Readers Respond: What Triggers the Urge to Smoke for You?

Smoking Triggers

• 5 Minute Craving Busters

Smoking Triggers - Your Tips

When Bored

When I am just sitting, not really doing anything I start thinking of smoking. I have been smoke-free since March 22,2013, and I am going to stay that way. It's determination and one day at a time.

—Guest peggymisfire2

Day 2

I am having such incredible urges to smoke. I had to take yesterday off work because of all my coworkers smoking, and I just kept sleeping until it was over. This morning I woke up and went straight to the gym to sit in the sauna with eucalyptus- that helped. I'm finding that I have to stay busy. If I stop for a moment- that triggers an overwhelming urge to burn one. My wife promised me I could get a Challenger SRT8 after a month of quitting... Knowing that, I still have the overwhelming desire to put a smoke in my mouth, light it, and inhale that first puff of smoke..... But I won't. In case you feel that your comments go unread, or nobody pays attention- I assure you, I've read them all and that has helped my current urge to go away. Thank you all, and best of luck.

—Guest Deano

Waking up...

I'm on day 5 and still wake up thinking of my first smoke of the day. Luckily, the urge passes in just a few moments. I quit once before for about 6 months, also thought I could have the occasional smoke and was back at it within 3 weeks. I really don't want to have to quit again, this is the worst part of all the absolutely horrible parts of smoking.

—Guest sarah

After Meals

I always get the crave to smoke after a meal. I'm on day 27 smoke free when ever I get this crave I always go walking to forget about it never again that I will smoke again I'm in control not the smokes good luck every body.

—Guest BoJabra

Food Makes Me Want to Smoke

Anytime I eat, I suddenly want to smoke. Get the cravings while I am eating, eve tho I never used to eat and smoke together. Many times I have not had a craving all day until I eat, and then it gets bad. Does anyone else have this problem?

—Guest Byrdsong

My Love/Hate Relationship with Smoking

Cigarettes make me so mad! The stupid things!! I quit for over a year and started up again, thinking I could control it. NOT. It started out slow, a few puffs here, a few puffs there...then back to full time smoking! Enough is enough! Im on day 3 being smokefree and I know the first few weeks are the hardest but I've learned my lesson and will NEVER light up a cigarette again. Good luck everyone!

—Guest Nonsmokingshar

3 months

I've been smoke free for 3 1/2 months. It's been going great....until now. Suddenly have the urge again! As long as I NEVER say "just one" I will be fine! We CAN do this!!!

—Guest Kelli

Evenings

I'm 42 years old and had been smoking for 30 years. It's been 2 weeks, since I quit, for me the evenings are hardest, as I associated smoking with relaxing. But now I have a long bubble bath whilst reading a book. During the day, the triggers can be anything from sitting with a cuppa, to talking on the phone. The one thing that never fails to stop me wanting to smoke tho' is walking past someone in the street who is smoking, and realising how horrible it smells. My other incentive is that after smoking for 30 years I realise that for the first time now I've stopped, I'm in control of my life. Not the ciggies. That makes me feel strong.

—AnnMayer

The Garage

Spending the time chatting with my mate Steve in the Garage about all sort. It's was a case of whose Tobacco we would use to roll the next smoke. I'm on day 19 and have gone from spending about 1 hour a day in the garage, to none.

—Guest Adam

Just About Everything

Day 3 and after a euphoric start I feel the crave a bit more. Today I was busy at work, and almost FORGOT! Then I hopped in the car on a mundane routine errand, and WHAM, wanted a cigarette so much. I had almost forgotten I had stopped! Morning tea break, difficult discussions with my ex concerning our son, boredom sometimes, a bit of loneliness. BUT, the amazing news, on Day 3 is that my circulation is improving already. My numb, tingly fingertips are coming back to life. Honestly, in that short a time. I'm amazed, and its just the reward needed to see this through once and for all time. Good luck everyone, and well done. I need this place to chat too, friends can get bored with this constantly mind absorbing subject, even though we and they know we will settle down very soon!

—FionaMurray

7 Years of Addiction and Habit

It's been 15 days since I last smoked. It is not easy but I just keep in mind that I'm still young and there is more to do in life than burning my life away.

—Guest Someonefrommalaysia

How to Stop the Wanting

I think I am past the withdrawl stage, it's just now, I can't stop the want for one, I have been eating mints but the wanting is getting on my nerves, it like wanting a candy bar. Any suggestions

—Guest peggy831928

Organic Carrots Instead of Lighting Up

Never do I want to smoke more than when I am on the phone. As soon as I hear a voice on the line, I automatically reach for a cigarette. Goodness, I can't avoid answering the phone so I came up with an alternative that seems to be working out so well for me. I bought some of those organic carrots because they are more flavorful than regular carrots. I peel myself a nice fresh one and snack on it while I'm talking on the phone. There is something so satisfying about having something crunchy in my mouth and nearly everyone appreciates a little sweetness now and then. The flavor is excellent too. I may be crunching away while having a conversation but at least it's helping me to avoid the cigarettes.

—Guest DebCygan

Deep Breathing Helps Me Through

I am in my 2 weeks of quitting to smoke.. I fight with urge of smoking through breathing deeply and thinking of myself and my family and specially pray... God bless!

—Guest chris

Death

For years I told myself, "I enjoy smoking." 5 days before my 44th Birthday, I was at work on my third shift job. BLAM!!! Heart Attack!!! Turns out I'd had five smaller ones all week! In the ER I was told "you're throwin cardiac enzymes" I was like ok DOC BONES Mcoy...you know, the neurotic Doc on Star Trek. They sent me to a bigger hospital in the neighboring county. In the ambulance I kept thinking I didn't tell my kids I loved em before they went to bed and I had left for work. I cried the whole 30 miles there. So... Five Stents in five areas with all but 29% blocked due to those damn cigarettes. I decided that's it. No more. I'm hot headed, determined and Irish this is NOT gonna take me out! Three months later, here I am. Smoke free. You can do this! I was a soldier -- bad guys couldn't get me. I was a cop -- crooks couldn't get me. I'll be damned if a little tobacco takes me outta this world! You have to be ready. I was ready. I was not gonna DIE. You don't need meds or patches. You just need to live!

—Guest keith