How to Beat the Urge to Smoke

The powerful urge to smoke stems from multiple triggers including your physical addiction to nicotine, the psychological and habitual need to smoke and social triggers. You must fight all three triggers to beat the urge to smoke. Don't give up if you experience a relapse. Most smokers make several attempts to quit before becoming smoke-free.

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement products or other smoking cessation aids. Try over-the-counter products such as nicotine gum and nicotine patches. Other products, like bupropion SR pills, nicotine inhalers and nicotine nasal spray require a prescription.

2. Take a walk after meals. Replace one habit, smoking, with an exercise habit. This is an excellent way to address weight gain concerns after you quit smoking.

3. Patronize smoke-free bars and restaurants. As your sense of smell returns, you can appreciate fragrant cooking aromas instead of stale smoke.

4. Seek support from your friends and family. If you associate with smokers, chances are they have tried to quit at least once. Find one former smoker you can call for support when the urge is overwhelming.

5. Learn which cigarettes are your favorites. Missing these cigarettes can trigger the strongest urges. Decide what coping methods to use during these urges before they occur.

6. Carry low fat snack replacements for cigarettes. Choose foods that you feel are incompatible with smoking. Popular choices include low fat dairy products, carrot sticks, gum, hard candy or sunflower seeds.

7. Replace your smoke breaks at work with a healthy snack and a tooth brushing session. Pick up a crossword puzzle and enjoy the fact that you don't have to endure inclement weather to find a place to smoke.