Hi - I used Champix to stop smoking a year ago. In fact it was a year this last Monday. I have stopped using acupuncture and patches in the past, but the Champix made it relatively easy to stop and it has definitely been a lot easier to stay off. I've had no weight gain or any of the other problems I had when I tried before. I think Champix is great and highly recommend it. Also, I have never understood the cutting down, pretending to yourself method - I either smoked a pack a day or more, or I didn't smoke at all. Luckily Champix worked for me. Good luck.