I crave cigarettes;
I am addicted to smoking.

Quiz: Do you smoke for this reason?
If you answer "often" or "sometimes" to the following questions,
this is one reason you smoke.

• When I run out of cigarettes, it's almost unbearable until I get more.
  
  
• I am very aware of not smoking when I don't have a cigarette in my hand.
  
  
• When I haven't smoked for a while I get a gnawing hunger for a cigarette..

Many smokers are addicted or "hooked" on the nicotine in tobacco. When addicted smokers quit, many go through a withdrawal period. They may have both physical symptoms (feeling tired and irritable; headaches; nervousness) and an emotional need for a cigarette. One ex-smoker compared his continued craving for cigarettes to the longing you feel for a lost love.

It isn't easy to get over an addiction to tobacco, but many people have succeeded ­p; often on a second or third try. But once you're back in control, you won't have to beat smoking again. For many ex-smokers, that's a powerful motivation to stay tobacco-free. The tips below include ideas to help addicted smokers make it through withdrawal and stay away from cigarettes for good.

Tips To Help You Quit

• Ask your doctor about using a nicotine patch or nicotine gum to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.
  
  
• Smoke more than you want to for a day or two before you quit. This "overkill" may spoil your taste for cigarettes.
  
  
• Go "cold turkey." Tapering off probably won't work for you, because the moment you put out one cigarette you begin to crave the next.
  
  
• Tell family and friends you've quit smoking. Ask for help if you need it. Keep away from cigarettes completely. Get rid of ashtrays. Destroy any cigarettes you have. Try to avoid people who smoke and smoke-filled places like bars if you're having withdrawal symptoms or cigarette cravings.
  
  
• Think of yourself as a non-smoker. Hang up "No Smoking" signs. Don't relive your days as a smoker.
  
  
• Remember that physical withdrawal symptoms last about two weeks. Hang on!

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