does it work the same way in reverse? I want to quit smoking, does that mean after 21 days I should be over my addiction?
2007-04-04 16:31:15 · 6 answers · asked by sharpeiluvr1127 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
No. People do not usually just "get over" addictions to drugs, including nicotine. I have heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but that is much different than addiction. Some addictions are instant, other may take years to develop. Some people can become free of their drug of choice quickly and other suffer from the effects for years. Addiction is classified disease with no cure. Some addictions cause irreparable damage, and that includes cigarettes. Most cigarette smokers who quit still have cravings for a very long time, maybe for life. But, just like other addiction recovery, you learn how to manage your thoughts and behavior without reaching for a smoke.
I strongly suggest talking to your doctor about a new medication called Chantix. It is very effective in helping people quit. I know several people who have quit smoking with this medication. They were all life-long smokers of 20+ years and have tried all other products on the market. So far, none of the nine people I know have picked the habit back up. The range of time has been 3 weeks to about 7 months.
Good luck.
2007-04-05 04:55:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Addiction doesn't start after 21 days, it can start after the first try of something addictive. However, if you can do something for 21 days, you're more likely to stick with it, whether that is overcoming a bad habit or establishing a good one. There's a book on this, called Cybernetics, by a Dr. Maxwell, that you should try reading, it's pretty good.
2007-04-04 16:35:58 · answer #2 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had no trouble quiting. I decided to quit, and I did. However, I had just found out I was pregnant. So I had a little extra incentive. I didn't need 21 days to not want to smoke though. The second I found out I wanted nothing more to do with it, and haven't since.
2007-04-04 16:44:39 · answer #3 · answered by whosaysdiscoisdead 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so I think it is easier to get addicted to cigarettes than to get off them. there are so many triggers. you just need alot of willpower and always remember why you want to quit in the forst place...and maybe a patch or some gum or a prescription GOOD LUCK
2007-04-04 16:36:10 · answer #4 · answered by rebekah o 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.uoregon.edu/~jkullman/Doc2.htm
2007-04-04 16:39:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO
2007-04-04 17:13:26 · answer #6 · answered by laportama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋