Steve Clarke is clinical and therapy services manager for The Priory Group which provides specialist mental health services across Wales, and has more than 400 facilities in the UK. Here are his top tips on coping with the temporary impact on mental health of nicotine withdrawal

“Smokers who attempt to quit might want to be prepared for managing some anxiety that is created by cravings. Cravings are likely to happen as the body withdraws from its reliance on nicotine. These cravings may feel intense at first, however they will significantly recede within a short space of time.”

“There are two types of craving: a consistent craving for a cigarette, decreasing in intensity over several weeks, or sudden bursts of an intense desire or urge to smoke.”

“Cravings are often triggered by a cue or stimuli such as having dinner or drinks, or break-times at work. These urges to smoke will decrease as time passes; however, their intensity often remains strong for a reasonable period of time as we associate these events with smoking. In time, the association will completely diminish.”

“Cravings are natural. It’s a way of understanding that behaviours are changing.

“When we experience cravings and they are intense, it can be a good tactic to remind ourselves of the consequences if we pick up a cigarette once more. One good way to support this may to make two lists.
1 – What will life be like 5 years from now if I continue to smoke – maybe include “I’ll be less fit, I’ll have more health issues, I’ll have less money…”
2 – What will life be like in 5 years if I stop smoking? – maybe include “I’ll be healthier, I’ll be fitter, I’ll have more money, my clothes will be fresher…”