I am 26F and have been a non smoker for 6 years. I started smoking briefly around age 14 and really started smoking daily around age 17.
I finally quit and haven’t had any slips at all.
I have been dealing with some bad stress and have had the worst cravings.. ever.
I feel literally nervous craving one. I even had a dream about smoking one.
I really don’t want to start again but I really don’t know what to do.
Is this normal for 6 years later ?!
Comments
It’s 100% the stress. Your brain is desperately looking for a dopamine fix. Smoking not only gives you the nicotine hit but also the mechanics of taking out the cigarette, lighting it and going through the motions of smoking. It’s like a little brain break and you get a bonus at the end. Whatever you do, STAY STRONG! Hit the gym, Go for a walk or anything else that can distract you from going back to cigarettes!
They say fasting for periods of 72 hours or more can reset your dopamine receptors in your brain.
Stress is letting your brain try to trick you in to smoking again… Don’t let it ! It will pass soon. Remember how hard it was to quit and don’t let it enslave you again. Especially at $14/pack !
Quit for over 25 years now.. occasionally remember the pleasure side of smoking, but it goes away and definitely wouldn’t do it again .