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Not a craving, but a hidden desire? Cancel

1. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   23 Jan 2019

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   3 weeks into my quit and one thing that creeps up on me frequently is the desire to want to have a smoke. I wouldn't characterize it as a craving at those times as there is no physical effects associated with it. It's that thought that crosses my mind to just have a smoke. I miss it in some ways, the routine? 
   
   I feel much better not smoking and haven't been seriously tempted to have a smoke. 
   
   Its a strange thing not smoking anymore. I know it will take time to get used to that. 
   
2. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   23 Jan 2019

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   Hi atp - you are rocking your quit!
   
   What you're feeling is normal.  The body heals quicker than the mind.  You're gaining confidence, but please don't fall for the trap of having just one.  One cigarette is too many, and 1000 cigarettes is not enough - that is the trap.
   
   You're doing so well, but you are still relatively early in your quit journey.  Remember that cigarettes are not your friend.  They give you nothing but take so much.  They are not to be enamored or glorified.
   
   You quit for many good reasons.  Remember those and 'chive on'.  You've got this.
   
3. Val H

   

   164 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   23 Jan 2019

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   It’s that kind of thinking along with multiple cravings yesterday that tripped me up. I couldn’t stop thinking of having a smoke. I’m starting over today. I really want to be free of it. 
4. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   23 Jan 2019 in reply to Val H

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   quitfriend, 
   
   Good for you for getting right back to your quit!
   
   It's that feeling that I should be smoking that gets to me. I can see how it can lead a lot of people to give in to temptation when combined with some stress or a big craving. 
   
   You really start to appreciate what an awful addiction smoking is....
   
   
   
   
   
5. jeyan

   

   176 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   23 Jan 2019 in reply to atp

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   atp, you're correct about the routine.  Smoking is an addiction as well as a habit(routine). In order to quit you also need to cleanse your old habits and relearn good habits.
6. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   23 Jan 2019

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   It's days like today that I am really thankful for all the encouragement from site members. It really helps, that plus reading past posts on this site. 
   
   
   
7. kate r, quit coach

   

   49 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jan 2019
   23 Jan 2019

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   Hi everyone,
   
   atp, congratulations on your progress so far! It's great to read that you are feeling better not smoking and are staying smoke-free! As efreeman75 has already shared (thanks for being so encouraging efreeman75!): it is normal to feel the way you are, but you are certainly rocking your quit! While you are changing old routines, new routines, with time, will become your new normal.
   
   quitfriend, it's great to see you not giving up on your quit journey! Perhaps using a distraction might help during times when you cannot stop thinking about smoking. Eventually something will stick!
   
   It's wonderful to see the support being given to each other!
   
   Keep up the great work,
   Kate R
   
8. Val H

   

   164 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   26 Jan 2019

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   Efreeman is so right in saying not to fall for the trap of having just one. I have struggled again since my slip to get even one day smoke free. I keep on trying though. I hope today is Day 1 of a lasting quit one day at a time. Part of my fall was giving those thoughts of smoking the power. Another part of my fall was worrying about the future and not being able to picture it smoke free so one day at a time it is. I have to start over and do whatever it takes to get through those early cravings again. Posting and reading on this forum were a huge help in my previous 16 day success. 
9. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   26 Jan 2019

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   Dear Atp
   
   Be strong in that moment, those feelings will go away if you prepare for that moment!
   Now, after 3 weeks free you know how to fight the crave!
   
   Is your brain tricking you! Distract your self, get busy in something to forget that moment!
   
   You did great, you can do this, one day at the time!
   
   You will win the war, all you you need to do is believe!
   
10. atp

    

    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    26 Jan 2019 in reply to Val H

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    Quitfriend,
    
    It was so hard trying to picture doing anything without smoking. The first week I sat there trying to picture going fishing and not smoking. Now here I am not even a month into my quit and I get stretches during the day that I don't even think about smoking. 
    
    I was tempted a lot of times to light up a smoke. That was my downfall on past quits, and BOOM right back to a pack a day before I knew  it. But this time I didn't want to go through the withdrawal again (went cold turkey and no NRT's). Also have spent a lot of time the last few weeks demonizing my smoking habit. 
    
    I'm sure that you'll get a quit that sticks soon. You sound like you are really ready to let go of this nasty addiction. Brieffree's post above is relevant for both of us. 
11. nadia, quit coach

    

    51 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    27 Jan 2019

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    Hello everyone,
    
    Being smoke free is a new normal and it takes some time adjusting to.... like quitfriend said, it's being able to picture yourself not smoking.... so many thoughts go through your mind, it takes time to relearn how to live a smoke free life and each day counts.
    Slips are a normal part of the quitting process and they teach us, in this case, it seems like changing the way you view yourself as a non smoker will make a difference.
    
    As brieffre said, preparing and thinking of ways to keep busy and distractions will help next time you are tempted to smoke. Or as atp said, thinking of reasons you don't want to smoke again (going through withdrawals, negative aspect of smoking) will also help.
    
    All in all, take it One Day at a time and feel free to call us for support at 1-877-513-5333.
    
    Whatever you do, don't quit quitting!