What's happening
A full week is a real milestone. The NHS says withdrawal is usually strongest in the first week, and the American Lung Association says the first seven to 10 days are the toughest. So for many people the next days get a bit easier.
Smokefree.gov notes that the first week is also when people are most at risk of slipping. Getting here means your plan is working.
Withdrawal does not end at day 7. The NHS says symptoms last 3 to 4 weeks on average, and some people feel them for longer.
What helps today
- Look back at the week. Write down which tricks worked for your urges and which didn't.
- Reward yourself for the week with something you enjoy.
- List the situations coming up next week that might be hard, and plan for each.
- Keep using whatever support helped, like texts, calls or a quit app.