Questions came up during the reading of the Relapse Prevention Group.
Which is most dangerous thinking or wanting a cigarette during withdrawals?
Is thinking when cigarette comes across my mind and I brush it off with new information or affirmation?
Is wanting when that craving comes and grabs hold of me mentally and physically?
12Finally34
Thoughts breed feelings. Feelings breed action. Dwelling on cigarettes - whether thinking or wanting - are both dangerous in the beginning stages of a new quit. One of the many "Aha!" moments that occur when you've achieved a new level on the journey is that day when you can think about a cigarette WITHOUT wanting one. It was a breakthrough moment for me. That's why it's important to change our focus in the beginning. Each time we manage to do so successfully, we become more adept at it. Cigarette thought (craving) comes in, cigarette thought goes out. Until it feels like the thoughts just quickly pass through. It's a learned skill. Just takes practice. The point is not to dwell on them.