Ways to Resist Tobacco Cravings

Quitting tobacco can be a challenging process, especially due to the intense cravings that often accompany withdrawal. These cravings can be overwhelming and make it difficult to stick to a quitting plan. However, it’s important to remember that these cravings are a normal part of the quitting process, and there are strategies that can help you overcome them. In this post we will explore some effective ways to manage tobacco cravings, and increase your chances of successfully quitting for good.

You are not alone when it comes to bearing the challenge of tobacco addiction. It is estimated that 65.3% of youth (middle and high school students) who currently used tobacco products reported that they were seriously thinking about quitting the use of all tobacco products in 2021, and also in 2021 60.2% of youth who currently used tobacco products reported that they had stopped using all tobacco products for one day or longer in the past year because they were trying to quit. In 2018 its been estimated that more than 3 in 5 adults (55.0 million adults) who ever smoked cigarettes quit.

Here are some ways to resist tobacco cravings:

Try nicotine replacement therapy: Speak to your healthcare provider to see if nicotine replacement therapy is right for you. Prescription nicotine in a nasal spray or inhaler may also be an option.

Avoid triggers: Try to avoid smoking relapse and notice smoking habits, by keeping busy you can also distract your mind from craving tobacco. Find out your triggers and avoid them, or try to get though them without using tobacco.

Delay: If you feel like you’re going to give in to that tobacco craving, tell yourself to wait 10 minutes. Then do something to distract yourself and take you away from the tobacco craving. You may want to go to a tobacco free space and enjoy the fresh air, eat lunch, read or chat with friends who dont use tobacco.