Cravings

[nsd_user663_50109]

Is this how its going to be for the rest of my days. Me craving cigs for this last few days after nearly 9 months.. I think I read a post on ere about someone who smoked a pack after 3 years.. So does it ever go off.. I'm on a diet but if I crave chocolate I have it... Lol

[nsd_user663_54562]

it defo goes

Hiya hun, sorry ur having a tough time...

I deal with mainly director level people in my job, mainly men, a lot of managing directors whom are mostly older than me. And I've said to some since my quit...I've mentioned I've stopped...and many have said...oh I stopped 5...10...15...20...years ago. And they talk to me and tell me like they are OVER IT! And they really give me the hope that this is possible....as do many on this site. But I have been amazed at how many men I come across in my working life whom used to be smokers...but are now completely NOT.

Keep the faith hun, ur going great

Xx

[nsd_user663_53202]

Hi Shelly.

You say you've been craving "these last few days" - how many days it that? I've noticed quite a few posts from longer term quitters such as yourself, who have suddenly experienced some intense cravings out of the blue. They all say the cravings pass, and they go back to long periods without any cravings at all.

How is the new job going?

[nsd_user663_53202]

Hiya hun, sorry ur having a tough time...

I deal with mainly director level people in my job, mainly men, a lot of managing directors whom are mostly older than me. And I've said to some since my quit...I've mentioned I've stopped...and many have said...oh I stopped 5...10...15...20...years ago. And they talk to me and tell me like they are OVER IT! And they really give me the hope that this is possible....as do many on this site. But I have been amazed at how many men I come across in my working life whom used to be smokers...but are now completely NOT.

Keep the faith hun, ur going great

Xx

Great post, really inspiring, thanks.

[Unah]

I'm with you on this one Shelley. It's really getting me down. They say craves only last a few minutes but this goes on for hours. I do all the deep breathing which used to work great and now it doesn't.

[nsd_user663_53202]

How long has this been going on, Una?

[Unah]

Can't really remember Biggrin. I think about 3 weeks but not every day. I've imagined myself lighting one and know it wouldn't help so there isn't any chance of that. Wish I knew why this was happening now.

[nsd_user663_51469]

Can't really remember Biggrin. I think about 3 weeks but not every day. I've imagined myself lighting one and know it wouldn't help so there isn't any chance of that. Wish I knew why this was happening now.

I'm still a bit melancholic about it all. I know folks say it's addict's thinking, but if that's how we feel, then that's how we feel.

I'm thinking that I may be more susceptible to S.A.D. than I'd like to admit. This is my first winter as a non-smoker for 48 years.

I only say this because I'm lighter and brighter since the snowfall. It seems to make the world look less grey.

I too refuse to give in. Roll on summer.

[Unah]

Hi Toucan,

I bought a sad lightbox before xmas and it really works. I turn it on for an hour and a half every morning. I bought it because I know I'm always miserable when we get a lot of grey days.

I don't feel melancholy about not having a cig. Just wish all this would go away and leave me to get on with my life.

[nsd_user663_53202]

I'm still a bit melancholic about it all. I know folks say it's addict's thinking, but if that's how we feel, then that's how we feel.

I'm thinking that I may be more susceptible to S.A.D. than I'd like to admit. This is my first winter as a non-smoker for 48 years.

I only say this because I'm lighter and brighter since the snowfall. It seems to make the world look less grey.

I too refuse to give in. Roll on summer.

As far as addicts thinking is concerned, it seems to be about thoughts rather than about actual feelings. Addicts thoughts all tend to lead back to it somehow being a good idea to have a smoke - which of course is a bad idea. How you feel is a fact, not a thought.

I've been feeling a lot brighter since the snowfall too.

[nonico 7 Years Smoke Free]

Wanting a cigarette

Hi Una & Shelleyinstoke

At about 6 months and 10 months I went through a time when I felt as though I wanted a cigarette. Actually I don't know whether it was a cigarette specifically or just that there was something missing in my life.

When I feel like that I put it down to lack of dopamine, and I think of things I can do can increase the level of dopamine.

Low dopamine can also be caused by each one in H.A.L.T. : I think it goes: hungry, angry, lonely, tired.

Things I've done which have taken the cravings away have included:

eating "loads" of burnt fig and caramel ice cream ( my favourite flavour),

eating a lot of fruit

doing lots of exercise,

having a couple of glasses of wine with dinner,

not watching T.V. or anything at night, but instead practicing deep relaxation and meditation.

The meditation really helped although the affect was not felt immediately - it was usually the next day. It's as if the mind is rested and replenished. If you haven't meditated before there are many techniques explained on the internet. It's mainly about focussing on your breathing.

I hope the cravings go away soon: they will eventually, they always do.

[nsd_user663_50109]

Hi Shelly.

You say you've been craving "these last few days" - how many days it that? I've noticed quite a few posts from longer term quitters such as yourself, who have suddenly experienced some intense cravings out of the blue. They all say the cravings pass, and they go back to long periods without any cravings at all.

How is the new job going?

I think I have a few days crave a month.. There not big enough fir me light up.. But they are the ones that make me go I could just smoke a fag now... And I get really ratty too.. Ye the jobs going great I love it..

[nsd_user663_52845]

What a bummer shelly, hope it settles for you soon.

That's a good post Nonico, I've done the eating and the exercise bit, actually just back in from a 20 mile ride and starting to feel really good so can vouch for that working pretty quickly.

The wine and the beer definitely work but play havoc with fitness and waistline

Must try the meditation, something I've always wondered about but never tried. Have you tried binaural meditation to balanced frequency sounds?

Looks interesting. :cool:

[nsd_user663_50109]

It's just strange as I'm fine most the time.. It's always just I Wud say a full week in a month.. It's like I want to smoke my mouth feels all watery wen it happe a too and I go shacky with it and snappy... Feel like I'm back week 3... Just hoping it aint gonna be forever :confused:

Like una says the slow breathing and stuff just does not work any more.. 9 months quit and I shouldn't be like this really..

[nsd_user663_52845]

Maybe still holding on to "it" a bit?

I still have thoughts that I'm missing out on something but I'm trying to change my mind a little bit each day.

The exercise really is helping me....especially as I've gone 43 years and managed to avoid it mostly

[Unah]

Hi Una & Shelleyinstoke

Low dopamine can also be caused by each one in H.A.L.T. : I think it goes: hungry, angry, lonely, tired.

Things I've done which have taken the cravings away have included:

eating "loads" of burnt fig and caramel ice cream ( my favourite flavour),

eating a lot of fruit

doing lots of exercise,

having a couple of glasses of wine with dinner,

not watching T.V. or anything at night, but instead practicing deep relaxation and meditation.

The meditation really helped although the affect was not felt immediately - it was usually the next day. It's as if the mind is rested and replenished. If you haven't meditated before there are many techniques explained on the internet. It's mainly about focussing on your breathing.

I hope the cravings go away soon: they will eventually, they always do.

Hi Nonico,

The ice cream sounds good. I do a lot of relaxation. Exercise is out because of my ankle. I do eat fruit and drink wine occasionally. Used to have a couple every night but now only about once a week. I think it's an age thing.

HALT won't work for me. I'm never hungry and if I could take a pill to survive that would suit me. I very rarely get angry, if I'm tired I go to sleep and lonely doesn't even count because I only talk to people in the shops.

Lets hope it passes soon

[nonico 7 Years Smoke Free]

Meditation

Hi Nifty

I haven't tried binaural meditation - I googled it to see what it was & it looks interesting. I have tried meditating with chants playing in the background though & that's effective.

There are many different ways of meditating & I find them very effective in gaining access to the sub-conscious - the part of the mind where we quit smoking.

[nsd_user663_18145]

Interesting post

i still get odd thoughts of what i think are cravings for ciggys even now and normally just ignore it and it goes away

but then i had a really big one the other week as i was under so much stress with moving my mum who didnt want to move and made me feel so guilty about leaving her somewhere she didnt want to be and out of the blue i got what i thought was a sudden crave to smoke i could even remember what i thought it would do to help me get through this period

it scared me as for a very short period i was so very tempted to ignore the reasoning and go to a shop and buy some so it could in my minds eye help me to feel better

i have to say thats the strongest thought of wanting/needing a ciggy ive had for a long time but once i had gotton home had a cry and a hug from my daughter made myself a drink and calmed down i sat and pondered on the whys

i guess its down to the fact that because this has been building up and i knew it was going to be very difficult and upsetting and stressful

my smoking mind saw an opportunity and took it

it left me thinking that maybe for some those thoughts of smoking even 2 plus years into a quit when a situation can easily very easily grab you and make you think you need/want a ciggy

and to me ive come to realise that a thought isnt the same as a crave your not craving for ciggys anymore but your thinking process still thinks it needs/wants a ciggy you just have to accept it and remember the early days of your quit when you couldnt stop thinking about smoking thought you was going to go mad if you didnt have one and the horrible withdrawels you went through and the side effects to stopping

i use mindfullness and EFT most days and have done for a while now both are free to look up on youtube they have got some really good videos on there for both and relaxation videos too the EFT has come on in leaps and bounds with the tests that scientists are using to see how effective it is and the fact it works as does mindfullness is amazing they have proof that it works

basically you use your fingers to tap on certain meridan points mainly on your hands and face

saying positive affamiations as you tap if you do it on a regular basis it helps to keep you focused and in my case has helped me with so many personal and health probs to keep positive and to keep off the tablets that i was taking (they were just turning me into a zombie and didnt really help)

i also found louise hay very helpful too and even she has recently started tapping

hope what i said didnt come across as condensending in anyway and i do hope Shelly and Una that you both manage to get over this hurdle too

your doing so well in your quits

onwards and upwards is the only way to go

hugs

Carol

[Unah]

Hi Carol,

To think that when I quit, I didn't get any craves. I can't understand why this is happening now. I look at people smoking and wonder why they do it. The smell doesn't bother me even when I am talking to them but I don't feel an urge to have one. I was thinking about when I was pregnant. I stopped smoking both times because I couldn't stand the smell. I didn't have any craves at all but the first thing I did when my sons were born was to light a cigarette and boy was it good. I don't think it would taste good now because the last time I got off a long haul flight it tasted disgusting. Didn't stop me lighting another one.:eek: Pity I'm too old to get pregnant

[nsd_user663_53202]

Una, do you feel you are likely to have a smoke now? Or is it that you are being bothered these craves, but they aren't testing you too badly and that mainly you're curious as to why you are getting them now?

[nsd_user663_24115]

Hey Shelley. the cravings do go eventually. Ask yourself are u Hungry Angry,Lonely or tired. any of these can manifest as a craving. make sure u look after yourself . hunger is not just about food. fill your life with good things get 2 good hugs a week spend time with folks u love. dance, swim dont just do the chores treat yourself often cos youve done a truly great thing by quitting . all the best Mash x

[Unah]

Una, do you feel you are likely to have a smoke now? Or is it that you are being bothered these craves, but they aren't testing you too badly and that mainly you're curious as to why you are getting them now?

No, I'm not likely to smoke at all. They do bother me a lot because I can't seem to concentrate because of them.

[nsd_user663_44633]

I haven't smoked now since the end of Feb 2012 and I still get cravings from time to time, although they're not intense, they just manifest themselves as a restless needy 'not right' feeling that goes on for days. I think it's just association. I have just had my first Christmas without smoking, so didn't pop outside with the smokers as I normally would have done, and my first New Years Eve without smoking (I was very drunk and surrounded by smokers), and the first week of the New Year felt bad (probably because I had been doing a lot of passive smoking, er-hum). But when I feel like this I remind myself that I FELT BAD WHEN I SMOKED TOO. I FELT BAD ABOUT LOTS OF THINGS I HAVE FORGOTTEN NOW, like the smell, and the needing another smoke, and the having to have them with me all the time, and the feeling of shame I felt standing outside buildings on my own etc etc etc - we must NOT forget how we felt as smokers as these are the reasons we stopped in the first place. Una, and the others, you CAN and WILL stay smoke free. x

[nsd_user663_4121]

I know I'm always miserable when we get a lot of grey days.

I don't feel melancholy about not having a cig. Just wish all this would go away and leave me to get on with my life.

Una, I wonder if you're confusing 'craving for a smoke' with just feeling down because of the season. What exactly do you wish would go away? You say you're not melancholic about not smoking, what is it exactly that's occurring that interferes with your life? What are the craves like? Do you have enough distractions, pleasurable things to do to keep your mind from going down the smoking path? You said your ankle is keeping you from exercising.... how bout swimming? Sorry, lots of questions.... just think it's important to see if what you're feeling are really cravings for cigarettes.... I doubt at this point that it is...

[Unah]

I do feel down in the winter but I do everything possible to overcome this. I even bought a SAD light box. I was put on anti depressants a couple of months after quitting and then followed the worst 9 weeks I can ever remember. I couldn't walk to the bathroom without holding onto the wall and certainly couldn't leave the house. I was told to persevere which I did. Eventually I stopped taking them and pulled myself out of the depression.

I don't have enough pleasurable things in my life because I lost my main hobby early in my quit and can't afford to replace it. This was a double blow because I had just started to use it to make some money.

I spend every minute of my day alone since I was forced to return to UK almost 4 years ago but I've coped with that. I have aged about 20 years since I quit and am seriously thinking of giving up quitting. I was quite content before I quit and had plans for the future but all the struggling I've had in the last 7 months has made me wonder if it's worth it.

Almost 4 years ago I broke my hip and sold up and moved from Denver to Scotland 6 weeks later to look after my mother. I coped fine with that until mum died and I just gave up. 6 months later I pulled myself together and had another go at life. Because I hardly ate anything after mum died, all my teeth became loose so I had to have them out. I decided on partial implants so that took 6 months. I had only just had them fitted when I sprained my ankle and then sprained it again 5 weeks later. I still can only hobble along after all this time. This doesn't suit me at all as I have always walked very quickly and it was the only exercise I got but seemed to be enough for me. I'll be 70 this year and am not about to take up swimming especially in my local pool. If I still lived in Denver I would have been able to swim in the pool in my compound or even in the large hot tub but sadly all these pleasures are gone.

The feelings I have now are like the withdrawals I had in the beginning. There is no reason for it as I haven't had any nicotine and I hardly ever drink and don't take any drugs. The only thing I take is a codeine every night for an injury I received 10 years ago and which was treated badly by the NHS. Nothing for it but to carry on and hope this year will get better.

[nonico 7 Years Smoke Free]

All the best Una.

Well Una there is plenty food for thought here. I could relate to some of what you’re saying. After I’d quit smoking for about 5 months my aunt, who lives in another state, aged 79yrs became ill. Her illness was a rapid degeneration of her nervous system. To cut a long story short, I went interstate to nurse her –I could do that since I was on leave from work. I had to be with her constantly for quite a few weeks until she died. During that time I craved cigarettes. I believe my body was low in dopamine since I wasn’t exercising at all and it was a depressing time.

It was almost impossible to smoke while I was nursing her since I had to be focussed on her all of the time. Strangely enough, one thing that did make me feel a bit better was chewing gum constantly – apparently it increases the dopamine.

When I returned home I thought that I must change the chemistry of my system, and I did so by exercising constantly. If I hadn’t been able to exercise, like I know you can’t due to your ankle, I would have gone to the doctor’s surgery and asked to be put on Champix for a few months to try and moderate my system. If I were you I would do something like go on Champix rather than take up smoking again – it’s worth a try.

Smoking these days is an isolating habit and I believe it can only make your situation worse. I remember another poster on here, called gra, she went through a bad patch when she’d been off the cigarettes about 12 months and she went onto Champix for a while and then she was fine.

Anyway Una, of course it’s up to you, but that’s what I would do. All the best with what you choose to do.

[Unah]

Hi Nonico,

Chewing gum is out because it doesn't go with false teeth. I would never try champix because I will never ever take anything that could cause depression.

Last night I thought, I was sure I would never smoke again but I had a very bad night. I found myself to be upset because I was told to take up swimming. It gets so hard to keep being reminded of the things you can't do.

I didn't have any health problems while I was smoking and only gave up because of the money. No, I don't think that smoking will make me feel better but I shouldn't get these horrible feelings all the time that I'm getting now.

Thank you for your reply.

[nsd_user663_4121]

Truly sorry to hear you've had such a rough time, Una. Feeling low can absolutely resemble a crave but it's not and that's why starting to smoke again will not improve things. Smoking will make you toxic again and actually make you feel worse. I wish I could tell you something different than the obvious, exercise and really good nutrition can help you get out of the depression. Give your body nourishment and maybe it will surprise you how fast your body will heal. You may not be a big eater but your body still needs to be taken care of and if you don't you'll keep feeling low. I wish you the best, you've got this smoking thing figured out, maybe next the focus will be on loving yourself enough to take better care of yourself? And get out the house, socialize, there are too many lonely people, don't be one of them, go out and live life X

[nsd_user663_50109]

Plz don't give in una ur my quit pal.. And we both bin and some times go thru the mill.. My craves have reduced now iv got PMS was making me moody that's why I wanted smoke..

Since iv started my new job and getting out the house for 9 hours a day I'm starting to feel lots better and the anxity is reducing now.. I'm also taking st jons wort so that cud be helping me too..

I'm not forcing you to stay quit.. Got nowt do with anyone if u want to start up again. But just sit on it fir a bit before you do. X

[Unah]

Right, I've taken the bull by the horns and decided the only way out of this is to get out of this house. Tonight I'm going to book a flight to NZ for ASAP. I know I'll be a different person when I get there and I hardly smoked at all every time I've been there. I have all these airmiles but can't get a flight using them so to h**l with poverty. I'm going Thanks to everyone for your help and listening to my rants. Must admit I never expected to be going through this at 7 and a half months. I took a nicotine lozenge this morning and it worked within minutes. I can't explain that but if it stops these horrible feelings then it doesn't matter as long as Ivan get on with my life.

[nsd_user663_49670]

Hi Shelly and Una

I'm still here but I've not been posting for a while as I've just been plodding on with this, sometimes, damn awful quit.

Although I'm not as far down the line as either of you I know just what you mean. Just when I think I've cracked it the familiar old cravings come back to haunt me and I feel as if I'm back at square one.

The only thing that keeps me going is remembering how I felt before I quit ie coughing and wheeziness and I know that this will start again if I give in. I try to think of all the negative things about smoking which I am all too aware of yet still, from time to time, the thoughts of smoking just one cigarette seems like the answer to my prayers.

I know that it will get easier as time goes on so I guess we just have to stick with it if we really want to quit and this is what I am trying to do, I just wish it would happen soon!

Una, I think you've made the right decision to have a break away and I'm sure it will do you the world of good. You have been through so much and coped brilliantly so I'm sure things will get better soon.

Oh, why didn't we think about what we were doing when we started smoking but I know it's no use crying over spilled milk. I got myself into this mess so I'll just have to carry on trying to get myself out.

Best wishes to all my friends on here and Carol, I tried to send you a pm ages ago in reply to yours but your inbox was full and it wouldn't send.

Evie x

[nonico 7 Years Smoke Free]

Change of scenery

Hi Una - the change of scenery will work wonders for you. You'll be with your family too - I think I remember you saying your son is in NZ. You'll have a lovely time.

Why the cravings come back like they do is a mystery but I really do think they're a symptom of something in our lives. You're certainly doing the right thing by responding the way you are. Have a great time

[Unah]

Hi Evie, I'm so glad to see you here. Why do some of us have such a hard time with this. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have just the one.

People say every quit is different even for the same person. I don't know if I have the courage to try that and see.

I remember you slipping and coming straight back. Do you find this quit easier or harder than the last one

Una x

[Unah]

Hi Nonico, I'm sure by the time I get back I'll have forgotten all about smoking

[nsd_user663_49670]

Hi Una

I'm doing okay I suppose but there are times when it isn't easy and I still get an overwhelming desire to smoke for no apparent reason. I used to smoke less than 10 a day but I did used to find it relaxing (or at least I thought I did). I always felt guilty about smoking and thought it a complete waste of money but even that didn't stop me.

I wish I'd never smoked to be honest but I have to admit that I did enjoy it which is probably why I'm having trouble getting used to this quit. As I've said I can go for weeks without really thinking about it and then I begin to question if it's worth all the effort when a 'craving' rears its ugly head. I do miss it quite a lot I'm ashamed to say but I really want to beat the habit and, more importantly, forget about it completely.

I'm not really depressed, just incredibly weak where my willpower is concerned, but I do think that this time of the year is so depressing, especially with the awful weather that makes getting about and doing the simplest of things so difficult.

Although I'm not in to 'cyber communication' in a big way, I even looked in to another forum (not sure if I'm allowed to say names but it starts with N and ends with N) in desperation once as I didn't want to come back here and start moaning. There were some good tips and also a few nice people but there seems to be some sort of vendetta going on between two factions and that put me off. It's so much better on here and I'm glad to see a few old faces are still here also.

I think your trip to New Zealand will do you good Una, a change is as good as a rest as they say so I hope you come back feeling refreshed and raring to go again. You've come a long way with your quit and I think this is just one of those bad times that come along to knock our confidence every now and again.

Keep your chin up Una and Keep Going, you can do it and if we think of the real benefits of smoking I think we'd be hard pressed to find any.

Best wishes

Evie xx

[nsd_user663_42390]

Hi Shelley, Hope you are feeling better now and the craves have gone. That must have taken you by surprise. I have felt a bit like that with the funerals and everything over Christmas, but I am ok again now.

Una, book for NZ I thought you would be there now for some reason I thought you were there for Christmas? Anyhow, you are doing fantastic you really are, some would have caved, you have not. WELL DONE!

Evie! Lovely to hear from you so glad you are still quit (wonder how Phil is doing?) How long have you been quit now?

We are all doing fantastic and should pat our selves on the back

Well done to us all!

[nsd_user663_50109]

Craves are still there a little bit.. But loads better I'm also in my 9th mouth of non smoking now.. Whoop whoop

[nsd_user663_42390]

Craves are still there a little bit.. But loads better I'm also in my 9th mouth of non smoking now.. Whoop whoop

9 Month's is awesome well done and well deserved!

[nsd_user663_52535]

Craves are still there a little bit.. But loads better I'm also in my 9th mouth of non smoking now.. Whoop whoop

Shelly

Way to go, you absolutely rock. Nearly at the year mark, well done

Fi x

[nsd_user663_52535]

Right, I've taken the bull by the horns and decided the only way out of this is to get out of this house. Tonight I'm going to book a flight to NZ for ASAP. I know I'll be a different person when I get there and I hardly smoked at all every time I've been there. I have all these airmiles but can't get a flight using them so to h**l with poverty. I'm going Thanks to everyone for your help and listening to my rants. Must admit I never expected to be going through this at 7 and a half months. I took a nicotine lozenge this morning and it worked within minutes. I can't explain that but if it stops these horrible feelings then it doesn't matter as long as Ivan get on with my life.

Una

Hope you've got that flights booked, there will be no bigger reward and tonic for you than spending time with your family.

Fi x

[Unah]

Hi Hazel, I was never going at Xmas because the kids were in Singapore.

Fi, I haven't booked it yet

[Unah]

Just an update

I couldn't understand where all these feelings were coming from but I do now. It is 3 years since mum died so it is understandable. I suppose there is usually a reason for it.

[nonico 7 Years Smoke Free]

Some relief?

Hi Una - I'm glad you've been able to see what's going on. Maybe it will bring some relief to you - I hope so.

The sub-conscious works in mysterious ways - it makes so many associations that we're not immediately aware of. What you said about associations with your Mother's death makes perfect sense.

[Unah]

Thanks Nonico, I'm kicking myself for not realising that was the cause. I hated to think that so much anxiety had come out of nowhere. Mum and I were best friends and I probably smoked more with her than anyone else. She wasn't going to let me forget but I hope she'll be gentler with me in future