When craving tobacco, make sure you understand why you want to use it

By Frederic Baker | April 12, 2008

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When you are trying to quit smoking and you crave a cigarette, check to see if you are experiencing any of the following:

Hungry. It is amazing how our minds tell us one thing when we interpret it as another. When you crave a cigarette, check to see when the last time you ate was. You may really need to eat instead of smoke (make sure to choose healthy snacks!).
Angry. If you are angry, your mind may tell you that you need a cigarette to cope. Until your mind learns that it does not need a cigarette to cope, try to avoid situations that might upset you. Avoid people who may bother you. If there is a lot of tension at work, try to come up with a solution or try to take a day off to come up with a plan. Use a lot of caution. Anger can be very destructive to your efforts to stop smoking.
Lonely. It is good to be around people who support your decision to stop smoking, and who are there to talk about your challenges. Make sure that when you have a craving that it isn’t just to provide you comfort. Always have a list of people you can call or visit when you feel lonely and are craving a smoke.
Tired. If you are tired, you are more easily irritated. When you get irritated, your mind will tell you that a cigarette will help calm you down. Our overall resistance becomes weak and it is easy to give in and have a cigarette. Take time to distract yourself from the moment. Take a walk, call a friend, watch TV for a few minutes, read the paper.

If you feel you need cigarette, just remember to HALT. Take a moment to find out why you think you NEED a cigarette, then try to find an alternative.

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Topics: Smoking Cessation |

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