As a smoker, you are used to having a certain level of nicotine in your body.
Smoking gives the “pleasure center” (amyglia) in your brain repeated “hits” of nicotine.
In response, your brain grows dependent on nicotine to feel better (relaxed or in control or content)
The cycle of nicotine hits and brain dependence leads to more packs smoked and more money spent (What a marketing tool!!)
“Triggers” are sights, sounds, smells, tastes and places that the brain remembers as “nicotine time.”
Cravings happen when nicotine in the brain is reduced or eliminated.
What To Expect
Cravings may last 2-3 minutes, but will occur repeatedly during while staying quit.
The length and strength of cravings varies between individuals but the following tools may relieve, or even beat nicotine cravings!
What To Do
Visit www.BecomAnEx.org, a free website where you can get a quit plan and connect with an online community.
Talk to your doctor about the different nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that can relieve cravings during the fi rst 4 months of staying quit.
Take deep breaths to get through a craving.
Eat fresh vegetables, chew gum or sugar free candy instead of snacking.
Exercise to lower the chance of gaining weight due to replacing smoking with snacking.
Get support from family and friends.
Be good to yourself if you slip.
How To Get Help
If you or someone you know wants help with giving up tobacco, go to www.TryToStopNH.org and click on the NH Tobacco Helpline, you will be able to request a call from a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and free Quit Counseling;
Or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This is a free and confidential service for all NH residents.
Text QUITNOW to 22122, a counselor will call you back. (Message and data rates may apply.)
