MayoClinic.com Provides Tips for Coping with Nicotine Cravings

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Tobacco users are accustomed to having certain levels of nicotine in their bodies. Because of its addictive qualities, when a person quits using tobacco, nicotine cravings are likely.

A new feature on MayoClinic.com provides users with 20 ways to bust nicotine cravings. Sample tips — which can help users overcome the urge to smoke and ultimately quit smoking for good — include:

• Move. Do deep knee bends, run in place or climb the stairs. A few minutes of brisk activity may stop a nicotine craving.
• Replace. Try a stop-smoking product instead of a cigarette. Some types of nicotine replacement therapy — including patches, gum and lozenges — are available over-the-counter. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are available by prescription.
• Call for reinforcements. Team up with a partner who doesn't smoke for a quick chat or brisk walk.
• Drink up. Sip a glass of ice water slowly. When the water is gone, suck on the ice cubes.
• Clean the closet. Discard any clothes yellowed by cigarette smoke or damaged with cigarette burns.

In addition to tips for fighting cravings, the Quit Smoking Center on MayoClinic.com offers helpful information about stop-smoking products and techniques, and how to develop a plan for quitting.

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