It has long been thought that inhaled nicotine was rapidly absorbed through the bloodstream, affecting the brain within 7 to 10 seconds.  However, new research presented by  Dr. Jed E. Rose of Duke University in the March 8th  online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that nicotine may in fact be much slower to accumulate in the brain, taking minutes instead of seconds.

Puff, Puff, Puff, Nicotine Rises Gradually -- Associated Press

More Reading:

• A Profile of Nicotine

• Recovery from Nicotine Addiction: Myths vs. Facts

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It's a common mistake many of us make: we look at quitting tobacco as an event - a task that is over and done with within a week or two. That's not how it works though.

Recovery from nicotine addiction is a process, not an event.

Understanding what to expect as you move through nicotine withdrawal and the weeks and months beyond will prepare you for success.

Patience With the Process comes to us from Michelle Boisvert, About.com Smoking Cessation Support Forum moderator:

"It is said that patience is a virtue, but in breaking the chains of nicotine addiction, I think patience is absolutely vital. I have learned quite a few lessons in the last 3 years, and one of the most valuable to me has been to grant myself some patience."

More Reading:

• Managing Nicotine Withdrawal

• There is No Substitute for Time

Photo by Patty Gray

Milestones on the Road to Recovery

Over the years, smoking becomes thoroughly entwined in our activities and emotions, enslaving us in an addiction we didn't sign onto when we lit that first cigarette years ago.

When we quit smoking, the transformation usually surprises us, bringing benefits we never imagined and strength we didn't think we had.

The following accounts are beautiful examples of the pearls of wisdom and insight we gain on the road to recovery. Grab some inspiration by reading the submissions offered below.

A Thoughtful Year
Beth's Story

One Year of Freedom
Paige's Story

18 Months Smoke-Free
Vicky's Story

Hope Heals - 8 Years Smoke-Free
Michelle's Story

6 Months Later
Todd's Story

Choosing the Gift of Freedom
Dee's Story

If I Can Quit Smoking, Anyone Can
Regina's Story

Thankful for Three Years Smoke-Free
Bonnie's Story

There is no time like the present to make the changes you dream of a reality in your life. Don't give another day of your precious life over to smoking -- quit now.

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Take The Quit Smoking Monday Pledge

Healthy Monday encourages us to think of every Monday as a day that we can begin work anew on goals that we have for ourselves. If you're still smoking, put your cigarettes down and get started on your quit program today.

• Quit Smoking Monday Messages Archive

We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. Honor your life by choosing Monday as the day to start and reinforce your quit program.

You can quit smoking ... and we're here to help you, one simple Monday at a time.

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From Beth (Nyniane): "It has been THREE YEARS since I stopped smoking. WhoooHoooo! Back then I didn't think I'd be sitting here typing that today; heck, back then I was too scared to even think of 3 months down the line, let alone 3 years. But even so, from the very start this quit felt different from the zillion and seventeen times I'd "tried" to quit before then.

"Instead of obsessing over quitting, I focused on learning to be an EX..."

• Quitting vs. Learning to be an EX - Join the Discussion

We all have the ability to quit smoking permanently, and the Smoking Cessation Support Forum here at About.com will give you the support and information you need to make this important improvement in your own life.

Believe in yourself and be willing to do the work it takes to achieve your goals, and you can move mountains. You can do it, just as Beth is doing it!

More Discussions:

• Day Two

• One Year Smoke-Free

• Welcome March 2010 Quitters!

_{Photo © Beth}