Dear JLynne,
I'm so happy you stopped in...and even happier that your doing your best to get on the road to 'recovery'. You are so right when you say that nicotine is an addiction and we gradually work up to however many cigarettes we were smoking and our bodies and gray matter can't immediately adjust to the withdrawal. I have been smoking for 41 years and on most days 1 1/2 packs and recently (28 days ago) tried the Nicotine Patch. I am amazed!!! I've had cravings but none that I couldn't handle. I did however need to keep a positive attitude and adjust my normal routine a bit. When I first started, I wore the patch at night so that initial urge wouldn't get me started in morning, I watered down my coffee and sat in a different room than I normally did. I now don't wear the patch at night and was able to start a 'new morning routine'. Just small adjustments like that can make the world of difference. Also, I've been eating jelly beans, red ones, thoughout the day. Not too many to make a difference in calories but enough to satisfy that oral fixation. Read, post , join a group and keep coming back!!!
Reenie