The first stage is when a familiar daily “event” occurs, such as that first cup of coffee in the morning, or a break between chores, perhaps before a meeting, after a meal, or with an alcoholic drink, just to mention a few. Even an emotion or feeling such as stress, worry, fatigue, or boredom can be an event that leads to a mental urge.
The thought of smoking is the second stage in the mental process that leads to a mental craving. When one of these events occurs, the thought of smoking arises because the mind has linked this thought to the event, by association. This is a normal mental function which happens all
the time. For example, with the event of seeing a red traffic light, you think “stop”, or the event of hearing a dog bark, you think “dog”.
The four stages of the mental process that lead to a mental craving begin with an event. The second stage is the thought of smoking, which your mind has previously linked to this event. Then there are two further stages, leading to a mental craving and smoking.
In order for you to quit smoking you will need to control the mental cravings. This can be achieved by eliminating one of the four stages of this mental process.