Two weeks in, is it supposed to get easier?

It's been two weeks since i decided to stop smoking, and I've been watching a lot of TikTok videos (in search for motivation) where people claim it gets easier after this point. Honestly, i dont agree with that at all. If anything, this week has been harder than the first.

I've been feeling grumpy and irritable, which has been tough on both me and the people around me. I saw in one video that chewing gum can help with the oral fixation, so I've been chewing gum and eating a lot more than usual which I'm not thrilled about that, it feels like I'm replacing one habit with another, and it makes me feel out of control.

I've learned that nicotine disrupts the brain's reward system, which is why I'm experiencing these withdrawal symptoms. As one article put it, "Nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and low mood occur because the barin's system has been altered, leaving it reliant on nicotine for normal functioning" (Nicotine Addiction, 2023). Understanding this has helped me realize why my cravings and emotions feel so overwhelming this week.

My motivation has also been pretty low. Every day, I catch myself considering breaking my streak. For example, the other day i went to pump gas, and it took so much willpower not to walk into the store and buy cigarettes. Pumping gas and buying cigarettes has been part of my routine for so long that it feels automatic. "Habits form when behaviors become automatic responses to triggers, creating a loop of craving and reward" (Brewer, 2017). This explains why the act of pumping gas triggered such a strong craving, it's like my brain was expecting its usual reward.

I've also come to realize just how addicted I am. I always told my mom I wasn't addicted, that i could stop whenever i wanted to, i just didn't want to... I know it sounds cliche, but I truly believed it at the time. Now, I'm seeing how wrong i was.

I really hope it gets easier from here because this week has been incredibly hard. But even on the tough days, I remind myself how proud ill feel at night in bed when the day is over and I didn't let the cravings win it truely is an amazing feeling.