Nicotine Withdrawal

Any smoker who has tried quitting knows only too well what nicotine withdrawal is all about – the cigarette cravings, the disturbances in mood, problems in concentration and sleeping, and so on. Usually, the severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on factors like how long the person has been smoking and the number of cigarettes he/she smoked. Those who have been long-time smokers have tendency of having especially strong nicotine withdrawal symptoms at particular places, situations, or times connected with smoking.

As a matter of fact, according to studies it has been found that smokers who begin abstaining start experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms within half-an-hour of quitting. By the time one hour elapses, they start feeing irritable and quick to anger. Within three hours, symptoms like difficulty in concentration, depression, and anxiety become apparent. Researchers point out that this happens because it has been seen that regular smokers need to smoke one cigarette every forty minutes or so, by which time their system becomes almost free of the nicotine from the previous cigarette.

This is indicative that apart from nicotine withdrawal being a roadblock to quitting smoking, but that it most probably is responsible for each cigarette that is smoked in a day.

What are the Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal?

Given below are some of the main nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the way to cope with them:

Cigarette Cravings: Nicotine is a highly addictive drug, hence, cigarette cravings can be very powerful, particularly within the first 2-3 days of quitting. Sometimes these cravings can take place for months, even years. The best way to overcome the craving is to simply resist the desire to light up; it usually lasts just a few minutes. Whenever you feel the craving pangs coming on, start some activity and keep yourself busy. Focus your attention on something else. Chew on gum, drink water, eat some fruit. You could even try some deep breathing exercises, and be conscious of the fact that these symptoms are only temporary and that you can beat them.

Irritability, Tenseness and Crankiness: Deprived of the nicotine it is used to, the body craves for it. Cigarette smokers are basically under a constant condition of nervous stimulation, and much of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are due to the nervous system getting back to normal. This usually lasts for one to two weeks. To counter these symptoms, try exercising or walking, or meditation or other relaxation methods, chewing nicotine gum and cutting down on caffeine.

Fatigue, Loss of Energy: A feeling of fatigue is quite a natural symptom, since the body is deprived of the stimulating effects nicotine. This can last for 2-4 weeks. To counter this, more rest as well as more exercise is recommended. If tiredness occurs on waking up, a brisk walk and a refreshing shower should counter it.

Mood Swings and Anger: The deprivation of nicotine also brings on bouts of anger and swings in mood. And often, to alleviate this symptom of anger there is an urge to light up. When a situation crops up that makes you angry while you’re trying to quit, it is best to recognize what the root cause of the anger is – the craving for nicotine – and then deal with the situation in as calm a manner as possible. Discuss your state of mind with your spouse or a close friend.

Problems in Concentration: This symptom can last a few weeks. The system requires time to adapt to not getting a regular dose of nicotine. The best antidote for this is taking up some sort of physical activity, such as a sport, or an exercise routine, deep breathing exercises, and planning your load of work accordingly.

Some of the other nicotine withdrawal symptoms are dizziness, headaches, frustration, insomnia, restlessness, weight gain, and constipation. While not everybody trying to quit smoking may experience all these symptoms, many of them are quite commonly felt.

What are the Future Prospects of Nicotine Withdrawal?

Nicotine withdrawal is generally a temporary phase and does disappear in time, however, while it does last it can case a fair amount of discomfort. By recognizing what can be expected when quitting smoking, one can be better prepared to deal with it and get over this phase successfully.