I QUIT!—The Crazies | OSH | CDC

The Crazies

When you quit smoking, you may have to put up with some stuff like bad nerves and crabbiness for awhile. That’s because tobacco contains nicotine—a drug —and smokers get hooked on nicotine. When you quit, your body craves nicotine and you feel withdrawal symptoms: the Crazies.

How Bad Will it Be??

The Crazies usually last for 1–2 weeks after you quit. After that, your body begins to forget about nicotine and you start feeling better. For some people —like heavy smokers—the Crazies may be tougher and last longer.

Even after the Crazies are gone, there will be times you’ll still want to smoke. That’s because nicotine is a powerful addiction. Even after you quit, you can get hooked again with just a few cigarettes. The only way to be safe is to become a nonsmoker—for good.

I QUIT!—The Day You Quit | OSH | CDC

How To Quit Smoking

The Day You Quit

1. Throw away all your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays.
2. You will feel the urge to smoke, but it usually passes in 2–3 minutes. When you feel the urge, do something else. Take deep breaths and let them out slowly. Drink a glass of water.
3. Carry things to put in your mouth, like gum, hard candy or toothpicks.
4. Keep busy: Go to the movies, ride your bike, walk the dog, play video games, call a friend.
5. Go to places where you’re not allowed to smoke, like the movies or the mall.

The First Few Days

1. The first few days after you quit, don’t hang around people and places where you used to smoke. If your family or friends smoke, ask them not to
   • smoke around you
   • offer you cigarettes
   • leave cigarettes where you can find them
   • tease you about not smoking
2. Turn your room into a "no smoking zone," especially if your family smokes.
3. Spend a lot of time in places where you’re not allowed to smoke.
4. Drink lots of water and fruit juice, but don’t drink anything with caffeine in it, like soda, coffee, or tea.