Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group

The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...

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lbj8858 05/08/2013

Hi. New to this group. I quit smoking 7 years ago after smoking for 32 years. I've kicked the physical addiction, thank goodness, but I think I still have the hand to mouth habit. I'm always chewing gum (especially after I eat) or eating candy, or trail mix, or SOMETHING. Not so good for the waistline! Anyone have any recommendations, advice, information on kicking this part of it as well? Thanks!

deleted_user 05/09/2013

I took on a nail biting habit, I have NEVER bit may nails, so that is now my new battle

deleted_user 05/09/2013

I found that cutting a straw to the size of about a cigarette and then breathing through that helped me.

Although at times I find I just HAVE TO eat something. That's not good for the waistline either, but the straw does help.

MayberryDeb 05/09/2013

Hi Ibj and welcome to the family of quitters. First off, HUGE congrats on your amazing quit. I too found straws cut in half worked very well. I would hold it like a cig, tap off imaginary ashes, even inhaling thru it. All I got was good clean air. I would also chew on it.....no calories LOL

I also kept play dough around to keep my hands busy instead of eating.

Lots of luck and please stick around. We need long term quitters like you.

lbj8858 05/13/2013

Thanks to all of you. I also used a straw for quite a while. I just thought that after this amount of time, I wouldn't want or need a straw, or candy, or gum, or SOMETHING. Good grief! Good luck to ALL of you too!

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