Smoking is an incredibly addictive habit that has far-reaching negative effects on the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 70 percent of the smokers in America wish to give up the habit completely, and more than 47 million Americans have managed to kick the habit. Unfortunately, the physical and psychological effects of nicotine addiction can be very harsh, which is why it can be extremely difficult to give up cigarettes.
Nicotine
According to the American Heart Association, the body metabolizes nicotine relatively quickly, giving it a half-life of around two hours in your system. The level of nicotine built up over time by a habitual smoker can take time to dissipate, however; a heavy smoker might still have significant levels in the blood six to eight hours after their last cigarette. It is during this early period of nicotine depletion that the first withdrawal symptoms set in.
Early Withdrawal
The psychological craving for another cigarette usually begins only a few hours after the last one, before the level of nicotine in the blood has had a chance to deplete significantly. Smokers trying to quit are notoriously irritable and can have difficulty concentrating while they battle the desire to have another dose of nicotine. After a few hours, physical symptoms begin to set in as the psychological symptoms increase in severity, and depression can set in as nicotine's mood-enhancing effects fade from the body.
Physical Symptoms
In addition to the mental effects of nicotine withdrawal, the body begins to feel the physical effects during the first 24 hours after smoking. These symptoms can include dizziness, headache, hunger, upset stomach and drowsiness accompanied by an inability to sleep. These symptoms gradually increase in intensity, peaking around two to three days after the last cigarette, and then begin to lessen in severity, although in heavy smokers symptoms can linger for weeks.
Long Term Effects
Unfortunately, the mental habits associated with smoking are hard to break, and the desire to smoke can last months or even years after the actual withdrawal symptoms from nicotine have passed. Smelling cigarette smoke or performing an action that was once associated with smoking can trigger the desire for nicotine again, but over time, the cravings are easier to overcome. One common long-term effect of quitting smoking is an increase in weight, as nicotine serves as an appetite suppressant, and giving it up can increase the desire to eat. Former smokers who adopt a regular exercise program find that the routine helps them avoid cravings as well as reduce the extra pounds they put on after giving up nicotine.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Nicotine Addiction and Withdrawal
- American Cancer Society: Why Is It So Hard to Quit?
- Medline Plus: Nicotine Addiction and Withdrawal
- New York Times: Nicotine Addiction and Withdrawal
- American Heart Association: Nicotine Addiction
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Smoking & Tobacco Use
