I need a cigarette.

I've quit now for 6 months. I've cheated a couple of times but I'm trying to go without cheating now but it's really hard. I keep getting really bad cravings. Do they EVER go away?

Hi Pickles!

I quit February of 2000. It will get easier. I loved to smoke and still miss it today but I know it's bad for me (I had precancerous cells on my vocal chords so I quit).

I always said if they could invent a safe cigerette I'd be the first one in line.

I will also say that even though I miss it - when I smell it on someone I gag. Just think of how healthy you will feel, how much money you can spend on something fun, and how you won't be a social outcast because of all the no smoking laws.

It DOES get better - do NOT give up!!!! Chew gum, chew a pencil (just not the lead). And remember that no matter how sad you are or how much you crave a cigerette, smoking will not take away the reason why you want to smoke

Be gentle on yourself and keep up the great work!

-Tranquility

I LOVED smoking, but was able to quit. You can, too. Now I can't imagine myself smoking & when I see all those people hanging around doorways puffing away, I feel such compassion for them. They are so hooked. You don't want to let a cigarette control you! Go to movies, restaurants, airports & remember how much time you devoted to thinking about when you could have your next cigarette. Isn't it wonderful you don't have to do that anymore? Keep up the good work. You can do it. You've done amazingly well so far. The cravings do end, but when people ask if you only had a day or a week or something short to live, what would you do--I say start smoking again! Thank goodness, I don't have to think about those options. I'm planning on having a long & healthy life.--Suzy

When I'm stressed - I cheat - so eliminate stress and I've eliminated the cravings...

Thank you for your support and encouragement. I did buy a pack but when I lit up, it made me sick so I put it out. I'll learn it's not worth spending the money on cigarettes cause I end up throwing them out anyway-thankfully.

Hi Pickles,
I too have problems with smoking. Tomorrow (Friday) is going to be my first smokefree day. I wish you luck! 6 months is a long time...I know you can do it--hang in there.

I quit 13 or 14 years ago. Not only did the cravings go away, but now Im grossed out by ciggarettes. Im one of those people that make the wrinkly yuk face when others smoke.The cravings go away SLOWLY, however.

Hi DePressMe,
It's really hard the first week. I found cold turkey to be best 'cause it seems to knock it out of you quicker. If that's too hard then try the smoke only 1 cigarette a day approach. That's where you allow yourself 1 cigarette but it has to last you the whooooole day. Taking one or two puffs and then putting it out and saving it. It takes discipline to put the cigarette out after 2 puffs.
Try inhaling deeply a lot-breathing in steam from boiling water helped me out alot when my chest felt bloated. You know that feeling?
Oh and get the nicorette gum. It tastes horrible and is expensive (I got the store brand-lowest dose) but it really helps knock out the craving.
Good luck. I'll be cheering for you!!! ~You can do it!!!!
((((((((DePressMe)))))))))

Hi WeChoose,
I'm grossed out by cigarettes too but it doesn't stop me from craving them-isn't that kind of weird? They don't stink as bad when you're the one smoking them for some reason.
I only get cravings when I'm really upset or mad. Then I go and take a puff of one and I don't enjoy it at all.
((((((((((WeChoose)))))))))

Also, I used the patch, because it says you absolutely cannot smoke while wearing the patch so that gave me extra fear--I needed that fear of the health consequences to quit. Plus it give you wrinkles & makes those wrinkles around your lips really bad so vanity can help, too.--Suzy

Hi Suzy,
I know I don't want to get those wrinkles around my lips-that was one of the many, many reasons why I quit. I'm okay now. Thanks! ((((((((((Suzy))))))))))))