First 2-3 Weeks-This is the unnerving time because even though your body is clear of most nicotine in 72 hours, there is still some in your cells and many body functions were controlled by the use of nicotine. Couple that with trying to unlearn the reaching for one and shifting your thinking to unlearning, plus the emotions connected and this is the most difficult time
Getting Through No Mans Land-Months 2-4 1/2 + or -~~This is the time of unexpected/out of the blue cravings. Most people give up during this time because they think they should not be having cravings this strong after the first month. They start believing they can't do it. Believing you can will get you through. This is the time you don't want to get the negative self talk going and be especially careful of drinking alcohol. You will have more good days than bad days. I would estimate only one out of ten if you average it out. The problem that throws people during this time is when they get 2-3 bad days in a row.
First Year-You've Made It Into The 6% Club. Yes, 6% of people quitting smoking make it to the first year. You can be one of them.
Completion Of Second Year~~~~STATISTICS: While roughly 94% of uneducated smokers who attempt to stop smoking relapse within a year, the relapse rate declines to just 2 to 4% per year from years 2 to 10, and then falls to less than 1% after 10 years. Wow! Chance of relapse goes from 94% to 2-4% after two years.
You can take it one day at a time but please keep the above in mind and know it will be better. You can be out of nicotine's control forever if you stick it out.
Most of all, be willing. If you are fighting yourself by obsessing about smoking you will take yourself backwards eventually.
Don't be askeered. It's a process. It takes time.
