Quitting Nicotine

 “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” — Benjamin Franklin 

Breaking Free from Nicotine Addiction: What Finally Worked for Me

Nicotine addiction today comes in many forms—cigarettes, vaping, chewing tobacco, and even nicotine gum and mints. No matter the delivery method, nicotine is highly addictive and can lead to serious health risks, chronic illness, and even death.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re struggling with this addiction yourself and looking for a way out. Let me start by saying: give yourself a big pat on the back. Seriously. Acknowledge the strength it took just to seek out help. That first step is often the hardest.

It took me several years to finally quit smoking after 20 years of being a daily smoker. I tried countless times and in countless ways. It wasn’t easy, but I finally found what worked—and I’m sharing it here in hopes that it helps you, too.

• Set a Quit Date: Choose a specific date to stop smoking. This gives your mind time to prepare.
   
• Seek Support: Let your friends and family know. Their support can make a big difference.
   
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Use gum, patches, or lozenges to manage withdrawal symptoms—temporarily.
   
• Prescription Medications: Talk to your doctor about meds like Chantix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion).
   
• Counseling/Therapy: Support groups or therapy can help you process cravings and triggers.
   
• Identify Triggers: Know what situations or emotions make you reach for a cigarette and prepare alternatives.
   
• Exercise Regularly: Movement reduces cravings and helps manage weight.
   
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can calm your nervous system.
   
• Avoid Smoking Enablers: Get rid of cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and avoid places that tempt you.
   
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods and healthy snacks.
   
• Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water to flush toxins and manage cravings.
   
• Keep Busy: Distract your mind with activities and hobbies.
   
• Reward Yourself: Use money saved from not smoking to treat yourself!
   
• Track Progress: Journaling can help you identify patterns and stay focused.
   
• Expect Setbacks: Slipping up doesn't mean failure. Learn from it and keep going.
   
• Stay Positive: Focus on the freedom, health, and joy that comes from quitting.
   
• Get Professional Help: If you're struggling, seek help from a provider or program.
   
• Try Mobile Apps: Apps can help you track your progress and stay motivated.
   
• Educate Yourself: Learn about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.
   
• Join a Community: Online forums or quit-smoking groups can offer inspiration and accountability.
   

As someone who has overcome meth, cocaine, and alcohol addiction, believe it or not—cigarettes were the hardest for me to quit. It didn’t happen overnight. But every attempt taught me something and helped build the strength I eventually leaned on to quit for good.

This was huge. It gave me a clear target. I personally recommend choosing a date no longer than a week out—enough time to prepare, but not enough to overthink or psych yourself out.

This one’s key. Know exactly what people, places, or feelings pull you back into the habit. For me, alcohol was a huge trigger. Every time I quit smoking, drinking would lead me right back to it. I’d convince myself I could “just be a social smoker.” Spoiler: I couldn’t.

I couldn’t exactly stop driving, but I did change my experience in the car. I switched up my music, listened to motivational audiobooks, and eventually started enjoying the drive again. Now? I can road trip across the country rocking out to the Backstreet Boys with zero cravings.

This goes beyond identifying triggers. It's about changing your environment—and sometimes, your social circle. Smoking bonds us with people. When you quit, some relationships may fade. That’s okay. You’re making space for people who align with your growth and goals.

If you lose people because you’re bettering yourself, they were never meant to stay. And ask yourself, are those really the kind of people I want in my life anyway?

My body craved nutrients it hadn’t received in years. More fruits, veggies, lean proteins. I could feel my body thanking me for the change. Even adding in collagen powder to take once a day or some kind of green drink can help you feel the changes and healing as well. This will keep you wanting to feel better and better.

This Raw Greens Whole Food Powder is a very good one with lots of positive reviews 

This is a small hack that helped a lot. I kept a tin of Altoids nearby at all times. That intense menthol feeling gave me a similar “rush” without the cigarette. Gum helped keep my mouth busy and cut cravings.

I slept a lot the first few days. My body was tired and healing. I didn’t fight it—I gave myself permission to rest.

I drank water like it was my job. Staying hydrated helped flush toxins, ease cravings, and made me feel more alert and energized.

9. Journaling

Daily journaling about your experiences is a very beneficial task to add to your recovery habits. It takes the energy from your body and puts it onto paper. 

10: Planning and Keeping Busy

We are not only needing to change a few things when we quit tobacco, but we need to change pretty much everything. We are teaching ourselves a whole new way to live without something we have been using to get us through for so long. But we need to replace our unhealthy habits with healthy habits. Set goals, plan a healthy week, and keep your mind focused on what you are trying to achieve. 

This is your life. This is your one chance. And I promise—quitting is worth it. You are worth it. You will thank yourself down the road.

Be kind to yourself. Be patient. Some days will be hard, but you're not alone in this. Millions have walked this road, and so can you.