How to Control Cravings

Smoking is one of the most widespread addiction, which has engulfed as much as 58.2% of the world population. It is true that several regular smokers are actually trying to cut down on the puffs and control their inner craving for Nicotine shots. The first week is often the toughest on smokers willing to quit. The process is long and tiring often leading to depressions. However, the success of quitting is largely dependent on the will power and zeal to clean the system. Of course, considering the positive sides of quitting tobacco, it might just be worth the effort.

The first proven formula is to confine oneself in a place, which does not allow smokers. A church, library or shopping malls are some such places. In this way even if your body craves for a puff, you do not really have the option due to legal and social contraints. At times, we may even miss pressing something in-between your lips. A good solution to this problem is cinnamon stick or celery or just a toothpick.

Nicotine gum is another great approach to avert the desire to light up a stick. A nicotine gum, ideally keeps your mouth full of activity thereby killing time in-between smoke cravings. Since the body was already used to regular smoking, it is beneficial to have a gum, especially at times when the body might expect nicotine input. Consumption of alcohol, tea or coffee can specifically trigger a strong urge and craving for cigarette. So these liquids should be cautiously avoided.

Reports and personal experience suggests that any strong curving lasts for approximately three to five seconds after which it gradually dies out. It is advisable to take a small walk or try out a mental vacation, drink a glass of water etc. Having a portable hobby such as solving a crossword puzzle or reading a few pages of the favorite novel might also help. Diabetic patients might experience stronger craving for Nicotine due to decreased resistive power of the body. Such patients should try eating a healthy snack to divert attention without harming the body.

Two types of nicotine craving have been observed in smokers who are trying to quit. First, the Physical cravings are the body's reaction to nicotine withdrawal. This kind of craving is characterized with tightness of throat, mild anxiety and tension. Second type of craving would be physiological craving that are primarily triggered due to certain conditions and environment where the body was used to smoking earlier. The human body over prolonged time gets accustomed to certain unconscious conditions such as drinking, socializing, post lunch driving or simply relaxing where nicotine was made available to the body through cigarettes.

Out of 44.5 million who currently smoke in the US, 70 percent want to quit. It has been further observed that smoking is less common among Americans living at or just above the poverty level, i.e 20.6 percent approximately. Out of the 20 percent US adults who smoke, 23.6 percent of people in the age group of 40-55 are trying to quit the habbit.
On an average, a regular smoker smokes 15 cigarettes a day. People in developed countries smoke almost 25 sticks a day, the highest among other peer countries. 14 cigarettes a day is the consumption in countries with a developing economy. With the amount of the deadly smoke people actually love to pay for and inhale, its time we try and get rid of this disastrous habit thereby saving us and all the innocent passive smokers who unknowingly become the victims.