Smoking withdrawal symptoms

Now that you've decided to quit smoking, you may be wondering what to expect, in terms of smoking withdrawal symptoms, once you actually stop smoking. Withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking occur because, nicotine, a chemical in tobacco, is highly habit forming and is what causes smokers to become addicted to smoking.

Why is smoking addictive?

It's important to understand that an addiction to nicotine is very much an addiction, just like an addiction to any other drug. Nicotine, the main ingredient in tobacco, affects the portion of the brain that is associated with pleasurable feelings. Nicotine elevates levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in that specific portion of the brain resulting in a pleasurable experience. Dopamine controls the desire to consume and crave drugs. Nicotine raises the dopamine levels in the brain quicker than any intravenous drug. It only takes nicotine 10 seconds from inhalation to increase the dopamine levels in the brain, and the proceeding pleasurable feeling. Likewise, nicotine quickly dissipates leaving the smoker craving another cigarette to retain the higher dopamine levels. A smoker will begin to notice symptom s in a matter of mere hours after their last cigarette.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of smoking cessation?

There are several common withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking. Nearly all people who decide to quit smoking experience some type of withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone experiences all the symptoms and the severity of each symptom varies from person to person. Similarly, the duration of symptoms varies from person to person, but most people experience a peak in symptoms during the first week. Withdrawal symptoms usually last a few weeks, though some people may experience symptoms for several months. The most common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Cravings: Most smokers have intense desires to smoke cigarettes while they quit, sometimes after they quit also.
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances: Many smokers have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or intense dreams when they quit smoking.
• Nausea and diarrhea: Nearly all smokers experience nausea when they quit smoking
• Headaches or muscle aches: As the body becomes nicotine free, many smokers get headaches or aches, similar to that of the flu.
• Anxiety, anger or restlessness: As the smoker adjusts to the lower dopamine levels in the body, they may be edgy or short tempered.
• Attention difficulties: Many smokers have reported feeling like they are in a fog as they quit.
• Congestion or a sore throat: As the lungs and esophagus repair themselves, the smoker may experience excess fluid which may irritate the throat. .

How can i manage my symptoms?

Effectively managing your smoking withdrawal symptoms will dramatically increase your chances to remain smoke free. There are numerous ways to cope with symptoms. Here are some common ways people have dealt with symptoms.

• The first tip is to understand why smoke and why you are determined to quit. You can not successful stop smoking if you really don't want to stop. In a journal, write down your reasons for smoking an d why you want to stop. It may help to maintain a journal to chronicle, examine, and reinforce your progress.
• Set a firm date to stop smoking within in the next two weeks. This is long enough to get a plan established, but not so long to lose your drive to quit.
• Prior to your quit date, set up a plan to stop smoking.
• Tell your friends and family that you are going to quit. Ask for their support, exactly as you need it (if you don't want to be asked about your progress, explain this to them and so forth), and understanding, as there will be some rough spots along the way.
• Join a support group for people that are quitting smoking. Group or individual programs are available.
• Do not put yourself in situations where you will desire a cigarette right away. Ask friends not to smoke around you.
• Talk with your doctor about quitting.
• The more support and information you have the better your chances of quitting for good.
• Set up a change jar, e ach day put what money you would have spent on cigarettes in the jar and reward yourself at the end of the week, month or year for your progress.
• On your quit remind yourself and others that today is the "Day".
• Become healthier
• Take walks or play a game of basketball. Anything that gets you moving and your mind off smoking is good.
• Eat foods that are good for you.
• Drink water. Drinking water can help you overcome your urges.
• Overcome fixations: If you are used to holding something in your hand, carry around a pen or pencil. If you miss the sensation of have something in your mouth, try a toothpick or cinnamon stick.
• Stay positive and start each day by focusing on the positive. Your body is becoming healthier, your senses are returning to normal, you and your clothes smell better and you have more money in your pocket.

The smoking cessation process becomes more effective when you adequately manage your smoking withdrawal symptoms. There are times when the withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking may seem overwhelming, but with a plan and support network are controllable.

Related Articles:

Be cautious after you quit the habit of smoking
Adverse effects of chewing tobacco
How to quit smoking marijuana

Bookmark this Page Email this to your friend Add this page to del.icio.us