
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...
Use distractions to keep your focus off how you are feeling. Go for walks, do some exercises, or place yourself into situations where you have not smoked before (example, take a shower).
Reward yourself often, at least once a day. Rewards don't have to cost much, or anything at all. Take a relaxing break with a cup of coffee or tea that you wouldn't normally take; maybe with some special coffee or tea or other beverage. Go window shopping (maybe not the best idea this time of year, lol). Browse a bookstore. Take the scenic route home. Anything that gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling, anything that makes you feel special.
When you smoked the nicotine hijacked your brain's pleasure/reward centers. Now that the nicotine is leaving, your brain is screaming for it's fix. This fix can be achieved, in part, by rewards. They are to your brain like exercise to an atrophied muscle, so use them. They are very important to the healing process.
If you find the need to vent, then vent. Pillows are great for beating and screaming into. :)
Stay strong, stay smart, stay quit.
Shevie
Quit May, 2005
Keep going.
X
Scream, jump up and down. take a walk, dance during the crave, and BREATHE. that worked for me really well. I still do it. You pretend you have a cigarette, put it to your lips and suck it in, then exhale just as if you are smoking. Do about 3 or 4 or 27 if you want. When I'm stressed, I do this and sailed right through.