Nicotine Withdrawl: What are the Symptoms?
Anyone who smokes knows the affliction of nicotine. It is an addiction that is more powerful than that of cocaine or heroin. Although the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine may not be quite the same, they can be just as harrowing for the person trying to give up smoking cigarettes.
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.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
Nicotine cravings Tension Irritability Headaches Inability to concentrate Drowsiness Sleeping difficulties Increased appetite Weight gain Depression
Symptoms may not be as intense as the above when switching to cigarettes containing less tar or when cutting back from the number of cigarettes smoked per day. It should be noted that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette. Low tar or low nicotine doesn't mean you will necessarily get less of these toxins, that is, if you don't smoke more to get the level of nicotine your body craves.
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.
Your healthcare provider can assist you with the correct plan of action for you to quit smoking. Once you have quit, you will notice your sense of taste and smell are enhanced as well as your lung capacity. With your lungs functioning better, your physical endurance will increase allowing you the ability to burn more calories and fend off 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.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
Nicotine cravings Tension Irritability Headaches Inability to concentrate Drowsiness Sleeping difficulties Increased appetite Weight gain Depression
Symptoms may not be as intense as the above when switching to cigarettes containing less tar or when cutting back from the number of cigarettes smoked per day. It should be noted that there is no such thing as a safe cigarette. Low tar or low nicotine doesn't mean you will necessarily get less of these toxins, that is, if you don't smoke more to get the level of nicotine your body craves.
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.
Your healthcare provider can assist you with the correct plan of action for you to quit smoking. Once you have quit, you will notice your sense of taste and smell are enhanced as well as your lung capacity. With your lungs functioning better, your physical endurance will increase allowing you the ability to burn more calories and fend off the weight gain associated with quitting smoking.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is an established writer and registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge and experience about Effects of Smoking on Respiratory System. She also provides more articles like Top 10 Reasons to Stop Smoking on Clivir.com.
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