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For the majority of tobacco users, tobacco cravings or smoking inclinations can be overwhelming. These cravings, however, may be resisted. When you have a strong want to use tobacco, remember that whether you light a cigarette or dip your fingers in chewing tobacco, the desire will likely fade within 5 to 10 minutes. Every time you resist the urge to smoke, you go one step closer to quitting for good.
When a craving strikes, utilize these tactics to help you resist the need to smoke or use tobacco
Test out nicotine replacement therapy.
Consult your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy. Prescription nicotine inhalers or nasal sprays are two options. Without a prescription, nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges can be acquired. Prescription non-nicotine smoking cessation drugs such as bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and others) and varenicline
Short-acting nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers might help you overcome intense cravings. These quick-acting therapies are usually safe to use in combination with long-acting nicotine patches or a non-nicotine smoking cessation therapy.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), or vape have lately gained appeal as a tobacco-free replacement for traditional smokers. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, are neither safer nor more successful than nicotine replacement therapy in helping individuals quitting drinking.
Avoid Triggers at all costs.
Tobacco cravings are most likely to be stronger in places where you smoked or chewed tobacco the most, such as parties or bars, or while anxious or sipping coffee. Determine your triggers and design a plan to avoid or conquer them without smoking. Don’t place yourself in a position where you may relapse. If you used to smoke while on the phone, have a pen and paper nearby to keep you engaged with doodling instead of smoking.
Determine Your Motive
You must have a strong, personal reason to quit to be motivated. It might be to protect your family from second hand smoke. Alternatively, you can lower your risks of acquiring lung cancer, heart disease, or other disorders. To seem and feel younger, on the other hand. Choose a compelling reason that is more important than the desire to light up.
Before going ‘cold turkey,’ make a plan.
It’s more than just putting out your smokes. Tobacco addiction is a sickness. Smoking tobacco is present in the brain. You will have withdrawal symptoms if you are not experiencing it. Make preparations for help beforehand so. Consult your doctor about all of your options, including smoking cessation courses and apps, counseling, medicine, even hypnosis. You’ll be prepared for the day you decide to give up.
Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
When you quit smoking, nicotine withdrawal can induce headaches, alter your mood, and deplete your energy. It’s hard to resist the need for “just one drag.” Nicotine replacement therapy can assist to alleviate these urges. Using nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches in combination with a quit smoking program may boost your chances of success, according to research.
Learn More About Prescription Pills
If you do smoke, medications can lower cravings while also making them less pleasurable. Other medications can help with withdrawal symptoms including melancholy and difficulties concentrating.
Count on Friends and Family
Inform your friends, relatives, and anybody else who is aware that you are attempting to quit smoking. They can motivate you to persevere, especially if you’re about to quit. You might also consult with a therapist or join a support group. Behavioral therapy is a sort of psychotherapy that assists you in developing and implementing quit smoking techniques. A few sessions may be all that is required.
Take a Vacation
Nicotine aids relaxation, which is one of the reasons people smoke. Once you’ve stopped, you’ll need new ways to decompress. There are various options. You can reduce stress by exercising, listening to music, interacting with friends, getting a massage, or devoting time to a pastime. Avoid stressful situations within the first several weeks after stopping smoking.
Avoid drinking and other potential stressors.
It is more difficult to keep your no-smoking goal when you drink. So, when you first quit, try to limit your alcohol consumption. Similarly, if you smoke while drinking coffee often, consider switching to tea for a few weeks. If you regularly smoke after meals, try something new, such as brushing your teeth, going for a walk, texting a friend, or chewing gum.
Organize Your Residence
Once you’ve completed your last cigarette, throw away your ashtrays and lighters. Clean your carpets, draperies, and furniture, as well as any smoke-scented clothes. Use air fresheners to get rid of that familiar ordor. If you smoked in your car, make sure you clean it up. Nothing should be seen or smelled that reminds you of smoking.
Retry and Attempt
Many people make several attempts before stopping smoking for good. Don’t get disheartened if you light up. Consider what prompted your relapses, such as your emotions or the place in which you were. Make the most of it by fortifying your commitment to quitting. Once you’ve chosen to try again, set a “quit date” within the next month.
Get your feet moving!
Physical activity can help lessen nicotine cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Put on your inline skates or running sneakers instead of a cigarette. Mild exercise, such as walking your dog or weeding your garden, is healthy. The calories you burn will also prevent you from gaining weight when quitting smoking.
Eat fruits and vegetables
When quitting smoking, don’t try to diet. Excessive deprivation has the potential to backfire. Consume more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to keep things simple. These are good for your entire body.
Choose Your Reward
A side from the health benefits, one of the perks of quitting smoking is the money saved. There are calculators on the internet that can estimate how wealthy you will become. Spend part of it on something fun to reward yourself.
Remember that time is on your side.
You will experience immediate health benefits if you stop smoking. After only 20 minutes, your heart rate returns to normal. The carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal within a day. In as little as 2-3 weeks, you will begin to minimize your odds of having a heart attack. You will also minimize your long-term risk of getting lung cancer and other malignancies.
