Cravings for cigarettes

[Tinky-Tia]

Hi folks, i'm trying to quit smoking and haven't smoked now for 17 days.  I was wondering when the cravings start to go away as i still really fancy one.  Any info/experiences would be most helpful please.  Thanks xx

[Ralph]

Well done, 17 days is very good for a start! I gave up 2 years ago, but unfortunately, I still really want one every now and then, usually when I smell them. The difference is that now, it's very easy to resist the urge.

My advice would be to take it 10 minutes at a time if necessary. When you get the urge, tell yourself that it'll be gone in ten minutes so you can try to forget about it. When you have thought this to yourself, the craving eases and you're still smoke-free. As time passes, the cravings become less severe and less frequent, but they may never go away. Nicotine gum may help in these moments.

Good luck, you can do it and it will be worth it. If you do lapse and have one (really really try to avoid this!), just treat it as a blip in your smoke-free life, rather than defeat. My thoughts and best wishes are with you. :-)

[Valda]

Well done Ralph, I know how hard it can be at times. I recently stopped for seven months, but started again as I was stressed out by people at work, its an excuse but it has made me more determined to quit for good and now I have lasted 8 days and do not intend to start again. I spoke to a friend who stopped 20 years ago and he said he still gets a craving now and then, so it is just a psychological temporary blip. I can recommend reading Allen Carr's book on stopping smoking, it is written by an ex heavy smoker and really encourages you. I couldn't find it when I was stressed out otherwise I know it would have kept me strong. Another handy book is one you can carry round with you and dip into when needed is The Little Book of Not Smoking and that is very helpful with tips such as "look at an ashtray, imagine the contents of that inside the tender tissue of your own lungs. Do you still want to light up?" As every new day passes it will become easier to stay a non smoker, also have you noticed that you can smell someone smoking in the street before you see them? Good luck

[Valda]

Meant to say well done to you too of course Tinky-Tia, another thing I have started to do when I get a craving (or more likely when someone annoys/upsets me, I work at a reception desk!) is deep breathing. Yoga really helps de stress you and is good for you too, which is unlike smoking!

[Eastender]

Well done Tinky-Tia.  Keep up the good work.  Cut up some carrots, etc and eat these when you want a smoke !!  Think of all that money you are saving x

[Sasha13]

17 days is fantastic - well done. Get some cheery tomatoes... they have chemicals in them that actually supress nicotine cravings (and they're good for you too). Also try here for more advice. Well done, and lots of luck! xx

[Sasha13]

sorry - I meant cherry tomatoes!!

[Valda]

Hey Sasha, from the interesting description you gave I think cheery tomatoes is rather apt lol

[Buddy]

Stick with it - I gave up nearly 3 yrs ago after a chest infection.I also still get the urge very occasionally when someone fire up and it has that sweet smell but fortunately the memory of bringing up 30 yrs of poison every morning for a considerable time means I would never touch them again.Along with seeing some dear friends leaving us at a young age - directly due to smoking.No point in putting too fine a point on it.

You will never regret your decision and I know you will do it because you WANT to.

p.s you are a non-smoker-you are not just trying to give up!!

[Tinky-Tia]

Thanks everyone, that's some really encouraging stuff.  It's 18 days now!!!! hoorah for me xx