Understanding cravings

One of the challenges of quitting vaping or smoking is coping with cravings. When you have been vaping (or smoking) your body gets used to having certain levels of nicotine. When you’re quitting, your body still wants nicotine – this is called a craving.

You may start experiencing cravings within an hour or two after your last vape. Cravings may be more frequent in the first few days and weeks after you quit. As time passes, your cravings will get further apart.

Tips to manage cravings:

• Avoid your triggers
  Create different routines that help you avoid the times and places when you’d usually feel like vaping. This will help reduce the craving to vape.

• Be active
  Physical activity is a great way of managing a craving. When you exercise, your brain releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals. Find what suits you best.

• Breathe
  Try deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation strategies. A mindfulness app might help with other ideas.

• Distract yourself
  Cravings will usually pass in a few minutes. Take your mind off a craving by focusing on your breathing, playing a game, going for a walk around the block.

• Talk to your support network
  Seek support from trusted friends and family.

• Celebrate your achievements
  Recognising and celebrating your accomplishments when you’re quitting can help you boost your resistance to cravings. Track the days you’ve been vape-free, how much money you’ve saved – when a craving strikes, think of how far you’ve come, even if you’re only a few hours into your quit.