Wondering about the effects of ending tobacco use proves the first step toward trying and succeeding at it. Because the nicotine in cigars, cigarettes and pipe tobacco can become extremely addictive, it's not easy for everyone to stop smoking. Nicotine dependence is both mental and physical, so quitting smoking will have both mental and physical effects. Some of these are uncomfortable, but the vast majority are positive. If smokers need one motivation for quitting, the U.S. Surgeon General reminds them that nonsmokers live an average of 13.8 years longer than those who smoke cigarettes.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The American Cancer Society or ACS reports that the effects of nicotine withdrawal may begin a few hours after the last puff. Symptoms may increase for about three days, and then taper off over days or weeks. Physical effects may include dizziness, headaches, fatigue, increased appetite and noticeable respiratory discomfort. Emotional effects may include anxiety, impatience, anger, restlessness, irritability and depression.
Potential Backsliding
It may take several tries to stop smoking, according to the ACS. Because withdrawal symptoms are directly tied to an absence of nicotine in the bloodstream, many people resume tobacco use as many as 8 or 9 times before quitting smoking for good. The dual nature of the addiction may hamper quit attempts, and the ACS cites studies showing that effective cessation programs contain mental and physical components. Having a plan rather than trying to quit "cold turkey" can increase the chances for success.
Freedom From Addiction
The American Lung Association or ALA lists money savings and an end to having to find the time and place to smoke as benefits of freedom from tobacco use and addiction. Living with those worries and the threat of serious health problems detracts from the quality of smokers' lives.
Ending mental and physical dependence by quitting smoking frees individuals to pursue other priorities. The American Heart Association notes that individuals with medical conditions who were poor treatment or surgical risks as smokers can look forward to resolving health issues when they stop smoking.
Health Improvement
Respiratory function begins to improve shortly after tobacco users stop smoking. Coughing, wheezing and breathlessness decline in less than one year after quitting smoking, the ALA relates.
Additionally, in 1 to 15 years, the stress on smokers' hearts and lungs decreases sufficiently to end their heightened risk for heart attack, stroke, lung cancer and coronary heart disease. This improves their exercise tolerance and reduces the chance for premature death.
