Cravings happen for many reasons. The most common cause for them is the withdrawal symptoms brought about by the lack of nicotine in the body. At this stage, your cravings are at the most difficult to control as withdrawal symptoms can affect a smoker physically and mentally. Symptoms at this time include severe headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability, lack of focus and attention, anxiety, and even sudden increase in appetite. These symptoms manifest in a come and go manner which usually lasts for up to a month or maybe longer. The important thing to remember is that they will eventually go away and so you do not need to satisfy your craving or else you will go back to step 1 or even fail in your mission.
Another type of craving is the kind associated with your habits. After how many years of smoking, lighting up a cigarette seem to come naturally for you. Your daily routine or any simple activity might become instances when you want to smoke. Examples of habits that remind you of smoking may include driving in your car, when you have just finished a meal, while taking alcoholic beverage, talking on the phone, or just because you are bored. These simple activities can be detrimental to your commitment to quit if you allow yourself to smoke again just because you're used to doing it. Like the first type of craving, this type to will not last forever so just make sure to have enough self-control and discipline.
Finally, your smoking cravings are also triggered by the memories of the times you used to smoke. There will be times when you will be reminded of the pleasant feelings and relaxing moods you had when you were still able to light a cigarette. Of all the cravings, this type will usually last for the longest time, although it can be the easiest to deal with. The trick is to not get caught up in the pleasantries that smoking has given you. Remember that you chose to quit because you want to start living a healthy life and you want to preserve your family's health as well. Have the courage and the strength to keep your promise of quitting to prevent smoking from killing you.