How Long Do the Cravings Last
Author: George Key
After an individual decides to give up smoking, it takes some time for the brain to re-adjust. This period generally takes between two and three weeks to re-adjust. During this time, individuals will have strong cravings to start smoking again.
Besides the period that is required for the brain to re-train itself, individuals will also have cravings related to the nicotine that remains in the body even after people have stopped smoking. It usually takes nicotine about 100 hours to leave the body. During this time, individuals will have withdrawal symptoms that will make it difficult to quit smoking.
There are also psychological cravings that will last long past the time that it takes for nicotine to leave the body and the brain to not associate smoking with pleasure. For some individuals, smoking simply becomes a habit that has become ingrained in their lifestyles. It will require some thought and creativity to replace this bad habit with something more healthful. Some ideas include chewing gum, eating hard candy, going for a short walk, or reading something inspirational.
Quitting smoking is very difficult. Health experts believe that smoking is just as addictive as hard drugs such as cocaine or heroine. The cravings can be quite intense and are both physical and psychological. It takes a period of 2-3 weeks before the brain retrains itself not to crave nicotine and about 100 hours before nicotine is cleansed from the body. This combination makes the first month of attempting to smoke quite excruciating.
Most people who attempt to keep smoking, usually will try and fail a few times within the first three months. This is the period of time where the cravings are extremely strong. If individuals know this from the onset, they will be able to take measures to put safeguards in place so that they don't go back to smoking. They may want to start up a new hobby or exercise program to keep their minds off of the cravings. If an individual can make it through this period, they should be successful in quitting smoking. They will need to create a plan prior to them quitting so that they are not overwhelmed when the cravings hit. If they do this, then they will have a much higher chance of actually kicking this harmful habit.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/how-long-do-the-cravings-last-602927.html
About the Author
George Key is an ex-smoker who decide to stop smoking and create http://www.quitsmokingaid.net/ after cancer related death of his best friend's mother who was a heavy smoker. Visit his site and read about the quit smoking methods and tips to stop smoking.
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How long do cravings last after Quitting Smoking?
I am on my second day, and not doing so well, how long should I expect to want to kill people?
Thank you for the time and energy provided in your supportive answers.
Good for you for quitting smoking. When I quit before, I had pneumonia and after two weeks I had no desire to smoke until someone insisted I have a cigarette then I was hooked again. Everyone is different as to how long the cravings last but, I think after a week or two the cravings will be less often. Take showers, walks, and exercise to help you through this trying time. Eat fruits too. Try to avoid coffee or the things you associate with smoking. Get a punching bag and put it in your basement or garage when you get the craving go take your frustrations out on the punching bag. There are so many benefits to quitting and no benefits to smoking. Good Luck
How long do cravings last after quitting smoking?
By the way, I am asking this for a freind. I detest smoking and would never consider starting.
It varies person to person – my strong cravings pass after about 3 weeks.
My mum still gets occasional cravings even 10 years on – but they are very managable and soon pass.
If you are planning to give up, good luck
How long do cravings last when you quit smoking? Why are cravings stronger, the longer you’ve stopped smoking?
I gave up two years ago, without any patches or gum. The initial cravings lasted for about two weeks and then I suffered again at around six weeks for a few days. Since then I have never looked back. Giving up was one of the best things I ever did.
How long will cravings last since i quit smoking?
Okay so, im 15 years old ive smoked for 2 years ive noticed how stupid it is and i wanna quit. But every time i get a craving i want to put my hand through a wall, any suggestions on how to cope with the cravings would help me thanks.
From experience, you will have intense cravings for the first week, the second week less, the third week much less and by the forth week, none at all.
The only thing that helped me was PURE INTESTINAL FORTITUDE with the idea, I WILL QUIT.
Good Luck.
How long do the cravings last for after you quit smoking cigarettes?
I used to smoke a pack a day, and I recently quit smoking. I have tried before to quit smoking, but failed.. I am really determined to quit smoking. I am at the end of my 3rd day of quitting.. And I hope it gets easier, because boy has it been hard. I cried the first day of quitting, and cried today because it got so intense.. But today would have actually went alright if it weren’t for my husband.. We went to my sister’s today, and my husband told me he was going to to the store to get an energy drink (he claims he is quitting also) when he came back, and we left, the car just smelled like smoke ALL over!!! I was really upset because he knows how hard it is for me, and I don’t care if he isn’t ready to smoke, that’s fine, but I just ask him not to do it around me, or in our vehicles.. ESPECIALLY because we have a 4 year old son. Anyway, I want to know how long the cravings lasts for after you quit.. I know everyone is different. And also, what you did to try to make your cravings lessen. I chew gum, take hot showers, nap, eat fruit, chew on almonds, or sun flower seed…
I am doing as much as I can to stop. So far so good… Well, except for the cravings. My son starts pre-school this week, so while he is there I go to the gym with a friend. And I know working out helps out as well because it releases endorphins. And I am going to be careful with weight.. That’s why I am resorting to healthier foods like fruits, and nuts. And I am naturally really small anyway, so hopefully I wont have too much of a problem. Thanks for everyone’s help so far.
First, gratz on getting over that 3 day hump. The hardest part is over!
I quit smoking about 2 weeks ago, and the “intense” cravings didn’t completely stop until about the 4th or 5th day. They never actually completely go away, but they get much easier to ignore. Now, instead of dwelling on the thought (like in the first 3 days), it kind of comes and goes. Like, “I could really go for a smoke right now.. oh look, Lost is on!”
The funniest thing is the dreams tho.. I don’t know if you’ll have em, but I’ve had 3 or 4 this last week.. just me, driving my SUV with the window down, smoking what seems like the best cigarette ever made. Than I’ll wake up and just laugh it off.
When I was in my 3 day period, someone said something that really helped me out.. it was kind of like a lightbulb going off in my head, and I really contribute my will-power to that person’s comment.
He said: “One thing that helped me: I accepted early on that I would never NOT want to smoke. Not that I would always have cravings, but I will never be so lucky as to find the habit disgusting. I like it, and I always will. But I also like painkillers, and I’ve always liked taking home random women from the bar, or speeding down the freeway at Autobahn speeds…point is, I like a LOT of things that my better self tells me not to do. And I get by just fine without them every day.
Smoking is no different. Embracing that was a big step for me. After that, you just need to remember how much you do NOT need them.”