http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessati...s-quit-smoking

It took about two months before the nicotine left my system; a while longer for the phlegm to lose the charcoal color emanating from my lungs. The hacking stopped sooner. The rasp a bit later. At some point I noticed the smell of smoking on the clothes of smokers. Took quite awhile for the stale smell of smoke to leave my office.

At about six or seven months, the urge to smoke returned for awhile. After working so hard to quit, I was not going to give in. Like most addictions, when something is taken away, a healthy replacement is very helpful. The above link offers some suggestions.

Six months is a long time, Jan. I told myself I can do another hour, and tried very hard to focus my attention away from the urge. The process was repeated as necessary. After 31 years of smoking, I quit 12 years ago.

Be well.