There is one thing you can predict about quitting smoking...you're going to have cravings to smoke. Cravings are just a fact. Cravings are what smokers fear most about quitting (after that comes the fear of weight gain). You might as well accept the inevitable and find ways to deal with them.

Cravings come in a variety of forms and situations. They are most often triggered by excessive stress, a pleasurable smoking memory or situation, nicotine withdrawal, or an opportunity to smoke. Cravings can be mild or severe. They can last a few minutes, a few hours, or a few days. Usually they are short-lived. However, if you are in a "relapse cycle," you may experience more cravings or stronger cravings within the period of a few days than is usual. In time, you will be able to identify and predict potential craving triggers and situations. As with any type of skill, the more times you are successful at managing your cravings, the easier it will become. Practice helps. Time heals.

Relapse cycles are a common occurrence in the recovery of all types of drug dependence. Relapse (returning to your smoking habit) often occurs because you did not prepare adequately for some of the difficulties of coping with a smoke-free lifestyle. Quitting smoking will not eliminate the other problems in your life. They will still be there for you to handle. They may also seem more stressful because you no longer are using smoking for mood and stress management. You must learn how to manage your moods and stress without the assistance of nicotine and smoking.