needs advice on quiting smoking?

Question

how long does it take for the cravings to go away
i am using the patch, but i cant shake the after dinner smoke its the hardest. i even went 6 days and only craved the after dinner smoke. i have tried water, candies, walks, showers, but i cant get over the after dinner smoke.

Answer 1

I quit cold turkey five days ago - if you are using the patch, your cravings probably won't go away because you are still pumping nicotine into your system. My advice: Willpower - get off the patch because if you stay on it, things will only get harder. I didn't think I was going to make it the first two days - but now I've gone three more without even wanting one. I know it's going to be hard, but every day gets a little bit easier and you crave it a little bit less. Get someone to encourage you, someone to help you - you CAN do it. I've smoked for almost 10 years, and I quit cold turkey. If I had used the patch, I'm sure I'd go back to smoking because I'd still have the nicotine going into my body.

Answer 2

This is one of the toughest things you'll ever do. I used the patch AND wellbutrin. I still want a cigarette now and then, especially if I'm having a cup of coffee and after a good meal.

You have to WANT to quit. It isn't easy, but I smoked for 15 years and have been without cigarettes for almost 3 months. The cravings never really go away, but it DOES get easier. Just don't expect the cravings to go away overnight. Good luck and Keep the faith!!!

Answer 3

It takes about 2 months.
Are you coughing a lot yet?
You will...your body will be trying to get all the nastys out of your lungs. I never liked the patch, gum, or the candy thing. When ever you get a craving...go for a walk. Thats what I did. Instead of eating your cravings away just take a walk.

Answer 4

Well that's tough because that is a mental craving. After a few days the nicotine is out of your system, so by the 6th day the craving is no longer physical. To get over this you need to be stronger than the cigarette and I believe this is about attitude more than anything.

Answer 5

It takes 3 days for the body to rid the nicotine addiction, the rest is habit breaking issues. It sounds like you are doing great and just need to break the last habit of the dinner smoke. Maybe try to suck on some mints or niccorette gum or drink a cup of coffee. That has worked for other that I know. Good luck.

Answer 6

I'm a smoker and I am about to go through the same thing. But I saw the coolest thing last night. This old man was walking by with what looked like a cigar. But as I looked closer, it was a piece of wood shaped like a cigar butt. I'm thinking about doing the same thing. I think it really has to do with occupying the hand and mouth at the same time, that will help relieve the cravings.

Answer 7

I know what you mean, it is like a dessert at the end of the meal. But I think that you should put yourself in situations where you cannot smoke, like places where smoking is not allowed. In time, perhaps the cravings will cease and you can kick the habit. Good luck. I don't have the discipline to quit so good for you!

Answer 8

take an ashtray's worth of butts, and place in a small lidded jar. add water. everytime you crave a smoke - open the jar and take a good whiff.. craving gone. (and you are left feeling digusted at smoking)

I know it's gross, but it works!

EDIT:

further to another posters comment about the wooden cigar, Nicoret makes a product, small plastic thingy that you insert a liquid nicotine capsule into and inhale when you crave a smoke.. apparently good for the hand to mounth smoking habit.. its marketed here in Canada as the "Nicorette Inhaler"

Answer 9

I had a friend and we were both pack a day smokers. We decided to quit and bet $100 that the first one who smoked would have to pay. Neither one of us has smoked for over a year. I tried quitting several times before this without success. The money really motivates you.

Answer 10

Congrats!
I quit March 6th....I still sometimes have the same after meal urges....brushing your teeth immediately after you eat helps plus anything cinnamon. Also take a big slow deep breath and blow it out do that a few times when you feel the urge. You also need to take note of the date you quit and reward yourself on anniversaries weeks months years. Little daily rewards are important too. It's a big deal you need to have a lot positive going on about it. Really add up in your mind all the money you are saving. Think about the horrible pain you could have gone through if you hadn't quit! Wow ...aren't you proud of yourself!!