5 Ways to Resist Tobacco Cravings

When you’re trying to quit smoking or chewing tobacco, the hardest part is resisting those powerful cravings. This urge is like a reflex and can often overpower your sense of self control. In order to help, here are 10 ways to help resist and fight these cravings so they don’t drag you down the path of relapse.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

For smokers who have been at it for years, the cravings are embedded deeply in your central nervous system and cold turkey may not be an option for you. In these situations, Nicotine Replacement 

Therapy (NRT) is the way to go. Talk to your doctor about nicotine supplements, including the inhaler or nasal spray, medications like Zyban or Chantix, patches, gum or lozenges, and others that give you a shot of nicotine without resorting to smoking.

Steer Clear of Triggers

Avoid the situations that you associate with a cigarette like bars, parties with other smokers, or television shows where the hero lights up every time he’s saving the day (a la Don Draper in Mad Men). These triggers are the demons whispering in your ear so avoid them in order to stay strong and vigilant as you quit.

Chew on Something

Many times a cigarette addiction is connected to an oral fixation and having something in your mouth can help mitigate the craving and stop smoking. Gum, candy, veggies, and other snacks are an option, as well as toothpicks and fake cigarettes. 

Delay

When you feel yourself about to give in and light up “just this once,” employ the simple trick of delaying the action. Tell yourself you’ll wait just another ten minutes before lighting up. In that span of time you may talk yourself out of it.

Never Give In to “Just One”

It’s never going to stop at one and you know it. Don’t listen to the voice that tells you it’s safe to have one for the craving and then you’ll be “done for real.”