effects of using the drug that would be detrimental to the readiness of specific military members. 

"The policy came down from Air Force level that side effects such as vision disturbances and unsteadiness while operating heavy machinery noted in the FDA report would preclude flyers and those on PRP from using CHANTIX," said Mrs. Hamsher. "And though the side effects seen here have been minimal and the success rate across the board are running about 60 percent, erring on the side of safety dictated those precautions were taken." 

According to the official CHANTIX Web site, the most common side effect is nausea. 

Mrs. Hamsher said the incident rates of all known side effects for CHANTIX are pretty minute. 

"The four main side effects we've seen here are: nausea, bloating-which has been limited to the first few weeks of use, some trouble falling asleep and vivid or strange dreams," Mrs. Hamsher said. "But overall, most Warren members who use CHANTIX will find the successes of the drug far outweigh any slim chance of side effects." 

But, Mrs. Hamsher said, even if you can't take CHANTIX, the HAWC offers many other avenues of help with quitting tobacco use. 

"A lot of those who can no longer use the CHANTIX have gone to Zyban, an anti-depressant which has shown to curb cravings, with results that seem to be slightly less successful, but do help," said Mrs. Hamsher. "We also offer nicotine replacement products such as gum and the patch as well as support groups." 

Those support groups, both on base and accessible through the Internet, are a huge part of "staying quit" according to Mrs. Hamsher. 

"On average, it takes a long-time tobacco user eight to 10 attempts at quitting for complete success," Mrs. Hamsher said. "We've seen success levels increase when the member uses the peer support groups out there to help stay focused. 

"Whether it's meeting on base with other Warren members going through the same daily life challenges or getting involved with Wyoming's 'Quitnet,' peer groups play a big part in completing any of the programs offered." 

Mrs. Hamsher said with all of the programs the HAWC offers, the number one factor is you. 

"No matter what tools we give you to make this lifestyle change, you have to be ready to quit, Mrs. Hamsher said. "But when you are ready, we can greatly help your chances."