I quit cold turkey 18 years ago after having a pack-to-two-pack-a-day habit for about 24 years. I’d say it took about three years after quitting before I could think of myself as truly a non-smoker. Before that, I was still a smoker who just didn’t smoke.
One thing that really confirmed me in not smoking was that on a visit with my sister (now a non-smoker herself, I’m happy to report) I took one drag on a cigarette of hers about six months after I had quit. That was all it took. It was terrible! I tried toothpaste, mouthwash, brushing my tongue…I couldn’t get that vile taste out of my mouth for hours. I also couldn’t believe I had actually enjoyed smoking up to the time I quit. Now I find the smell of cigarette smoke, smokers’ breath, or even the smell of smokers’ clothing repulsive. I have no desire at all to begin again.
I don’t know how I managed to stop so abruptly and stay stopped. It was really hard the first couple of years. From the other posts here it looks as if the time it takes to be really free of the poison varies widely. All I can say is, hang in there. The cravings will leave you sooner or later if you just don’t give up.
I quit 5 months ago after smoking more or less for about 30 years. There was a 3 year period that I quit and of course several months off and on. This time I won’t start back. During the first month or so I just kept asking myself how did I let myself get addicted to something like a cigarette. It is a drug, not a doubt in my mind. It’s a dirty habit. I always thought to myself that there’s nothing worse than seeing a woman with a cigarette hanging out her mouth, you know with smoke going up in her eyes and her driving, etc. with the cigarette just hanging there. That was me. Once in a while I’ll get a craving. It has nothing to do with being around other smokers, usually it’s when I am home alone and not even smelling tobacco smoke, cause now the smoke actually irritates me. It’s all in the mind.
Nine months and twenty-four days here. I do get the occasional craving, but only at a time of emotional stress (e.g., a row with spouse).
They don’t last long however, and it feels so great just to know I have the will-power to quit, I don’t think I’ll ever give that up for another smoke. Even when completely plastered, I refuse all offers of cigarettes.
The big craving-killer that worked wonders for me was learning to play guitar. You have to give your hands something to do. The guitar is seldom out of my hands now, and I’m getting pretty good! Highly recommended.
I quit Feb 7, 2000 after 17 years of smoking. Quit for good. I haven’t had any cravings since the first week or so. A few days after I quit, I went out with a few friends. On the way to meet them, I thought “Oh, I want just one” and bought a pack. I lit up and vomited.
I haven’t had one since. Being around smoke makes me sick. I’ve developed a stronger allergy to cigarette smoke than I had before, as well. My husband smoked until November 1, and it’s been a horrible struggle for him.