But it IS NOT the biggest part of quitting smoking and after it's been out of your body awhile it IS NOT what takes people back to smoking.
It's the memories and feelings that you experienced that are all tied to cigarettes that are the real problem in staying quit.
Of course this doesn't apply to people who never get off of nicotine and remain addicted with some other form of delivery. I believe in listening to your body when it ciomes to getting off nicotine, perhaps testing yourself a little before you do so your mind doesn't panic at the thought. In other words, don't make a big deal about it and it can happen.without abruptness.
The good news is, there is an approximate time period where your risk of relapse is high and after which, diminishes markedly. This is typically within the first 4 to 6 months. If you can get through that initial time by making small changes and doing things slightly differently from the beginning, your way can be clear.
The effects and withdrawal symptoms (that we all experience) begin when you stop using nicotine and typically last 2-3 weeks.
This means if you're still using the patch at 4 months or the gum or whatever, you have not let yourself go through the physical withdrawal symptoms.
So, you might remain hooked on the replacement forever and become psychologically dependent as well as physically dependent. (this is not where you want to be)
The physical withdrawal symptoms are actually no worse than a bad head cold that lasts 3 weeks. It's how you perceive it and whether you magnify it with your brain that will determine your outcome. Quitting smoking never killed anybody.
It is what you make it.
Make it a game. Take control from the beginning. Change gears when you get a craving instead of dwelling on thoughts of smoking.
Again: Quitting Smoking Never Killed Anybody
