Originally posted by: Kyle
Originally posted by: ManyBeers
Originally posted by: Kyle
keep yourself busy - come up with things that you've wanted to get done for a while and do them...most urges will last 5 mins or less, so when you get one, immediatly go do something else to distract yourself. Substitutions also usually work - gum/straw/hard candies/sunflower seeds etc.
In my experience and many other smokers i personally have known and discussed this very topic with there is no effective substitute for a cigarette. That is one of the reasons they are exceedingly difficult to quit for most people.
Obviously it's not going to be as good as a cig.
Sub's will just take your mind off the fact that there is nothing in your mouth/hand.
Also - EVERYBODY's quitting process is different...That is the most important thing to realize - some people can just quit CT - some struggle for months. Some have more of an emotional attachment to the cigs, some it's just habit. I've talked to people who want nothing more than to Q but it throws them in to a deep depression to be without a cig. For some people it's like their best friend. Some people smoked all day most of their life - that's like telling someone to Q somehting that is really a part of their every day activities.
Bottom line - there is no secrect- it's just a matter of finding what works for you, keeping your motivation high, and fighting through it. Support helps, medication helps (nicotine replacement; Chantix, Bupropion etc), subs/coping skills MAY help - but really nothing is going to "take the place" or be a 100% effective sub for a cig.
BTW- I am an ex-smoker, and work for a Tobacco Cessation company - have helped thousands of people Q and everybodies quit is different - it effects everybody differently.