Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
You probably already know that quitting smoking is an important decision to make if you want to preserve your health, but you might be nervous about the nicotine withdrawal symptoms that go along with it. These symptoms can hit you as soon as two or three hours after your last cigarette, and they often peak after two or three days.
Although nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be a bit uncomfortable, you can make it through. Quitting isn't just important for your own health; it is also essential if you want to protect the rest of your family from secondhand smoke.
Nicotine Cravings
One of the first symptoms that you will feel after smoking your last cigarette is an intense craving for nicotine, which is the addictive substance that is found in cigarettes. Using nicotine gum or a patch can help soothe this symptom.
Weight Gain
Since nicotine can decrease your appetite, it is only natural that you can gain weight after quitting smoking. Munching on healthy snacks, such as fresh-cut vegetables and fruits, is one way to satisfy your appetite without putting on weight. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum as a way of keeping other things, like cigarettes and unhealthy food, out of your mouth.
Anxiety
If you have been smoking for a while, it's not uncommon to feel anxious if you put down your cigarettes. Don't let this anxiety cause you to light up again. Instead, try doing something that you enjoy or focusing on work or a project to keep yourself busy.
Headaches
It is pretty common to start getting headaches during this time period. Consult a healthcare professional for assistance in relieving these symptoms.
Sleep Issues
After putting down the cigarettes, you might begin to experience some sleep-related issues. You could feel drowsy even when you have had plenty of sleep, or you might have a difficult time sleeping at night. Some people even experience really bad nightmares.
Since your body is going through a difficult withdrawal period, it is important to take good care of it. If you are feeling sleepy, try to carve out the time to take a nap. If you are having a difficult time falling asleep or are having terrible nightmares, speak to your healthcare professional.
Concentration Problems
You might have a difficult time concentrating when going through nicotine withdrawals. Working hard to focus on the task at hand is important, and try to cut yourself a little bit of slack; you are going through a lot of changes and are doing something truly positive for yourself and the others around you.
Although nicotine withdrawal symptoms aren't pleasant, they don't last too long and will be worth it in the end. To make them a little bit easier, try using a nicotine patch or chewing on nicotine gum to help ease the withdrawal symptoms as you slowly wean yourself off of this harmful substance.
