Smokers have a hard time quitting because of the nicotine found in tobacco. The addictive drug makes people dependent on it both physically and emotionally. The smoker's body craves the physical needs of nicotine while the person has developed a habit that is used on various occasions such as stressful periods, happy times and for relaxing following a meal or with a drink. Nicotine may be as addictive as heroin or cocaine, according to the American Cancer Society.
Function
The smoke inhaled from a cigarette brings nicotine deep into the lungs. The drug gets quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, where it is carried throughout the body, including the heart and brain, affecting hormones and metabolism. Nicotine and other cigarette chemicals remain in the body for as long as three to four days after a person quits.
Effects
Nicotine reaches the brain quickly after inhalation and brings pleasurable effects to the smoker, the American Cancer Society says. The nervous system is affected and adapts to the drug. A tolerance to nicotine develops, and the smoker needs more and more nicotine to acquire the same effect. The smoker usually boosts cigarette use until reaching a certain level that is satisfying.
Withdrawal
Regular smokers find it difficult to stop because the body craves a certain level of nicotine. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours after a person stops. Feelings of frustration, anxiety and irritability are among the reactions from quitting. Withdrawal symptoms vary among people, but often include dizziness, sleep disturbances, trouble concentrating, restlessness, headaches, fatigue and depression. Smokers who quit may develop an increased appetite, gain weight and develop a cough or sore throat. The symptoms are why many people return to smoking.
Warning
Smokers who try to quit also have to deal with triggers for smoking. They may be used to smoking at certain times of the day, the Mayo Clinic explains. People may fondly remember having a cigarette after dinner, while having a cup of coffee or while doing routine tasks, such as while driving a car or after leaving your workplace at the end of the day.
Considerations
Smoking habits develop over time, making it emotionally difficult to quit, according to FamilyDoctor.org. When people quit smoking, they realize that not only is their body addicted, but that smoking has changed the way they act. They miss having a cigarette to relax physically and emotionally. These acquired behaviors contribute to the nervousness, anger and fear a person may experience when giving up smoking. Physical withdrawal symptoms may last during the first few days, but the emotional attachment to smoking may last longer. Smokers may have to quit numerous times before they are successful.
