How to Stop Craving Cigarettes

Smoking is an extremely hard habit to break. You will experience intense cravings as you go through nicotine withdrawal. You may even give in sometimes and have relapses. You must not give up. If you get past the initial cravings, you will win the battle. Most cravings pass within a couple of minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic. You just need to focus on something else during that time until the craving passes.

Instructions

• 1

  Engage in physical activity when you feel the urge to smoke. Do something like going for a walk for 30 minutes. If you're stuck at work, take a break and walk outside for a few minutes or walk around the office.

• 2

  Recognize the situations that bring on cravings and make a plan. Make a list of things that trigger your cravings, such as going to a bar or being around other smokers. Stop going to bars. Tell your smoking friends you can't be around them when they are smoking. If you smoke after a meal, make it a habit to go for a walk or have a snack.

• 3

  Use relaxation exercises to get through the intense cravings. Go to the library and get a book or DVD on yoga or meditation. Practice deep-breathing. Breathe deeply in through your nose, feeling the diaphragm rise. Then slowly breathe out through your nose. This will calm you and get you through the intensity of the cravings.

• 4

  Call a friend or family member to give you support. Sometimes, you just need to talk about the craving. Perhaps your friend has advice because he went through a similar experience. Your friend can give your encouragement or serve as distraction, if nothing else. For example, he may share a funny story about his day. This may be all you need to take your mind off the craving.

• 5

  Use substitutes for a cigarette craving. You get used to having something in your mouth as a smoker. Keep hard candy, snacks and gum handy. Alternatively, you can use a straw. Put it in your mouth and chew on it when you have a craving.

• 6

  Join a smoker's support group. Sometimes, you need extra help, and you can learn a lot by talking to others in your situation. Call Nicotine Anonymous to find a group in your area. Call them at 877-879-6422. You can also call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.