Substitute Ideas

[steve7]

In addition to Nicotine Patches, or drugs like Chantix, Wellbutrin, I've heard some people say they have used natural things to help them with nicotine cravings like sucking on candy like a "jolly rancher", or licorice,, and even carrying a jar of "Vicks Vaporub" and opening it and taking a whiff of it when you get a craving. Also things like deep breathing, yoga exercises, going for a walk.

What different kinds of natural things or techniques have used that helped you? We could make a List from what people share here and maybe post it on the website somewhere for people to access.
What Tip or Technique has helped you with Nicotine Cravings?

[linda53]

i think ill try straws whenever im drinking anything satisfy that damn oral thing

[rebekah]

Deep breathing helps me EVERY TIME!

[edith2]

I did and still do drink lots of ice water. I did licorice too. I play solitaire on a hand held game. When I had a craving, I would focus on something else. Sometimes I took things 5 minutes at a time.

[k-tague]

I'll probably take heat from this but I am using an e-cig to get away from the tobaco. My plan is to reduce the nicotine level to 0 with it then drop it. So far no real cigarette for over three weeks.

[angela6]

I drank lots of water, would take all of my frustrations at the end of the day out on the treadmill, and hard candy. When ever it got real bad I would go outside for fresh air. For the first 3 days I did nothing but clean out closets and drawers around my house to keep my mind off things.

[butterflybp2]

A list sure would be nice.

[Sandra3]

Water with crushed ice
Brush teeth after meals
Really strong strong craves, jump in a hot bath or shower.(Can not smoke a cigarette in the shower, I don't care how good ya are.)
sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

[lois2]

I have used cloves and they help.
Lois

[joanne10]

ive found wintergreen lifesavers and altoids helpful, (ex-menthol smoker)
and this is a bad one for anyone who has an alcohol trigger but since i hardly ever drink i dont associate the 2 together...
an occasional baby sip of vodka followed quickly by a deep breath, that burning feeling simulates the abuse to the throat and lungs that we have all come to love...