Withdrawal symptoms make it difficult for people addicted to tobacco to stop smoking cigarettes or using tobacco. Approximately 50 million people in the United States smoke, but most say that they would like to quit, according to MedlinePlus. Successful withdrawal involves managing the physical and emotional symptoms that accompany stopping tobacco use.
Identification
The tobacco found in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive substance that produces pleasurable feelings when tobacco users smoke or use tobacco. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that other chemicals found in tobacco, such as acetaldehyde and monamine oxidase, may increase the effects of nicotine.
Effects of Nicotine
Nicotine acts as both a depressant and stimulant. You may feel more alert and happier when using tobacco. While these particular effects may make you feel good, nicotine also produces negative effects, such as diarrhea, nausea and sweating. Nicotine causes a short-term increase in heart rate, blood pressure and flow of blood to the heart, causing the arteries to narrow, according to the American Heart Association.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Your body becomes used to the effects of nicotine when you smoke or chew tobacco. Suddenly stopping tobacco use triggers changes in your body due to the lack of nicotine. Withdrawal starts as soon as two to three hours after your last tobacco use and peaks two to three days later, according to MedLinePlus. The longer you smoked, the more severe your symptoms may be. Withdrawal symptoms include trouble concentrating, strong cravings for nicotine, headaches, tension, irritability, increase in appetite, difficulty sleeping, frustration, weight gain and depression.
Nicotine Supplements
While some people may be able to endure withdrawal symptoms after giving up tobacco, others may benefit from gradually decreasing the amount of nicotine they use. Using nicotine supplements allows you to use lower and lower amounts of nicotine over a period of weeks or months until you are able to eventually stop using nicotine completely. Non-prescription nicotine supplements come in patch, lozenge and gum forms. Prescription supplements are available in nasal spray, inhaler and pill form. The type of supplement you use depends on your preference. Patches release a constant amount of nicotine into the body over 24 hours, while nasal sprays are rapidly absorbed through the bloodstream and may be attractive to highly dependent smokers, according to the American Lung Association.
Coping
Resisting temptation is difficult, particularly when smoking or using tobacco becomes a normal part of your daily routine. The American Cancer Society recommends eating carrot sticks or raw vegetables or keeping a straw in your mouth as a substitute for the sensation of a cigarette in your mouth. If you usually take smoking breaks at work, taking a walk around the building at your normal break time will give you something to do that doesn't involve smoking. Joining smoking-cessation programs or quitting smoking with a friend can help provide a support system during times of stress or craving. Practicing yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques may be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety caused by nicotine withdrawal.
Considerations
Nicotine acts as an appetite suppressant, according to MayoClinic.com. When you are smoking you may not feel as hungry and may consider appetite suppression an advantage of smoking if you are trying to lower your weight. If you are concerned about weight gain, incorporate healthy eating as part of your smoking-cessation plan. Engaging in physically active hobbies, such as bicycling, swimming and walking, will not only keep your weight down, but will help keep your mind off smoking or using tobacco.
