Hi, Bump.
Right now you're in physical withdrawal as the nicotine is leaving your system, and you will be for about 3 or 4 days. Beyond that point, it becomes purely a mind game with yourself. Craves will become memory-triggered.
During the time you smoked you developed links, associations, between smoking and certain activities and emotions. When you first experience one of these situations, it will probably trigger a crave. Each time you get through the situation smoke-free, you weaken that association. Eventually, the association will be extinguished, the link will be broken, the crave will not occur. Sometimes this happens on the first encounter, sometimes it takes many encounters.
One thing that really helped me during the first several weeks was anticipating a crave. As you go through your day, look ahead by just a few minutes watching for a time you would have lit up. When you see such a time approaching (after meals, getting in the car, leaving work or a store, doing yard work, etc.) then expect the mother of all craves to slam you right between the eyes. Mentally prepare for it just as you would for any unpleasant, but temporary, event such as pulling off a bandage or diving into cold water. I think you'll find that anticipated craves are much weaker, if they happen at all.
One other suggestion. When you make a post or reply, click the "Show my Quit Meter" box below the message box to display your quit meter. It helps us to know where you are in your quit and it's a real boost for you to watch the numbers climb.
You're doing great, Bump. I know time seems really slow (my first three days took about six months, lol) right now. Just stay close, read much, and post often. :)
Shevie
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 331
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,622
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1257.8
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 61 [B]Hrs:[/B] 17 [B]Mins:[/B] 22 [B]Seconds:[/B] 23