cravings on day 3?

[Wensab96]

Today is day 3. I have been sick with the flu, so I think it’s been a bit easier for me because I haven’t felt good, but today I’m really craving a cigarette. I think. Any quitters have similar cravings on day 3?

[Beck37]

Day 3, Good Job! It’s funny how you said you think you’re craving a cigarette.... But yes it’s MORE than normal. The physical should get over soon, but the mental cravings could go on for a long time. You’ve got to remember that chances are you’ve been smoking for a long time.  Most of us have gone our entire adult lives as smokers. We are creatures of habit and what was our biggest habit/addiction? 

The biggest advice I give is to stay out of your head. The moment you start to have a craving just shake it right out of your head and move on to something else.  If you have truly decided to quit you will do this. We are all here for you!!!

You are amazing!!!!

Beck

[AnnetteMM]

I agree...Day 3 is still very early and withdrawal is still happening.  I do remember clearly wanting a cigarette when I was sick, which was so crazy right? But that's the nature of addiction. Hang in there!

[sweetplt]

Hello and Welcome...Typically we have craves for a while when we quit smoking especially so early in the quit as Day 3.   

Your body is withdrawing from all the chemicals in the cigarettes.  I am so proud you are keeping the quit especially with having the flu.  We must have knowledge and prepare for the craves.  If you haven't already, please read 

• My Quit Plan ...This will truly help you in your journey.  Hang in there and fight that crave off...Please take care of YOU and hope you get well soon...~ Colleen aka sweetp

[maryfreecig]

Perfectly normal. Craves go away--somewhat quickly. The memory stays a bit longer. Keep working your quit--one day at a time.

[elvan]

Day three is supposed to be about when the nicotine gets out of your body.  I DO hope that you are drinking GALLONS of liquids to flush your system.  I always found when I quit when I was sick that I was at the highest risk of losing my quit as I started to get better.  I don't think that is, by any means, unique.  I think when we are sick, we are fragile and when we feel better, we convince ourselves that smoking wasn't to blame. I did not have that good luck this last time...I got so sick that I was not sure I would make it and I have not smoked since.  I have irreversible lung damage that impacts every part of my life.  If I had this site years ago, I am sure I would have been able to quit.  The biggest difference between my past, unsuccessful quits and THIS one which is over five years old, is EX and the education and support that I got from here and my own commitment.  I used the mantra NOPE, Not One Puff Ever to help me at the beginning and it became second nature for me to say that whenever I had a crave.  STAY CLOSE TO THE SITE.  Read blogs, read Allen Carr's "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking"...it turned many people around.  Pay attention to what is working for others and remember that this journey is not one that can be sped up...there are no shortcuts but spending time on EX will strengthen your resolve and you will realize that you are NOT alone in this.

Welcome to EX,

Ellen

[elvan]

I would recommend that you read a blog by JonesCarpeDiem‌ that I read over and over again when I quit, /blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/06/26/what-to-expect-in-the-first-four-months   Another one I still find helpful was written by YoungAtHeart‌ and the blog itself, as well as the comment are seriously impactful. https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/thread/17060-for-our-new-years-quitters-and-community-members-too 

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Have an orange. It's winter. You're sick

[Sootie]

This is the way I have always looked at it.....

After three days, most of the nicotine is leaving your system.

And most people think...well the nicotine is gone so why am I having these cravings?

BECAUSE...the nicotine is gone! Nicotine is the substance we are addicted to......and you removed it from your body.

Now your body is calling to you saying....HEY!!! I need that nicotine stuff.....I'm missing it......I have to have it (that's a crave!!)

You have to just keep saying no to cigarettes so that all of those nicotine receptors in your brain start to whither and die.

It takes awhile......it's not fun.

Once you get through the rough first part.......it gets better (actually it goes up and down for awhile!)

But quitting is so so so worth it. It is wonderful to live free from the addiction.

Stay Strong.

[Giulia]