The physical and psychological symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can be difficult to handle for both the person who is quitting and the people who are close to him. When you're trying to quit smoking, some people may even encourage you to have a cigarette to make the symptoms stop. The withdrawal process is only temporary, though. Develop a quitting plan, and contact your physician for additional support or treatments to help you endure the symptoms.
Duration
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can begin as shortly as 30 minutes after having a cigarette, but usually begin in about 2 to 3 hours. This is the initial craving that prompts a smoker to light the next cigarette. About 3 to 5 days after quitting, the symptoms reach the peak of their severity. Although symptoms decline and dissipate in approximately two weeks to one month, you may still experience cigarette cravings months after you quit.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are often similar to the symptoms of a cold. You may have a sore throat, headache, congestion and a cough. Other symptoms include cramps or nausea, sweating, insomnia, increased appetite or weight, and a tingling sensation in the hands or feet. The New York Times Health Guide notes that people who are quitting smoking should treat these physical withdrawal symptoms in the same manner they would treat physical symptoms from another illness or disease. For example, lozenges could soothe the accompanying sore throat.
Psychological Symptoms
Nicotine withdrawal can lead to anxiety, anger outbursts, temper tantrums, difficulty concentrating, tension, confusion, irritability, depression, restlessness and nightmares. These symptoms can aggravate or appear similar to a psychiatric disorder. Because tobacco use can mask depression by stimulating the mind and boosting moods, people who have or are prone to it are at a greater risk of developing depression or feeling it more severely after quitting smoking. Withdrawal can affect thought processes, too, causing a person to rationalize or justify having just one more cigarette.
Solutions
Nicotine replacement therapy with patches, lozenges or gum can help you gradually wean yourself from cigarettes. These may cause side effects such as headaches and odd dreams. Non-nicotine antidepressant medications can also assist you in the quitting process. Exercise reduces withdrawal symptoms, and a support group or therapist can help you cope with the symptoms. Because each cigarette craving lasts for only 5 minutes or less, it's helpful to wait them out by occupying your hands or mouth with another activity, such as chewing on a carrot stick or washing the dishes.
Considerations
Weight gain is a common and typically undesirable result of quitting smoking, but it is manageable with a weight-control plan. Smoking burns up to about 200 calories per day, which you can burn after quitting by walking for an extra 15 minutes and cutting 100 calories from meals each day. Ex-smokers with depression are less likely to remain smoke-free after one year, with only a 6 percent success rate. Therapy and use of antidepressants may help with the withdrawal process and long-term success.
