10 Weeks After You Stop Smoking | Nicorette Quitting Timeline

You've proven that you are tougher than quitting. Do you still need to use Nicorette^®?

When can you be sure you are past the slipping point? It's important to be alert to the danger of slipping and relapsing.

Reinforce positive behavior with a big reward — a trophy for the winner of the battle between you and cigarettes.

How Nicorette stop smoking products can help:

Ten weeks into your Nicorette therapy, it's time to change your dosage. Now begin following the dosage schedule for Weeks 10 to 12. Be sure to stay with your particular Nicorette product for the full 12 weeks for your best chance to stay a nonsmoker. Here's where you can buy it.

You've proven that you are tougher than quitting. Do you still need to use Nicorette^®?
You've done a great job getting to 10 weeks without smoking. You're just about ready to face any trigger with solutions at the ready. Occasional cravings can be annoying, but don't let them get to you. They're just a reminder to stay with Nicorette until you've completed the recommended course of treatment. You've made so much progress now that there's only one direction to move and that's forward.

When can you be sure that you are past the slipping point? It's important to be alert to the danger of slipping and relapsing.
As every quitter knows, one cigarette or even one puff could lure you back into your smoking habit. Although at 10 weeks you can be confident as a quitter, you don't want to feel like you're out of the woods just yet. If you slip as many smokers do, consider it a learning experience. Determine what threw you off your stride. How can you prevent a recurrence? If you were at a party and alcohol was involved, recognize that drinking makes it more likely that you'll slip. Don't beat yourself up. Your plan was working. It got you through 10 weeks and counting. It can get you the rest of the way. And if you do slip, remember it's one cigarette. Don't use it as an excuse to relapse.

Reinforce positive behavior with a big reward — a trophy for the winner of the battle between you and cigarettes.
At $5 to $10 a pack for a pack-a-day smoker, the savings could be between $350 and $700 now. Recognize your achievement with a reward. Look at the list of special rewards you made for yourself at the start of your quit. You might consider a digital camera, some personal training sessions or a country weekend getaway. What would suit you?

Must download Adobe Flash Player to play.

Tips for tackling triggers

There are certain times when you want a cigarette because it just seems to go with what you are doing. Drinking coffee in the morning is just one of the many cigarette-connected situations we call "triggers." We can help you approach these situations with alternate plans of attack. Here they are.
Stress

Try a short break, close your eyes, visualize a peaceful scene like a beach. Breathe slowly and deeply 10 times and relax the muscles around your mouth, in your jaw, neck, shoulders and even your hands.
With coffee

Change as much of this daily cigarette-linked habit as possible. Drink your coffee in a different room. Switch your mug. Or try switching to tea until you're totally smoke-free.
Boredom

Now's a good time to get into online games or crossword puzzles. Find a subject you want to know more about and read about it online. Try breaking out of your inertia by taking a walk or calling a friend.
On a drive

Before you quit smoking, clean out your car's interior and ashtrays. Play a different radio station or try audiobooks. Carrots or celery sticks can help keep your mouth and smoking hand occupied.
On the phone

Breaking habits means shaking things up. Talk on a different phone or move to a different place. Stand up when you talk instead of sitting. Keep straws or swizzle sticks handy to play with.
After meals

Don't linger at the table. Go where smoking isn't allowed like a mall or movie theater. It helps to know that foods like yogurt, milk, fruit and juices make cigarettes taste funny. End your meal with one of them.
Anger

Run, swim, walk or bike to let it out. Smokers sometimes light up instead of expressing themselves. Practice saying how you feel in a non-argumentative way so you'll be ready to say something the next time.
Parties or social events

If people are smoking, cut down or avoid alcohol so it doesn't affect your judgment. Ask for a straw or swizzle stick to play with. Practice saying, "No thanks; I don't smoke," if offered a cigarette.
To relax or unwind

It's important to find new ways to kick back. Pursue an interest online. Read and listen to music. Get better at a sport. Or find other ways to get out and active with friends.
Feeling blue

Getting up and going somewhere—a movie, a mall, a park, downtown—can help lift your mood. Or call someone you haven't talked to in a while. Share your good news about quitting.
Need a break

Get out for a little while, just don't do it with smokers. Go for a short walk or stand up and stretch. Surf online or pick up a book you enjoy.
I want to celebrate

Give yourself some play time or call a friend. For a big reward, window-shop online for the reward you could earn by staying smoke-free for the rest of the week.
After sex

Let your partner know you're quitting and why. If the cravings don't subside get up and brush your teeth. Smoking has been linked to impotence and loss of libido. So quitting smoking is good news for your sex life.
Anxiety

Breathe deeply, close your eyes and picture a serene setting. Notice if your facial, jaw and neck muscles are tense so you can consciously release them. Call a friend and talk about your fear.
Hunger

Hunger is often thirst disguised so drink some water. Keep healthy foods around to snack on. And remember that it takes about 20 minutes after a meal to feel full. Brush your teeth after eating.
Inability to focus

Take a break to stretch and walk around. Make a simple list of what you need to do. It will clear your mind so you can get back to work. Arrange tasks so that you can concentrate on one thing at a time.