Everyone who smokes understands the extent of the addiction to nicotine. Oddly enough, nicotine is more addictive than cocaine or heroin. Although the symptoms of withdrawal differ from that of those previously mentioned drugs, the symptoms can be just as harsh for anyone trying to quit smoking.
Every tobacco product contains nicotine, however cigarettes also contain additional chemicals and toxins which can be very harmful o your body. If you are considering quitting, you know the withdrawal symptoms will be nerve racking, but your body will begin to heal itself within thirty minutes of quitting smoking. In addition, the symptoms of withdrawal peak after two days, so if you can stick with it, you will reap the benefits of a lower risk of heart attack, lower risk of other serious illness and add years to your precious life.
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include:
Nicotine cravings Tension Irritability Headaches Inability to concentrate Drowsiness Sleeping difficulties Increased appetite Weight gain Depression
The above symptoms can be made to be less intense if you try switching to cigarettes with less tar as well as cutting back on how many cigarettes you smoke in a day. It is very important to remember that there is no such thing as a "safe" cigarette. Just because it contains less tar or nicotine does not necessarily mean your body isn't receiving the same toxins, especially if you smoke more of these cigarettes to compensate for the amount your body used to receive with the regular cigarettes.
How to cope:
Quitting smoking does not have to be done without help. There are several methods available that can help you kick the habit. Nicotine replacement therapy using the gum or the patch is very useful as well as medications such as clonidine, antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), and buspirone (Buspar) which can be prescribed by your doctor. The medications do not create any additional addictions and can greatly increase your ability to succeed.
It is easy to get discouraged when your first attempt to quit is met with failure. Research suggests that the more attempts made to stop smoking, will eventually meet your goal of quitting. So keep trying until you overcome your addiction to nicotine.
Nicotine withdrawal is only temporary and eventually ceases. This is the hardest part of quitting smoking, and coping strategies play a big part.
Complications:
A complication of quitting smoking is the weight gain. It is a good idea to get into the habit of eating a healthy well balanced diet. Anticipate not only cravings for nicotine, but cravings for food as well. You can combat this factor by increasing your physical activity and burning more calories. Additionally, find healthy snacks to satisfy the cravings for food, such as fresh fruit or vegetable sticks like celery.
A visit to your healthcare professional can help you comprise the best plan of action for you to kick the smoking habit. Once you have, you will notice your sense of taste and smell returning to normal as well as your lung capacity increasing. With your lungs able to function better, you will be able to increase your physical endurance which will enable you to burn more calories and combat the weight gain associated with quitting smoking.
Every tobacco product contains nicotine, however cigarettes also contain additional chemicals and toxins which can be very harmful o your body. If you are considering quitting, you know the withdrawal symptoms will be nerve racking, but your body will begin to heal itself within thirty minutes of quitting smoking. In addition, the symptoms of withdrawal peak after two days, so if you can stick with it, you will reap the benefits of a lower risk of heart attack, lower risk of other serious illness and add years to your precious life.
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include:
Nicotine cravings Tension Irritability Headaches Inability to concentrate Drowsiness Sleeping difficulties Increased appetite Weight gain Depression
The above symptoms can be made to be less intense if you try switching to cigarettes with less tar as well as cutting back on how many cigarettes you smoke in a day. It is very important to remember that there is no such thing as a "safe" cigarette. Just because it contains less tar or nicotine does not necessarily mean your body isn't receiving the same toxins, especially if you smoke more of these cigarettes to compensate for the amount your body used to receive with the regular cigarettes.
How to cope:
Quitting smoking does not have to be done without help. There are several methods available that can help you kick the habit. Nicotine replacement therapy using the gum or the patch is very useful as well as medications such as clonidine, antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), and buspirone (Buspar) which can be prescribed by your doctor. The medications do not create any additional addictions and can greatly increase your ability to succeed.
It is easy to get discouraged when your first attempt to quit is met with failure. Research suggests that the more attempts made to stop smoking, will eventually meet your goal of quitting. So keep trying until you overcome your addiction to nicotine.
Nicotine withdrawal is only temporary and eventually ceases. This is the hardest part of quitting smoking, and coping strategies play a big part.
Complications:
A complication of quitting smoking is the weight gain. It is a good idea to get into the habit of eating a healthy well balanced diet. Anticipate not only cravings for nicotine, but cravings for food as well. You can combat this factor by increasing your physical activity and burning more calories. Additionally, find healthy snacks to satisfy the cravings for food, such as fresh fruit or vegetable sticks like celery.
A visit to your healthcare professional can help you comprise the best plan of action for you to kick the smoking habit. Once you have, you will notice your sense of taste and smell returning to normal as well as your lung capacity increasing. With your lungs able to function better, you will be able to increase your physical endurance which will enable you to burn more calories and combat the weight gain associated with quitting smoking.
About the Author:
A licensed registered nurse who loves to writes and shares her knowledge with others, Barb Hicks is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she contributes articles about Smoking Health Effects and Stop Smoking Medication.
