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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What is the best way to deal with cravings?

worldofblah4
worldofblah4
I have been quit for 25 hours and am really struggling. I am on anti-depressant medications and anti-psychotic medications. I have tried to quit probably about 30 times before but now I really need to quit because I just moved and have no money to spend on cigarettes. I was just wondering what the best ways to deal with cravings were? I would like anyone's opinions, the more the better! Also, how do you deal with negative emotions? Thanks.
MsBlank1
MsBlank1
The trick is to keep very busy during the cravings. Cravings usually last about 5 minutes sooooo............
* go for a walk
* take a nap
* drink tons of water
* get involved in a movie or tv show
* work on a hobby
* build a puzzle or do one of grannies puzzle of the day
* exercise
.....or any other mindless activity to steer your thinking away from smoking.

For the future....go to the dollar store and stock up on sugarless candy/lollipops for when the cravings and triggers come.

Avoid triggers the best you can until you become stronger...ok?

Hope this helps. Hang in there. You are going through hell week. It does get easier, but you have to give it time.
grannie
grannie
Here is a Link of the many articles posted by some of the "quitters", I am sure you will find and answer to all your questions dear.

http://www.dailystrength.org/groups/good-posts
MsBlank1
MsBlank1
It is hard to work through the negative emotions, but one thing to keep in mind is you are not losing your best friend.....friends don't try to kill you!!!!
Read uplifting books, sayings (ones you can relate to).
Hang around positive ppl. Do self talk in front of a mirror every day.
It is not easy to get out of the negative mode....hopefully someone else comes along with good suggestions on that subject.
MayberryDeb
MayberryDeb
Hi World and welcome to the family of quitters. I found the hand/mouth habit one of the hardest too break. I cut straws in half and carried them with me at all times. When a crave hit, I would whip out the straw, hold it like a cig even inhaling thru it. All I got was good clean air.

Also, when a crave hit I would come here and vent. Write in your journal, come here daily for Roll Call and Pledge. I found that they really help with accountable.

Lots of luck and stay strong
debraccc
debraccc
hiya and well done on the quit I used nicotine patches and they helped me quit. If you arent then you need to remember the 5 D,s when you crave
distract, delay, deep breathe, drink water and discuss
Each day that goes by it will get a little easier
We know it isnt easy but it is doable. We will support you the best way we can
Hugs Deb
Trissa01
Trissa01
If you feel you are being deprived, it may make you angry & obsess for the old $tinky poi$on.
If you can see it as an opportunity to be free & follow the suggestions here, you'll be the winner!