How to Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

All or Nothing? not exactly..

Quitting cold turkey is a phrase that describes when an individual stop smoking cigarettes immediately.

This is potentially the most difficult method to quit smoking - but it’s possible when you prepare yourself.

If you’re ready to beat nicotine addiction at once, then look no further than quitting cold turkey.

What Does It Mean To Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

So what is this cold turkey?

It’s unknown how this interesting phrase came to be, but some people say that it originated in the 1800s.

The term cold turkey is meant to signify that you’re quitting tobacco-based cigarettes without any buffer, such as nicotine gums and patches.

Quitting smoking cold turkey is fast but equally unpleasant because your body will instantly begin to crave nicotine.

Let’s take a look at the effects of quitting cold turkey.

What Happens When You Quit Smoking Cold Turkey?

Once you break the physical dependence and psychological dependence needed to go cold turkey, your body will start to react.

Normally, you’ll begin feeling the effects of nicotine withdrawal symptoms within 48-hours.

These symptoms are both physical and mental, which will increase the difficulty of staying away from tobacco-based cigarettes.

Once you’re quitting cold turkey, you’ll find that common nicotine withdrawal symptoms are intense cravings for cigarettes, irritability, depression, and insomnia.

Additionally, you’ll feel as though you have the flu, which will likely increase your physical and mental discomfort.

It won't be easy, but quitting cold turkey significantly increases your chances of abstaining from smoking in the long run.

As opposed to quitting gradually, a 2016 study found that quitting abruptly (cold turkey) had a greater rate of smoking cessation when compared to gradually quitting.

Solutions For Stop Smoking

Now, we know it’s going to be an incredibly difficult time, especially as you begin to realize the physical dependence and psychological dependence associated with nicotine addiction.

Here are some tips to help you quit smoking cigarettes cold turkey.

• Replace smoking with another habit or simple activity
• Make plans with friends and family. It’s even better if they don’t smoke.
• Schedule workout classes or other activities to keep your mind off your cravings.
• Avoiding situations where you used to smoke
• Changing routines that you associate with smoking
• Identifying your triggers is another important step that can prepare you for successful cessation. Triggers are places or things that make you feel like having a cigarette.

For example, it’s best that you avoid large groups at parties where it's common to find many smokers. Instead, surround yourself with individuals who do not smoke.

Herbal cigarette does not contain any tobacco, instead being composed of a mixture of various herbs.

 

Quitting cold turkey doesn’t have to be such a mentally fatiguing event.

There are some additional steps that you can take to increase your chances of staying away from nicotine-based cigarettes.

You can pair the cold turkey method with herbal cigarettes, which are medicinal plants.

Herbal cigarettes are comprised of herbs that do not contain any level of nicotine.

This means you can smoke (which helps with your psychological dependence) without the detrimental effects of nicotine.

The medicinal plants found in herbal cigarettes are rapidly becoming a standard way to quit smoking - especially when paired with the cold turkey method.