The Cancer Sticks Strike Back! Cravings after quitting smoking for 3 weeks.

[darkglobe]

I've been a smoker since the age of 16 (don't worry it is.. well was, legal here in the UK), and I'm 20 now, so that's 4 years of smoking.

Quit 3 weeks ago. Everything was fine 'n' dandy, much easier than any attempt I've ever made, and I have been extra specially proud due to the fact that I kicked 'em cold turkey...

....BUUUUUUT....

Last few days, had nothing but friggin' cigarette cravings. Why??? I've not been around smokers, my lifestyle/daily routine has not changed, I've just woken up wanting one, and I can't stop thinking about them! It's a love affair I tell thee!!

I need help lol.
Anyone offer some friendly advice???

(this may seem ridiculous - I'm well aware this sub-forum is filled with many PWAYs* with 'proper' addictions, but... this is getting extremely annoying/frustrating)

*People Who Aren't You - SWIYs wouldn't make sense.

[yaba]

Had Patches, Allan Carr book (easyway to stop smoking), Allan Carr clinic session, Zyban (bupropion) (Twice), Champix (Twice). Before he finally stopped smoking !!
In this order and on all ocasions he only stopped for 4-5 weeks before starting again, except the last Champix course. Now 16 weeks and 5 days a non smoker !

Been smoking for about 16 years.

Things will get better ! They say it takes 6 attempts for most people before they stop. Dont want to discourage you but it isn't easy.

The thought of: I dont want to go trou this sh*t again and again helpt, and whats the oter option ? Smoking 40 a day ? Have helped me a lot.

Good Luck !

[leadcoffin]

You have to quit cigarettes every single day after you give them up if you were truly addicted. Even I (legally speaking) was never addicted but had to quit a few times before it stuck. If you want to quit them, you will, but it's not easy. I cut back until I only smoked one cig per day and that made it less difficult to kick their butts.

[Nature Boy]

Considering you're three weeks in and actually haven't smoked after going cold turkey, you're doing pretty well. The cravings will probably remain for quite a few weeks yet but they'll gradually become more manageable and will eventually fizzle out. Just hang in there and maintain that willpower.

[toe]

Practice makes perfect. Swim smoked for 18 years and spent about 17.5 of them practicing quitting. She eventually found the combination of bupropion, topiramate, and nicotine replacement (tapering on her own schedule- over about 9 months) to be most successful. She doesn't want to jinx herself, but one year and three weeks is the longest she's gone without a cigarette since she was cutting gym class to hang out at the mall.

Like, totally.

[radiometer]

Eddie chewed tobacco for about 20 years. He quit completely about 10 months ago, using nicotine gum, but unforunately he's still addicted to that. At least he's only really hurting his wallet now and not his health or hygiene.