Intense cravings are back

[Pilgrim]

I'll be 3 months quit on the 10th. For the last few days I've been having cravings and even physical withdrawal sensations. I'm starting to picture myseld smoking again. Wtf is this?!

 

I'm going to go for a jog today and do some reflecting. 

[Cbdave]

Gday

My thoughts on cravings are simple.

I don’t hide from them I acknowledge them. “Yep that’s a craving”

And wait.

5mins and I’m still here. Where’s the craving now…… Gone.

If it comes back it’s a shadow of its former self.

[QuittingGirl]

It can and does happen unfortunately @Pilgrim .  I got them too in the beginning months and even now I sometimes get them, but it's not a physical urge more of a mental urge but it passes in a few seconds.  We are always an addict and the temptation is there, but as @Cbdave said, acknowledge them and wait and then the cravings are gone.  The longer you stay quit, the less they will become.  I am so happy you didn't give in to them!  You are doing really well so keep up the good work!!!

[GonSo]

Hi Pilgrim, today I am 9 months smoke free. Also today I had serious computer issues. I had cravings for hours, adding to the frustration. But going back to smoking is not fixing my computer.

 

I think the first years we will have cravings. Expected and unexpected.

Stay strong!!!

[SD2026]

You're doing so well @Pilgrim to get to almost 3 months and the cravings you are getting can take you off guard especially when you think you're over the worst! I agree with @Cbdave, acknowledge them! They do pass and when./if they come back, keep acknowledging them but you know you're stronger than that, you mustn't give in! 

 

I too have had a few cravings or so I think  they are cravings but the thought was there which scared me as I feel confident now that I can't ever go back but it still DOES hit you!  

 

I'm glad you posted here to let us know, it shows you're not going to give in, it always helps to reach out when this happens!  

 

I hope you're feeling a better now! 

[Reciprocity]

@Pilgrim; this is a pretty well known event among quitters - serious return of hard cravings that make you think ... WTF?

It's also referred to as part of the 3's. Three days into your quit is often the hardest day; three weeks into your quit is where many struggle because you think you should be over it by then but you're beginning to realize, there's still work to do and you still have to remain on guard to fight those cravings that are becomming less frequent but now come out of nowhere which is a little frightening. Then at three months, quitting is becoming a real slog and you think you should be done with it by now. Your brain is tired from dealing with all that quitting throws at you. The 3 month make is where you have entered "No Man's Land". You're no longer a smoker and you're not sure you're really quit yet. It's a period of time that really tests your resolve!

This is when you need to reflect back on why you wanted to quit in the first place and renew your committment to the task, no matter what and believe what ALL of us more senior quitters will tell you ... it WILL & DOES get better if you just gather all your mental strenght and push forward further. You're near the end of the really tough part of your quit; so stick with it. You've invested way too much to go back now!

[Minnie Mouse]

Smoking thoughts are just that ... thoughts ... not a command to yourself to smoke.  Tell yourself NO and do whatever it takes to move past them.

 

I agree with the suggestion to acknowledge them.  I used to say "Oh, Hello there!" to mine and then laugh/chuckle out loud at them.  I also found the three's to be a trigger and with you coming up on your 3-month anniversary it makes sense.  Forewarned is forearmed.  

 

Such thoughts/memories/triggers will get less and less with time and patience if you just don't smoke.  NOPE.  Not One Puff Ever.  Don't give in to them.  Never another Day One!

 

(You can borrow my bamm bamm bat.  lol)

 

 

[DenaliBlues]

 

So sorry you are having another wave of cravings @Pilgrim.  As @QuittingGirl said, it’s not physical at this point - it’s psychological. Addict mind lurks in the tall grass, hoping to catch us unawares. 

 

But you don’t need to give in! You’ve built all kinds of strong quitting muscles now. You know like @Minnie Mouse says that cravings are not commands. They’re just noise. And your quit is too precious to throw away. 

 

So let those cravings drift on by, like a bad smell that the wind blows away. Going for a run is a great idea, as is staying connected to this forum.

 

NOPE!

 

 

[Doreensfree]

This is the nature of the beast 

It’s trying to lure you back , it knows it will die if you keep quit 

Tell it to bugger off 

Your not falling for  that trap again 

The longer you quit the more it will fade 

Keep going

 

[Pilgrim]

What a wave of compassionate, encouraging support. Thanks to each of you!

 

KtQ!

[QuittingGirl]

How's it going @Pilgrim?  I hope you are still KTQ!

[catlover]

Yep tell them craves to bugger off, You are in charge now.