One reason it is so hard to quit smoking and remain smoke-free is because of anxiety and nervousness. According to the American Cancer Society, in order to quit, you have to learn how to deal with both the physical and mental aspects of nicotine addiction. Learning to manage anxiety in productive ways can be of significant help when you are trying to quit smoking.
Anxiety Research and Smoking
A joint study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, University of Bergen and King's College in London, looked at 60,000 people and concluded that smoking is associated with anxiety and depression, as well as anxiety alone. Researchers found the greatest amount of people who reported both anxiety and depression smoked. The next largest group included people with anxiety alone, followed by those suffering from depression alone.
Significance
Being nervous, upset or shocked can play a big role in smoking, University of Pittsburgh psychologist Saul Shiffman states in a National Public Radio report. "Among men and women who quit smoking without any treatment like nicotine replacement, about three-fourths return to smoking within just one week," NPR notes. One key to remaining smoke-free is to learn how to deal with anxiety and nervousness, as well as other withdrawal symptoms, in more productive ways.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Dizziness, feelings of frustration, impatience and anger are all withdrawal symptoms you might experience when quitting smoking, according to the American Cancer Society. Your sense of anxiety or irritability might be heightened. You may also have trouble sleeping, or have trouble staying asleep. These symptoms are completely normal and temporary. Within two to three days, the withdrawal symptoms usually peak, and then slowly subside. Withdrawal symptoms will improve each day you remain a nonsmoker, the ACS reports.
Warnings Regarding Disease
According to the ACS, smoking puts you at a much higher risk for developing lung cancer and other cancers, as well as a host of other problems such as asthma, COPD and heart attack. Cigarettes contain more than 4,000 chemicals, many of which cause cancer. Cigarettes are as addicting as heroin, reports the ACS.
Finding Positive Activities
According to Shiffman, a relapse can often begin with one cigarette. Relapses are common during periods of emotional upheaval. Finding activities that you can do during an upsetting situation such as exercise, getting support from a friend or meditation is helpful. Distracting yourself with any pleasant activity will decrease cravings. Using a replacement such as a nicotine patch or gum can also calm the nerves and help avoid relapse. Consult your doctor if you've tried to quit in the past and want more support this time.
