The cravings are real.

[Kuymuchulol]

I bought a vape with no nicotine… quit smoking that a few days ago… I’ll tell you. The thoughts, are strong. More agitation, and quickest to respond to assuming I will go back but I’ve been strong. But oh the cravings. The thoughts, the urges. It’s been since the 4th. I’m doing it!

[YoungAtHeart]

You ARE doing it!  Almost through H#ll AND Heck Weeks!  i am proud of you for that!

It IS going to get easier - I promise!  Just do whatever you have to to get through each day..one day at a time!

Be sure to stay extra busy, change up your routines, go for a walk outside, and then go for ANOTHER ONE!  Keep your mind occupied.  Take slow/deep breaths, starting with this illustration and then go slower and deeper with each repetition.

Hang in there!

Nancy

[Kuymuchulol]

• Thank you @YoungAtHeart ! Honestly… I’m noticing I’m eating a lot more. Like … when I get bored, I put something in my mouth. I’m trying to stay away from candies! Uhg. But noting the habits when it arrives. 

[YoungAtHeart]

Maybe try to have some healthy snacking choices ready?  Frozen grapes and popcorn were my go-to's.  You might also try eating six small meals a day to keep your blood sugar level.  Good to do a protein and fruit/vegetable.  Things like peanut butter on an apple slice, or almonds and pear, chicken and celery sticks, celery sticks with peanut butter, cheese and apple slices, popcorn  cakes and carrot slices all are good ideas.

Long lasting candy like lollipops, licorice, Jolly Ranchers, Sour Patch Kids or Fireballs keep your mouth busy.

You are doing great!  Keep at it!

Nancy

[Thyme]

Congrats on your success!! Cravings are really hard. Deep breathing is helpful. So is moving your body in any way. So is coming here to read and post. And anything that keeps your hands and mind busy is helpful too—for me it was the duo lingo app. Something I like to keep my mouth busy—sugar free mints or menthol cough drops or gum. You may want to consider nicotine replacement therapy if the cravings are really overwhelming—you can read about it on the become an ex site. I read on here that it doubles your chances of quitting successfully.

[Barbscloud]

@Kuymuchulol Congrats on 11 days of success.   Those cravings for nicotine are real.   Your brain really wants that nicotine back, not only physically, but psychologically.     Ditto from yesterday!  Keep moving and deep breathing.  Replacing that dopamine really helps.

Have you tried chewing on straws?  That really helped me the hand and mouth association.

Remind yourself  "I don't do that anymore" to stay on track.

Barb

[Kuymuchulol]

@Thyme Thank you! And I’ve tried something in the past and didn’t like it, I think this time I’m really ready to quit, so going to do what @YoungAtHeart  has recommended by finding other things like sugar free candy’s, eating heathy small meals, etc. 

Going to continue to remember: I’m choosing this for myself!

&&extremely greatful for yall support!

[CommunityAdmin]

You got this @Kuymuchulol! Keep up the good work!

Quiana, EX Team