Ex-SMOKERS!!!!!!!?!
Question: I haven't smoked for a week exactly today.....yay for me...I know it's only a week but it's big for me.....my cravings have lessened.....but they weren't really that bad to begin with....MY question is to all who have quit before.....is it true that the first week is the hardest? Have I made it past the worst of it....or are there harder challenges to come?
Answers: I haven't smoked for a week exactly today.....yay for me...I know it's only a week but it's big for me.....my cravings have lessened.....but they weren't really that bad to begin with....MY question is to all who have quit before.....is it true that the first week is the hardest? Have I made it past the worst of it....or are there harder challenges to come?
It takes 21 days to break a habit. When you first quit smoking the hardest part is the first 3 days, also known as the 3 day hump... so congrats for making it over that! Since smoking is a habit, you need to replace that habit with a healthy one. For example, if you're craving a cigarette, chew on ice chips, or have a peice of gum. Anything to take your mind off of a craving.
Cravings won't go away easily, and unfortunately it doesn't get much easier, but as long as you take it one day at a time and promise yourself that just for TODAY you won't smoke... you'll be fine!
Keep in mind that every time you're not smoking, your body is getting healthier.
Good luck!!!!!!!!!
The first week is indeed the hardest - it does get better, but I've found that it doesn't go away entirely. I haven't smoked for 15 months now, and I have found the cravings quite manageable. I have enough time NOT smoking to tell myself - you really want to go through THAT again?? :D
Good for you! :)
You are doing great! Keep it up and you will feel so much better. I quit smoking ten years ago, and sometimes i still crave a cigarette. It's not that big of a deal, though. I just think about it, then something esp pops into my mind and it's over. You may have bouts for the first several months of wanting to smoke. It's easier if you don't do alcohol or caffeine. Starbucks has decaf!
I found the first week to a month was fine, but as time went on my willpower shrank. Then after a while all I needed was a trigger, such as going out for drinks (that one does it every damned time) and I cave. So, to answer your question, I think the hardest part is not the first week, it's maintaining it after that! I'm going to try the medication Chantix next time. I know of some hard core smokers that have used it, quit, and don't miss it because of Chantix. It works real well, but it should not be used if you have any depression what-so-ever, because it seriously exacerbates it, and there has been a high rate of suicides associated with its use. nice, huh? Well anyway, Stay strong! Good luck! And Congrats!
EXSMOKERS AND AMERICAN LUNG/CANCER SOCIETY MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND LET US SMOKE IN PEACE