Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are mainly observed in people, who are on the verge of quitting their habit of smoking. Take a look at this WellnessKeen article to know about the range of symptoms one might exhibit while quitting smoking.
The most known form of nicotine intake in human beings is cigarette smoking. Smoking tobacco is the infamous way of nicotine aspiration. Many people begin smoking at an early age, like adolescence or early adulthood. They get more and more addicted to it with passing years. The longer the consumption of nicotine, the lower is the possibility of quitting it. Some people may find this statement really exaggerating, but the fact is, most frequent smokers show their inability to quit smoking due to the fear of withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine Cessation
Smoking nicotine is injurious to health, and it can affect your body in numerous harmful ways, starting from tooth decay, bad breath, gum diseases to lung cancer. Smoking cigarette causes many psychosocial effects too. Hence, it is best not to smoke, and if addicted, try to get out of the addiction as soon as possible.
Quitting nicotine means quitting smoking, and quitting smoking means a total change in the lifestyle. It is one of the most difficult things to do. As we all know, nicotine is one of the most powerful addictive substances that acts quickly as well as powerfully. When a person decides to stop smoking, the amount of nicotine, which is already induced in the human body starts to react because the body tends to depend on nicotine. It is an astounding smoking fact that, those who try to quit smoking feel the results of nicotine cessation within four hours of its withdrawal. This is the main reason why people are afraid to quit smoking.
Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal
As stated earlier, nicotine addiction is the most difficult to get rid of. First one or two weeks can be the most difficult for beginners. The withdrawal symptoms have been observed till the 12th week of quitting its intake. After three to four months a smoker can lead a normal and healthy lifestyle.
Physical Symptoms
The general symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are mainly headache, nausea, anxiety, and craving for more nicotine. The craving could be the most dangerous stage in the withdrawal process. Nicotine creates certain chemical imbalances in the human body that leads to a dependency on this addictive agent. So, when a person stops smoking, his body responds in negative favor until its daily nicotine requirements are fulfilled. Other than the above general symptoms, here are certain some other symptoms. Different physical symptoms are:
- Excessive sweating
- Tingling sensation in hands and legs
- Cramps in various muscles
- Intestinal dysfunctions like vomiting and nausea
- Respiratory problems and chest infections such as, cough, cold, sore throat, etc.
- Flu and headache
- Dry lips, tongue, and mouth
- Increased appetite that sometimes leads to obesity
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Many people go through at least one of the following psychological withdrawal symptoms of smoking. The most common one of them is depression. Almost every beginner quitter gets a feeling of loneliness and depression in the beginning. People who stop nicotine intake have a feeling that they have lost someone very close to their heart. Other than depression, few psychological symptoms are:
- Insomnia
- Temper tantrums, mood swings, feeling of dependency
- State of paralysis
- Vagueness
- Irritability and anxiety
- Mental confusion and temporary weakening of memory
- Lack of concentration and understanding
Different people go through different withdrawal symptoms of nicotine. If the person is addicted to nicotine for a longer period, these symptoms tend to be visible a bit strongly and for a longer period. However, they fade away with time. They are mostly palliated with certain substitutes, like nicotine patches or nicotine gum. However, it is advised not to take any such substitutive assistance, and consult a physician. It is essential to stay away from smoking during cessation, even though there is a strong urge.
A little time, patience, and sacrifice from your side can help you overcome the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. One needs to stop smoking altogether, considering the long-term, grave symptoms of smoking addiction.
