What situations cause cravings and how do you deal?

[Sirius]

There are certain places and activities that set off my inner nicodemon; for example:

 

• The rifle range.  Seems a lot of shooters like to smoke.  I get into discussions with a couple blokes and over half the group lights up.  ugh!
• Hiking in the national forests.  Yeah the solitude, the quiet with clean fresh air with a scent of pines and fir.  Nobody would know...

 

I usually offset the rifle range issues by bringing a thermos of coffee.  While everyone else is lighting up, I'll pour a fresh cup of java so I'm partaking as well as having something in my hands.

 

During my Hikes I sometimes have to remind myself that if I smoked I wouldn't be able to hike, and its not like I can run to the store and buy smokes so instead I grab a stick of gum.

 

I'm Curious how the rest of the ex-smokers overcome.

[Sazerac]

As deep as I am feeling in my quit (nearly 3 years), 

I can ALWAYS attribute being 'twitchy'  during what used to be a time to light up  to HALT.

 

Hungry, Thirsty, need a few deep breaths of Oxygen.

Angry, Nervous, Happy, Celebratory,  Emotional

Lonesome, Bored, Shy

Tired. Need a Break.  

 

There are more reasons than those listed, of course, but, 

I can't attribute a signal for something my body/spirit needs to a nicotine crave anymore.

The link no longer brings my brain to tobacco first, it brings up a question....'what do you need ?'

 

This has been one of the greatest gifts of being nicotine free -

getting to know my basic human needs...what a concept !

 

Now, I am reminded of my old Habits.

"Oh, I always smoked Here", "I always smoked after This"

but, it is an old memory with no attraction and no unfinished business.

That was then, This is Now.  I don't smoke.

[Nancy]

Smoking still crosses my mind (very briefly) when I am under a lot of stress, and also when I have finished a big project.  Not a crave, just a thought that is very easily dismissed.

[Runfree]

Like Nancy, they aren't craves but thoughts of and are acknowledged but dismissed with an "oh that". Sitting in front of a campfire, some lazy Saturday mornings while having a particularly good cup of coffee, I haven't been back to Hawaii yet but I'm guessing the beach will bring up thoughts on my addiction.

 

When the cravings were real, I'd remind myself of the things I wanted in and for my life and how there was no room for cigs. Just told myself No.

[Doreensfree]

I agree with the above...not craves...just a passing thought...

It's a reminder of how wonderful it is to be free ....and what I have achieved...