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iCanQuit

Cravings and addiction

Posted in Staying quit
By Lief
edit_document 4 posts
event_available 47 days smoke free
schedule 8 Mar 2026
Yesterday was ok. The cravings seemed to happen more often and I noticed when I automatically went to get a cig out of habit. I'm sitting inside at the moment cause my morning smoke craving is happening now. My wife smokes so I don't want to sit with her. Yesterday I did 2 things I was worried about not smoking. I drove for 45 minutes there and back, no cigs. And I sat next to my wife as she smoked and had a long important chat. So proud of myself. Today is another day of not smoking! We are stronger than this addiction. I've been addicted to other substances and stopping using them. I feel like cigs are harder to quit than other substances because nicotine is legal. It's available at many shops. It's a constant and regular form of ingestion. There are multiple reasons. That's why I'm feeling proud of myself. This isn't easy but I am surprised that it's easier than I expected.
By Happiness
Community Guru Community Guru
edit_document 118 posts
schedule 9 Mar 2026

I love your post!   I also  found it easier to quit than i had expected it to be.  I also sat next  to my spouse while he smoked.  We have to quit for ourselves and desire the change.   So many benefits and all we had to do is make up our minds to say "Enough".  

I am quit over 7 years now and never intend to look back.   I also like to support others on this site and suggest checking in from time to time even after years of being quit.

By Phoenixrising - Quitline Counsellor
verified Moderator
schedule 9 Mar 2026

Hi Lief, 

Thanks for sharing this update. It sounds like you're really paying attention to when the cravings come on and notice the automatic habits, which is a really helpful part of the quitting process!

You managed to handle a couple of really challenging situations yesterday - both driving for a long time and sitting with your wife while she smoked. Being able to get through those without smoking is a huge achievement and one you should absolutely feel proud of!

You are right that nicotine can be harder to quit than other substances - it is highly addictive and available everywhere. But the fact that you have already overcome other substances shows you have a lot of strength to draw from when it comes to quitting smoking, and it shows. 

Continue to keep up the good work and we look forward to hearing how your journey goes :) 

If you ever need additional support, you can always contact one of the Quitline counsellors on 13 78 48 as well. 

By Chewy - ICQ
verified Moderator
schedule 9 Mar 2026

@Lief you should feel proud! Getting through the drive and sitting with your wife while she smoked are big wins. Nicotine being everywhere makes this hard, which makes what you’re doing even more impressive. Another smoke‑free day is a win.