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1. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   27 Jan 2020

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   Cravings still happen. I've been smoke free since March 2018 so I guess 2 years. Today a smoker asked me how I quit and it took me  aback because I haven't thought about quitting for a long time. It was kinda a trigger for me. I've been having a hard time in life right now, just with little things. But I just got hit with a craving. I guess the best thing to do is congratulate myself for 2 years and I need a plan to deal with cravings. The good old 4 d's. I have a plan to go on a mini shopping spree to distract and award myself if the cravings get too bad. But should I try to use a nrt to curb the cravings is this a good idea since I have been nicotine free for 1 year ( after using patches for 1 year after quitting ) ? 
   
2. emily, quit coach

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   28 Jan 2020

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   Hi Chartippybum,
   
   Huge congratulations to you for 2 years of being smoke free!!
   
   The cravings really can come out of no where sometimes. You've jumped into action by thinking of ways to manage the cravings, keep yourself distracted, and reward yourself for all of the hard work you have done over the past 2 years. 
   
   When it comes to NRT they are there to help you reduce cravings and remain tobacco free. I know that you have been 1 year free of nicotine so it may be advised to try all of other strategies first and if nothing is working then consider speaking with your pharmacist about if NRT would be right for you in this time. When it comes down to it, it is much safer for you to use a nicotine product than to return to smoking. 
   
   Wishing you all the best in your quit journey,
   Emily
3. wandam

   

   241 posts
   Registered:
   05 Feb 2019
   11 Feb 2020

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   Thanks Chartippybum for sharing how one can still struggle after being quit for a such a long time. Awesome job in maintaining your quit through your cravings. Keep up the Great Work!