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How to Stop the Cravings for a Cigarette?

It is often said that quitting smoking is harder than giving up heroin. While that is difficult to prove with any degree of certainty, we do know that smokers are more likely to relapse than heroin addicts. According to the results of a recent study, the average smoker tries to quit seven times before it takes. In this article we are going to discuss a few basic tips that might help smokers achieve success more expeditiously.

First, do not make deals with yourself! Like most addicts, smokers tend to lie to themselves by promising that they will have just one cigarette to stop the cravings. Of course, one cigarette then turns to two and two four and before very long their plan to quit has been aborted once again.

Second, it is important to eliminate triggers. Trigger is a rather broad term that can include places, situations or even other drugs. For instance, if you always lit up while watching the football game at your local pub, it may be best to stay away until you feel confident that you have kicked the habit (if you'll excuse the pun?).

Third, start working out right away. Exercise has been shown to reduce the intensity of cravings and to distract smokers from their habit. It is also helpful to be around other people who enjoy healthy activities. Therefore, team sports like basketball and football are preferable to more independent sports like running or cycling. Just remember not to tire yourself out too much in the first week. Many ex-smokers throw themselves into exercise and quickly lose interest because they are pushing too hard. On average, thirty minutes of exercise three or four times a week should help distract you from the cancer sticks.

Last but not least, try chewing some gum. We know it isn't the same thing. But having something to chew or suck may help distract you a bit. That may be why baseball players turn to sunflower seeds after years of chewing tobacco.