Anyone who has smoked cigarettes before or has known a smoker can easily tell you that abstaining from this habit is a pretty difficult process. Some of you might even welcome the possibility of recovering from a broken limb before you suffer from nicotine withdrawal. After all, smokers have been consuming this drug for a few months or many years and have essentially integrated nicotine into their daily routines. Living without it can be torture (for a while, at least), so how are you supposed to shift gears and get a grip on those cravings so you don’t fall victim to a relapse? Here are a few quick tips for curbing those urges in five minutes flat.
Two Types of Cravings
Primarily, you will suffer from two types of cravings during nicotine withdrawal:
- Physiological: How the body physically reacts to an absence of nicotine (tight chest, tension, etc.)
- Psychological: Subconscious cues triggered by mental attachments
Ways to Combat Those Cravings
Here is a closer look at some techniques you can use to make sure you kick those cravings to the curb and live a healthier, happier life:
- Take a walk: Many doctors will tell you that sitting all day is deadlier than smoking, and they would be right. Not only does your body feel more fatigued, but your brain will start to lag due to your lack of movement. Do yourself, and your mind, a favor by getting up and taking a walk.
- Give your brain a rest: Find a happy place. As corny as that might sound, creating a special place of peace in your mind is very healthy; in some practices, this is known as meditation. Isolate yourself in a room that is devoid of excessive noise and light and just let go. See what happens.
- Down that water: Most of our bodies are made up of water. Rather than grabbing a cup of coffee, which will do more harm than good during stimulant withdrawal, just rely on a giant glass of H20 as a daily boost.
- Choose a “portable hobby”: Pick a fun activity that you can take on-the-go. Try crossword puzzles, sudoku, Mensa activities, or Rubik’s cubes. If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, try making a sweater, a scarf, a cute dress, or a tie.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
