[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”typesofsmokingaids” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-143px|||” custom_padding=”15px|7px|0px|6px||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font_size=”44px” custom_margin=”||11px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||17px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_heading title=”What is a craving?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A smoking craving is a strong urge to smoke.<\/strong> It happens because your body is used to nicotine, and without it, you feel like you need a cigarette.<\/p>\n Cravings can be triggered by things like stress or routines, such as having a coffee or waiting for the bus. \u00a0Nicotine withdrawal can also trigger cravings. When you stop smoking, your body neds to get used to not having nicotine anymore.<\/p>\n When you know your triggers<\/strong> you can avoid situations that make you want to smoke. It also prepares you to handle cravings when they happen, making it easier to stay on track.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Irritable \/ short temper” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||400″ icon_color=”#FFD500″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”26px” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Nicotine cravings can make you feel irritable and on edge. This can feel uncomfortable.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Restless” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFD500″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”26px” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It can be hard to sit still and like something is ‘missing’.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Want to smoke” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFD500″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”26px” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can have the same thought about smoking, which can be distracting and non stop.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Low focus ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFD500″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”26px” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cravings can make it difficult to concentrate on things you want to do or conversations you are having.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Fidgety ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFD500″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”26px” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You might notice you cannot sit still and that your mouth and hand want something to do.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Tight chest ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFD500″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”26px” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can have a tight or restless feeling in your chest.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||90px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”105px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”28px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Common smoking triggers ” open_toggle_text_color=”#3F185F” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_font_size=”26px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Smoking often becomes part of your daily routine without you even realising. It can be linked to your routines, emotions or particular situations.<\/p>\n Have a look at the list of common triggers below. Do any of these make you feel like smoking? <\/strong>If any of these sound familiar, that\u2019s okay. You are not alone, most smokers have triggers like these.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Routine triggers ” open_toggle_text_color=”#3F185F” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#3F185F” toggle_font_size=”26px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Emotional triggers ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#3F185F” toggle_font_size=”26px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Situation triggers ” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”21px” body_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#3F185F” toggle_font_size=”26px”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Cravings happen because your body misses its regular hits of nicotine.\u200b<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n There are 2 types of craving:\u200b<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The steady and constant background craving for a cigarette decreases in intensity over several weeks after quitting.\u200b<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sudden bursts of an intense desire or urge to smoke are often triggered by a cue, such as having a few drinks, feeling very happy\u00a0or sad, having an argument, feeling stressed, or even having a cup of coffee.\u200b<\/p>\n \n Some cravings are physical, which are your body\u2019s reaction to nicotine withdrawal, e.g a tightness in the throat or belly, accompanied by feelings of tension or anxiety. Compared to psychological cravings which are triggered by everyday events. People who smoke develop a number of\u00a0cues that signal the need for a cigarette. Perhaps you\u00a0smoke whenever\u00a0facing stress<\/a>\u00a0or while driving, eating, drinking, or socializing. When you quit, those subconscious cues trigger profound urges.\u200b<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n These urges to smoke tend to get less frequent over time, but their intensity can remain strong even after many months of quitting.\u200b<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Use your NRT\/vape<\/strong>, which will give your body the nicotine it craves without the toxic chemicals that you get in cigarettes. It’s\u00a0important to use the right NRT product for your lifestyle. Some products, like the patch, release nicotine into your system slowly and steadily, so they’re\u00a0ideal for relieving background cravings. Others, such as the nasal spray and mouth spray, release nicotine quickly in short bursts, so they’re\u00a0better suited to sudden intense cravings. A good strategy is to use the nicotine patch to manage the steady and constant background cravings, and\u00a0carry a fast-working product with you to deal with the sudden intense cravings. \u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Breathing necklaces<\/strong> can be a helpful support when stopping smoking by replacing the familiar hand\u2011to\u2011mouth action that many people miss. Using one gives your hands something to do during cravings, which can help distract from the urge to smoke. Focusing on slow, controlled breathing through the necklace can also feel calming and provide a simple, practical way to manage cravings in the moment.<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Avoid triggers:<\/strong>\u00a0For you, some events or times of the day may have a strong association with smoking: after food, with a coffee, after putting the kids to bed, when chatting to a friend, or having an alcoholic drink. Try doing something different at these times. You don’t\u00a0have to make this change forever, just until you have broken the association with smoking. Make it hard to smoke\u00a0\u2013 avoid places where you can easily ask someone for a cigarette. And don’t\u00a0buy a packet.\u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Watch your alcohol intake<\/strong> \u2013 Alcohol can often act as a trigger that brings on an urge to smoke. Even if you’ve\u00a0been doing well at kicking the smoking habit, social drinking can bring on a sudden urge to have a cigarette. This can be particularly true if you are normally a social smoker, or you tend to smoke mostly in social situations.\u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Stay strong:<\/strong>\u00a0Expect your cravings to be at their worst in the first few weeks after quitting. The good news is that they’ll\u00a0pass, and the quickest way to achieve this is to commit to the “not a single puff” rule. \u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Exercise:<\/strong>\u00a0Physical activity<\/a>\u00a0may help reduce your nicotine cravings and relieve some withdrawal symptoms. It may also help you reduce stress and keep your weight down. When you have the urge to smoke, do something active instead. Going to the gym or local swimming pool are good, as is a little gentle exercise like a short walk, or something useful like doing the housework or gardening.\u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Be prepared:<\/strong>\u00a0Expect cravings at special events\u00a0like holidays, funerals\u00a0or weddings. You may have never experienced these before as a non-smoker, so you’ll\u00a0associate them strongly with smoking. Have some fast-acting NRT with you just in case. It’s\u00a0also important to stay away from people who smoke. Most people who relapse do so because they’re\u00a0with other people who are smoking, and this is usually after having asked one of them for a cigarette.\u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Delay:<\/strong>\u00a0When an urge to smoke strikes, remember that although it may be intense, it’ll\u00a0be short-lived and will probably pass\u00a0within a few minutes. Each time you resist a craving, you’re\u00a01 step closer to stopping smoking.\u200b<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0take on too much<\/strong> \u2013 Changes in your normal routines and habits can help you avoid smoking, but too many sudden and dramatic changes can make it harder to stick to your goals. Changing your routines and avoiding your triggers is important (especially when you first quit), but that doesn\u2019t\u00a0mean you should turn your whole life upside down. All of\u00a0the things you used to do as a smoker you can still enjoy as a non-smoker. Once the worst of your\u00a0withdrawal symptoms<\/a>\u00a0begin to fade, you can begin returning to some of your regular routines as you learn to better manage a smoke-free lifestyle.\u200b<\/p>\nCravings can make you:<\/h2>\n
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Cravings\u200b<\/h4>\n
How to tackle your cravings<\/h4>\n
Other things to do which can help you to prevent relapse:\u200b<\/h4>\n