Question on cravings

Not sure if this is the right place to post, but here it goes: I quit nicotine three years ago, along with alcohol. Alcohol was never a big issue for me, but since the two went hand in hand, I decided to quit both at the same time.

Even though I’m definitely happier now, I still get cravings. But it’s not for the substances themselves. I’ve relapsed once in the past, and when I tried nicotine again, it didn’t actually help the craving at all.

It’s more like an itch I can’t scratch. I don’t know what exactly my body is missing or what it’s really craving. I’ve tried different foods—healthy options, supplements, sugar-free gum, hard candy, you name it. Nothing seems to hit the spot.

I’m committed to never going back to nicotine or alcohol in any form, but I really wish I understood what this lingering craving is all about, at the same time I am 100% sure it’s not related to nicotine, maybe it has more to do with the habit than the substance?

Anyone else in the same boat? ?