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1. sharonlynn

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   15 Mar 2024
   07 Oct 2024

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   3 weeks smoke-free. I will go hours and hours without thinking about smoking, then all of a sudden I will get hit with a feeling of wanting to smoke, it will be a strong feeling and I will just try to forget about it and it passes within a few minutes. Thank goodness I make sure I have no cigarettes around me ever, I haven't bought a pack for awhile. 
2. sharonlynn

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   15 Mar 2024
   07 Oct 2024

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   Also - my sister has quit for over 6 months and she says she still has cravings here and there. Which sounds dreadful.. after 6 months. but I guess it has been a habit for her and I for well over 2 decades so it seems like maybe a normal thing to still have those cravings due to it being a habit for so long. As long as I keep myself busy during those cravings... they only last a  few minutes so I guess itd pass before I even drive to a store to buy a pack so I still have a lot of confidence in myself. I am happy to not be smoking. I wanted this and have thought about it for a long time!
3. karen, quit coach

   

   73 posts
   Registered:
   09 Nov 2022
   08 Oct 2024 in reply to sharonlynn

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   Hi sharonlynn,
   
   Congratulations on being smoke free for 3 weeks! What a wonderful achievement!
   
   Clearly being a non-smoker is important to you and you have shown such strength and determination already! Cravings can last longer for some. It's very positive that you have recognized that your cravings only last a short time and that you can manage to get through them by keeping yourself busy. Sounds like you have some solid strategies in place which have helped you to remain confident. 
   
   Wishing you continued success!
   
   Warm regards,
   Karen, Quit Coach
4. cleo

   

   16 posts
   Registered:
   02 Sep 2024
   10 Oct 2024

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   Hey Sharonlynn 
   Well, you’re not alone. I’m on day 32 & for the past few days, have been driven crazy with cravings!!! I had hoped this would get easier. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m on level 3 (the lowest) of the patch now but whoa!!! This is HARD!!! 
   
5. lillian, quit coach

   

   221 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   15 Oct 2024 in reply to cleo

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   Hi!
   Some people do experience that every time they lower their patch dose, they have a few days of an increase in cravings. It really is so tough, but that is why we are all here. It truly does get better and easier over time, they reduce in frequency, and then reduce in intensity and then become mere thoughts which stop over time too. It is quite a process but look at how far you have come, you have it in you!
   
   Keep strong,
   Lillian
6. laurda

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   18 Feb 2025
   15 Mar in reply to sharonlynn

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   I am feeling your pain today for sure (day 15 with no cigarettes). Have you found something that works ?
7. karen, quit coach

   

   73 posts
   Registered:
   09 Nov 2022
   17 Mar in reply to laurda

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   Hello laurda,
   
   Congratulations on being smoke free for 15 days! 
   
   Sorry to hear that you are struggling. Sounds like you may be experiencing some symptoms of withdrawal. Many people find that withdrawal symptoms disappear completely after two to four weeks, although for some people they may last longer. Symptoms tend to come and go over that time. Withdrawal is actually a positive sign that your body is working hard to heal and repair. 
   
   Some strategies to help you manage might include keeping busy and distracted, any kind of physical activity, drinking water, meditation, yoga and eating a healthy diet. Remember, it will pass, and you will feel better with each passing day. 
   
   Wishing you continued success on your quit journey!
   
   Warm regards,
   Karen, Quit Coach