Quitting smoking brings great rewards for smokers who become ex-smokers. However, possible pitfalls lie ahead for people who have just given up cigarettes and are vulnerable to going back to a nicotine addiction. Those who have taken tremendous steps for their health can prepare for expected and unexpected problems.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The body reacts to the sudden absence of nicotine when people quit smoking. It wants a certain level of nicotine it was used to during the previous weeks, months or years of smoking. Withdrawal symptoms begin within a few hours of the last cigarette, the American Cancer Society explains. Symptoms may peak two or three days later when most of the nicotine is out of the system. The effects can last for several days or weeks. Symptoms include frustration, impatience, anger, anxiety and irritability. Restlessness, boredom, difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances occur. Depression may set in. Other symptoms include dizziness, headaches and increased appetite. Some people ease symptoms by using nicotine replacement therapy, which supplies them with doses of nicotine through gums, lozenges or patches.
Temptations
Dealing with temptations to smoke again often starts on the first day of quitting and can last for days or weeks. Many ex-smokers have an emotional attachment to smoking for a time. They may remember smoking while having a cup of coffee or alcoholic beverage. Smoking after a meal had been a common practice. Some people have friends still smoking or want to go to places where smoking is accepted. A solution to the problem is to stay away from reminders that can trigger smoking or stay with people who do not smoke, Smoke.gov advises. Other measures, such as taking walks after a meal, need to be taken to stay free from smoking.
Stress
Smokers often use cigarettes as a means of dealing with stressful conditions. An ex-smoker has to cope with stress without the use of nicotine. Many smokers go back to smoking because of stress. When stressful situations arise, new ways of handling stress have to be found. The American Cancer Society recommends regular physical activity and stress-management programs to reduce or prevent the urge for a cigarette during times of stress.
Weight Gain
Gaining weight occurs to many people after they quit smoking. Ex-smokers have an increased appetite to replace their nicotine addiction. Some people refuse to quit because they do not want to gain wait. Others go back to smoking when they add more pounds. The weight gain after a person quits smoking is usually less than 10 lbs., the American Cancer Society notes. Exercise and a healthy diet can eventually reduce weight and keep an ex-smoker healthy.
