Ways to cope with nicotine cravings

[SASA39]

Move. Do deep knee bends, run in place or climb the stairs. A few minutes of brisk activity may stop your nicotine craving in its tracks.

Replace. Try a stop-smoking product instead of a cigarette. Some types of nicotine replacement therapy — including patches, gum and lozenges — are available over-the-counter. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are available by prescription.

Face yourself in the mirror. List out loud the reasons you want to quit smoking. Include the benefits of staying tobacco-free, such as a longer and healthier life, and more money — and time — to spend on things you enjoy.

Breathe deeply. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. You might even inhale air through a drinking straw.

Call for reinforcements. Team up with someone who doesn't smoke for a quick chat or brisk walk.

Make believe. Imagine your lungs getting healthier as each minute passes.

Do the math. Add up how much money you'll save by not smoking for a week, a month or a year. Make a list of luxuries you could buy with your savings — or calculate the interest you'll earn by investing the money.

Read a quitter's blog. Post encouraging thoughts for someone else who might be struggling with nicotine cravings.

Drink up. Sip a glass of ice water slowly. When the water is gone, suck on the ice cubes.

Sort your recipes. Jot down the ingredients for a few good-for-you recipes you've been meaning to try. The next time you shop for groceries, you'll be a step ahead of the game.

Laugh. Share a funny story with a friend, or search the Internet for a funny joke.

Plan ahead. Make a list of all the ways you can reward yourself for making it through another nicotine craving.

Freshen your breath. Brush and floss your teeth, rinse with mouthwash or suck on a breath mint.

Clean your closet. Discard any clothes yellowed by cigarette smoke or damaged with cigarette burns.

Try a mind bender. Do a crossword puzzle, word game or number puzzle.

Get soapy. Wash your car, scrub the floor or give the dog a bath.

Keep your mouth busy. Chew on a cinnamon stick, flavored toothpick or sugarless gum.

Get musical. Whistle, sing or play a musical instrument. Ask a partner to dance.

Have a ball. Dribble a basketball, hit a tennis ball against the wall or play catch with a partner.

Be positive. Remind yourself that the power to quit smoking is in your hands.

[aztecan]

Don't forget Chantix! It worked for me.

Oh, and one other thing. Don't start taking Sustiva in the middle of trying to quit smoking.

It almost undid all the benefits provided by the Chantix. I actually did cheat - twice.

YUCK! My favorite brand of ciggie tasted like crappola!  The smell was enough to put me off.

So, I guess that means I am making headway in beating this thing.

I haven't cheated but those two times, and not at all since I dropped the Sustiva.

Mostly now it is reminding my self that I haven't had nicotine in my system in months, the cravings are just mental habit, nothing more.

Now, where is that ice cream !?!

HUGS,

Mark

(Who loved Al's photos from Egypt.)

[Dragonette]

thanks for that! I only smoke 1-2 a day, always after dinner in front of the TV. It may not sound like an addiction, but when I crave it, I just gotta have it!

Add another tip: smoke freely as you watch "Requiem for a Dream". That alone made me quite cold turkey for more than 2 years.

[chrism1973]

Mark,
      any side effects from the chantix?? I just started it last night.
                                                                                         Chris

[Lisa]

I'm going to have to do this bare knuckled, cold turkey.         Drink plenty of fluids to help flush your system!

[aztecan]

Hey Chris,

I get momentary nausea about 30 minutes after I take Chantix. But I turned it into a positive by thinking, "Gee, that means its kicking in."

Aside from that I had some wild dreams for a night or two, but nothing else.

I hope it works as well for you as it did for me.

Lisa, honey, if I could, I would send you the Chantix. But, siince I can't, I will be crossiing my fingers for you - and for Daniel Mark, who also is going cold turkey.

HUGS,

Mark

[pozattitude]

Chris,

I quit smoking using Chantix too.  My last cig was on March 14, 2007.
I did get the nausea like Mark, but I noticed if I ate before taking it, I didn't feel sick.

good luck to you.

Rich

[marc11864]

Kudos to all of us who have successfully stopped smoking and I wish great success for those who are trying to. Do whatever it takes to get there.

I myself quit on May 14th 2007. The first labs that I had after I quit were on July 3rd.

In December of 2005 at 150 t-cells I started taking my HIV meds. From then until April 4th 2007, while I continued smoking, I only increased 123 t-cells.

After quitting the cigs I jumped the same amount (123) in only two months. All things considered, quitting was the only variable. If that isn't a testament to quit, I dunno what is! 

Although I know I'm not far enough yet to say I'm 'out of the woods', my success with the initial quit was based on these things...

• 1. Able to get 2 months of free patches (yes free based on income). 21mg through 7 mg.
• 2. Support and guidance from a smoking cessation program such as http://www.ashline.org/
• 3. Staying away from current smokers as much as possible during the first couple of months.
• 4. Keeping my mind, hands and/or body occupied so as not to be able to focus on occasional cravings.

(Edited to include quit information.)

[DanielMark]

Lisa, honey, if I could, I would send you the Chantix. But, siince I can't, I will be crossiing my fingers for you - and for Daniel Mark, who also is going cold turkey.

Could you also cross your toes for me, Mark? This time it’s much harder for some reason.

I may have to give in and try the Champix (Chantix) route too if I can't get a grip on this thing.

Oy freaking veh!

Daniel

[ds4146]

I knew there was a reason why I checked in today. Fourth day without a smoke, this time I am going make it. Thanks for the tips.

[AustinWesley]

FYI:   I have a month's supply of Chantix extra I can send someone.   I have a whole nother batch for myself when I'm ready again, but email me re: the extra.  It'll be a first come first serve deal! ; )

Wesley