Most people experience some cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they give up smoking. These can be uncomfortable, but they are temporary - most symptoms will be gone after a month.

Deal with them by using the ‘5 Ds’:

Distract

Distract yourself by focusing on something else.

Delay

Delay doing anything about the craving until the urge passes.

Deep breaths

Take deep breaths.

Drink water

Drink a cold glass of water.

Don't dwell on it

You can also confuse cravings for food with cravings for nicotine and vice versa. It’s important to eat 3 regular meals each day and to replace smoking with healthy behaviours like being physically active, connecting with others, getting plenty of rest and perhaps taking up a new hobby. Be kind to yourself when quitting! Free Support from Quit Mid West will make help you to manage cravings and don’t forget that HSE staff can avail of free nicotine replacement therapy.

Contact a Smoking Advisor at Quit Mid West on 065 6865841 or email quit.midwest@hse.ie for help and support.