Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are mainly observed in people who are on the verge of quitting their habit of smoking. This article explains briefly the nicotine withdrawal symptoms...
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
The most known form of nicotine intake in human beings is in the form of smoking. Smoking tobacco is the infamous way of nicotine aspiration. Many people begin smoking at an early age like adolescence or early adulthood. They get more and more addicted to it with passing years. The longer the consumption of nicotine, the lower is the possibility of quitting it. Many smokers will agree to this statement of mine. Some people may find this statement really exaggerating, but the fact is, most frequent smokers show their inability to quit smoking due to the nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine Cessation
Smoking nicotine is injurious to health and it can affect your body in numerous harmful ways, starting from tooth decay, bad breath, gum diseases to lung cancer, etc. Smoking cigarettes causes many psychosocial affects too. Hence, it is best not to smoke and if addicted, try and get out of the addiction as soon as possible.

Quitting nicotine means quitting smoking and quitting smoking means a total change in the lifestyle. It is one of the most difficult things to do. As we all know, nicotine is one of the most powerful addictive substance that acts quickly as well as powerfully. When a person decides to stop smoking, the amount of nicotine which is already induced in the human body starts to react because the body tends to depend on nicotine. It is an astounding smoking fact that, those who try to quit smoking feel the results of nicotine cessation within four hours of quitting it. This is the main reason why people are afraid to quit smoking. Following are various nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
As stated earlier, nicotine addiction is the most difficult to get rid of. First one or two weeks can be the most difficult weeks for beginners. The nicotine withdrawal symptoms have been observed till 12th week of quitting its intake. After three to four months a smoker can lead a normal and healthy lifestyle.

Physical Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal
The general symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are mainly headache, nausea, anxiety and craving for more nicotine. The craving could be the most dangerous stage in quitting nicotine. Nicotine creates certain chemical imbalances in the human body that leads to nicotine dependency. So, when a person stops smoking, his body responds in negative favor until its daily nicotine requirements are filled in. Other than the above general symptoms, here are certain symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Different physical withdrawal symptoms are:
  • Excessive sweating
  • Tingling sensation in hands and legs
  • Cramps in various muscles
  • Intestinal dysfunctions like vomiting and nausea
  • Respiratory problems and chest infections such as, cough, cold, sore throat, etc.
  • Symptoms like flu and headache
  • Dry lips, tongue and mouth
  • Increased appetite that sometimes leads to obesity
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Many people go through at least one of the following psychological withdrawal symptoms. The most common of them is depression. Almost every beginner quitter gets a feeling of loneliness and depression in the beginning. People who stop nicotine intake have a feeling that they have lost someone very close to their heart. Other than depression, few psychological symptoms are:
  • Insomnia
  • Temper tantrums, mood swings, feeling of dependency
  • State of paralysis
  • Vagueness
  • Irritability and anxiety symptoms
  • Mental confusion and temporary weakening of memory
  • Lack of concentration and understanding
Different people go through different nicotine withdrawal symptoms. If the person is addicted to nicotine for a longer period of time, then these symptoms tend to be visible a bit more strongly and for a longer period of time. These withdrawal symptoms fade away with time. The nicotine withdrawal symptoms are mostly palliated with certain substitutes like nicotine patches or nicotine gum. But it is advised not to take any such substitutive assistance and consult a physician. It is essential during smoking cessation to stay away from smoking no matter the strong urge.

A little time, patience and sacrifice from your side can help you overcome the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. One needs to stop smoking altogether, considering the long term grave symptoms of smoking addiction.

By Rutuja Jathar
Published: 7/21/2009
 
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