According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. Library of Medicine, approximately 50 million Americans smoke cigarettes and millions more use smokeless tobacco products. Both forms of tobacco contain nicotine, an addictive drug, and put your health at risk. Although quitting tobacco use is stressful due to nicotine withdrawal symptoms that are both physical and psychological, most symptoms are temporary and should fade within 12 weeks.
Intense Cravings
Your body will continue to crave nicotine in the early days of withdrawal, as your nervous systems returns to normal. In most cases, the cravings will last a few minutes and are accompanied by irritability. Breathe deeply and let the cravings subside, and then stay busy by working, doing a relaxing exercise or chewing gum.
Weight Gain
Smoking cigarettes burns about 200 calories daily, according to "The New York Times." During withdrawal, your body's metabolism slows down and insulin levels rise. This change allows your body to process more sugar for energy, which may lead you to snack more often and gain between 5 and 15 pounds. Take a short walk and eliminate 100 calories daily from your diet to burn the same number of calories you did as a smoker.
Dizzy Spells
Your body receives an abundance of oxygen as you withdraw from smoking, which can produce extreme dizziness or headaches that should subside after a week. Reduce your risk for these symptoms by avoiding coffee and carbonated soda. A warm bath and a walk in the fresh air may also help.
Fatigue
Without nicotine working in your body as a stimulant, you might feel tired for up to four weeks until your body adjusts. During the transition, get plenty of exercise and take naps when possible.
Depression
In the days following nicotine withdrawal, symptoms can resemble those of grief when a loved one dies, while long-term depression of at least six months is also common. "The New York Times" reports that people who carry a history of depression have a 25 percent likelihood of becoming depressed after quitting smoking. The "Times" adds that approximately 6 percent of those with depression will resume smoking within a year, although antidepressants, nicotine substitutes and emotionally supportive therapy can help. Seek professional help if extreme depression lasts longer than your withdrawal period.
Stomach Discomfort
As your body rids itself of nicotine, your intestinal movements could decrease, resulting in constipation, stomach pain or gas that can last for a few weeks. QuitSmokingSupport.com recommends drinking up to eight glass of water daily and adding fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet to reduce discomfort.
Chest Tightness
When your lungs remove mucus and tar, your regular mucus system begins to normalize. Coughing is often the result and should last no longer than three to four days, according to StopSmokingSupport.com.
Inability to Sleep
Because nicotine influences the function of your brain waves, those who quit smoking often have trouble achieving deep sleep for about one week. You can increase your chance of a good night's rest by refraining from caffeine in the evenings.
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