How Long Do The Cravings Last

After an individual decides to give up smoking, it takes some time for the brain to re-adjust. This period generally takes between two and three weeks to re-adjust. During this time, individuals will have strong cravings to start smoking again. nnBesides the period that is required for the brain to re-train itself, individuals will also have cravings related to the nicotine that remains in the body even after people have stopped smoking. It usually takes nicotine about 100 hours to leave the body. During this time, individuals will have withdrawal symptoms that will make it difficult to quit smoking. nnThere are also psychological cravings that will last long past the time that it takes for nicotine to leave the body and the brain to not associate smoking with pleasure. For some individuals, smoking simply becomes a habit that has become ingrained in their lifestyles. It will require some thought and creativity to replace this bad habit with something more healthful. Some ideas include chewing gum, eating hard candy, going for a short walk, or reading something inspirational.nnQuitting smoking is very difficult. Health experts believe that smoking is just as addictive as hard drugs such as cocaine or heroine. The cravings can be quite intense and are both physical and psychological. It takes a period of 2-3 weeks before the brain retrains itself not to crave nicotine and about 100 hours before nicotine is cleansed from the body. This combination makes the first month of attempting to smoke quite excruciating. nnMost people who attempt to keep smoking, usually will try and fail a few times within the first three months. This is the period of time where the cravings are extremely strong. If individuals know this from the onset, they will be able to take measures to put safeguards in place so that they don’t go back to smoking. They may want to start up a new hobby or exercise program to keep their minds off of the cravings. If an individual can make it through this period, they should be successful in quitting smoking. They will need to create a plan prior to them quitting so that they are not overwhelmed when the cravings hit. If they do this, then they will have a much higher chance of actually kicking this harmful habit.