You Can't Stop Smoking Without Cravings
If there was a pill, therapy or gizmo to make you stop smoking without cravings, you would know about it by now. It would have been all over the media and the inventor would probably be buried under awards by now. If you read of a product or therapy that claims it can make you stop smoking without cravings, don't believe it.
This Is Not Bad News
It's hard to quit smoking because you are trying to stop an addiction that is completely legal. People who have successfully quit heroin can't seem to quit smoking. The late, great John Lennon managed to kick quite a wide variety of legal and illegal chemicals, but yet could not quit smoking. So, you are in good company when you try to quit and discover that you can't stop smoking without cravings.
If you know that you can't stop smoking without cravings, then you can know what to expect and can prepare for it. Know that the cravings in and of themselves will not kill you. If you have a serious illness and want to quit smoking and are scared of the withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor. But if you have reasonably good health and want to stop smoking, you will live through the pain.
You Are Not Alone
Don't expect to stop smoking without cravings. Expect them. Embrace them. They are letting your body know that the toxins are coming out of your body. Try to look at them as signs that you are getting healthier. And keep yourself as distracted as possible. Although many people can successfully quit smoking cold turkey, many can not. Even cutting back on smoking is better than not doing anything for your health at all.
There are many websites, support groups and books about people who were going through what you are going through. You can find a lot of inspiration and good laughs from these resources. You may find that you have to go on medication or nicotine replacement therapy in order to quit smoking. Do whatever it takes.
Keep away from any place where you know there will be a lot of smokers whenever possible. Just the sight of someone smoking can be enough to crumble the willpower of someone tying to quit. Keep exercising regularly and drink plenty of water to help speed the toxins and the cravings along. Keep your hands busy with crafts, cleaning or artwork. All of this can help you get through nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
