I have recently stopped smoking! I smoked a pack a day.... How long does withdrawals last!!?

Question

I AM NOT USING ANY NICOTINE SUBSITUTE'S!! I smoked for 30 year's!!

Answer 1

I SMOKED FOR 48 YEARS AND QUIT 2 YEARS AGO COLD TURKEY
AFTER 8 DAYS THE PHYSICAL CRAVING STOPPED

EMOTIONALLY, I STILL WANT TO SMOKE, I JUST DON'T.

Answer 2

One pack a day is a lot of smoking, but sometimes cold turkey is the best way. It worked for me. I would say if you go cold turkey, you may see serious withdrawal for about 3 days. After that, it will taper off.

Your biggest issue will be avoiding the habits that caused you to smoke in the first place. As well, quitting the "drinking and smoking" combination is much more difficult, so avoid drinking within the next week. And reduce your coffee, particularly if you smoke and drink coffee.

Whatever the case, recognize that the first week is the worst. If you're lucky, you could see serious withdrawal symptoms lapse within 3 days. If not, a week should be enough. Of course, it won't be easy. Stay strong!

Answer 3

Good for you! I smoked for 17 years and have also quit cold turkey.

I also did not use anything to help me out and the withdrawals lasted about 2-3 weeks. Chew a lot of gum. It really helps.

It's been a year and a half now and occasionaly, I still crave a smoke, but it's not an urge.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

It takes about 72 hours for the nicotine to be flushed from your system and for your brain to begin to make the chemicals that the nicotine displaced in your body again. Nicotine displaces dopamine, a brain chemical; when you smoke, your brain doesn't produce as much dopamine, so when you quit, you get shaky, irritable and restless.

After 72 hours, the brain is back to making the full amount of dopamine you need and you are physiologically free of the addiction-but then comes the psychological effects, which can last days, weeks or even months. You can help reduce some of the discomfort by keeping hydrated with water, going out for walks and finding something to replace the hand-to-mouth actino of smoking, like a lollipop or sunflower seeds.

It's also recommended that you change routines so that you're not frequently in the places you used to smoke. So if you normally go and have a cigarrette in your recliner after supper, instead of going to the recliner, go out and sit on the deck or wash the dishes by hand in the kitchen.

Congratulations on your decision to quit! You've done a great thing for yourself. It may be difficult at first, but you can do this.

Answer 5

If I were you, I'd use the patch to help ward off the symptoms and to make it easier. I quit smoking....and this month will make 4 years since I've smoked a single cigarette! I used the patch to do it. I had tried many times before the time I actually did it...but had really made my mind up to really do it the last time. Now that I'm over it....I NEVER want to smoke again. When I smell it on someone or somewhere...it stinks. And....I always tell myself I'm so proud of that accomplishment, because it's very hard to do. I can now breath so much better....and believe me....the health benefits are WELL WORTH IT. The money saving is WELL WORTH IT! And, any weight I've had to learn to manage without smoking was WELL WORTH IT...so....even though I don't know you, I'm already proud of you. Just make this time your last time to try quitting...REALLY DO IT THIS TIME...do it so you can live longer...and healthier. Do it for those who love you. You CAN do it! Stay Strong!!! (the patch really does take that edge off)

Answer 6

I quit smoking cold turkey after having smoked for 30 years over 20 years ago. I can say from experience that the craving never fully goes away, the carving for a smoke come further and further apart and can be triggered by a wisp of cigarette smoke or a social setting etc. The important thing is each day that you resist the craving the stronger you become and soon you will be able to say that you were strong enough, mentally, to overcome this terrible addiction.

Answer 7

First off Congratulations on quitting... Now withdrawls are very personal. It depends on you. I quit and only had withdrawls about once a day for 2 weeks, then after that, i was so happy i didnt smell anymore, I didnt care. My husband quit cold turkey and it was about 2 years ago and he still likes the smell sometimes, but other than that, he really didnt have any problems either, Give yourself a month and Ill bet you'll be fine afterwords. Good luck

Answer 8

my moms withdrawls only lasted only about 2 days and she smoked about a pack and a half a day. and her withdrawls wernt bad she was just pretty moody and she didnt gain weight. she has been off and on for over 10 years and just recently started back up because my sister went into labor, but after this pack she said she will be quitting again.

GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 9

Try not smoking tomorrow, and you will surely experience withdrawal symptoms. Smoking a few cigarettes will stop them, but such is the nature of addiction: the cravings will come back if you don't keep smoking.

Answer 10

They may last for a while... if you are not using any aids, try chewing gum. It keeps your mouth occupied. I find that I smoke less when I keep myself busy. Also, try to stay away from other smokers... the smell may trigger something. Also, situations where you would normally smoke. Mine was drinking- whenever I would drink, I would want to smoke. So I cut back on drinking and started surrounding myself with non-smokers. Good luck!!