The Symptoms of

Nicotine Withdrawal

When you quit smoking you can expect to deal with withdrawal symptoms, both psychological and physical.

The psychological symptoms are related to the habit of smoking, and the places and things normally associated with smoking, like drinking coffee or talking with friends. People will often encounter a greater urge to smoke when they are in places and situations where they were accustomed to smoking. Like any bad habit, persistence can replace the smoking habit with healthier behaviors, but the physical withdrawal from nicotine may be more difficult to handle.

Why Is It So Hard To Quit?

Nicotine is a powerful drug related to cocaine and morphine. There is evidence that nicotine may be even more addictive than these drugs -- the 1-year success rate for heroin withdrawal is more than twice that of nicotine withdrawal.

Nicotine affects the neurotransmitters of the brain. The brain becomes accustomed to receiving this kind of stimulation and sends out strong signals of craving when deprived of nicotine. A person trying to quit smoking will experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, trouble concentrating, insomnia and fatigue. People who have been smoking longer will have stronger symptoms.

Help For The Symptoms

The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be alleviated with nicotine substitutes such as gum or patches. This can help overcome the habit of smoking, and it may be easier to quit by cutting down on these kinds of secondary nicotine sources than it is by quitting cold turkey. Some types of drugs (particularly antidepressants) can also be used to help lessen the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Brain Functioning Below Par

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms will change over time. They start as a strong craving for cigarettes. As you continue to deny your body nicotine, you may become irritable and have difficulty concentrating. The brain has become accustomed to working under the influence of nicotine, and may not function up to par when this stimulation is denied.

Because your brain is not receiving stimulation from nicotine, you may also feel tired and lacking in energy. Ironically, you may also have difficulty sleeping. Insomnia, a common complaint among people who are trying to give up smoking, will add to your daytime fatigue.

Other Problems

Constipation can also be a problem related to nicotine withdrawal. The digestive system is sensitive to nicotine in the bloodstream. Many smokers are familiar with the sensation of needing to use the bathroom after having a cigarette. The digestive system can become dependent on the stimulation, and when it is removed, the result can be constipation.

Other symptoms related to the mouth, throat, and lungs are also quite common. You may develop a dry mouth and a sore throat and cough, and the tongue and gums may become tender and sore.

Not all people trying to quit smoking experience all of these symptoms, and some may experience certain symptoms more strongly than others. It is important to remember that all the symptoms will pass as long as you refrain from smoking.

The Benefits Of Distraction

The urge to smoke will come in waves, and as you resist each wave in turn, the urges become less frequent and less severe. Each time you feel a desire to smoke, try to find some kind of distraction. Doing some exercise when the urge to smoke strikes has 2 benefits -- your mind is distracted from smoking and your health is improved.

At The Finish Line

Even after you have overcome all of the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, the psychological urge to smoke may remain for months or even years. Cravings may be stronger in situations where you have been accustomed to smoking, like at parties or pubs. This is due more to behavioral conditioning than actual physical dependence on nicotine.

There will come a day when you will not feel the need to smoke. With time these days will become more frequent until finally the desire to smoke has completely disappeared. You'll be a non-smoker.

Learn about the top-rated alternative Stop Smoking Programs:

Nicocure

Easy Quit Hypnosis

Quit Smoking Right Now