Nicotine Withdrawal

About Nicotine Withdrawal

Nicotine produces pleasure in the brain, but has a short period of time that it works. Therefore, it needs to be re-dosed every few hours. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms are one of the reasons people have trouble staying abstinent once they decide to quit.

These symptoms run the gamut from simple headaches to tremors and aggression. Other symptoms of withdrawal include:

• Irritability
• Cravings
• Sleep disturbances or more dreaming
• Increased appetite (leads to weight gain)
• Attention deficits
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Sore tongue or gums

Most of these symptoms dissipate within a few weeks, although people who are highly addicted can have symptoms for several months. To keep symptoms at bay, pharmacological treatments like the patch or gum are recommended.

Nicotine Cravings

Cravings often cause users to pick up a nicotine product again. Cravings can begin within hours of quitting. Not only does a person physically need the “high” from tobacco products, but he/she may also want to calm his/her nerves.

Psychologically, a person has a hard time because his/her cravings are related to how and when he/she used the products. The feel, smell, taste, and ritual of using are hard for longtime abusers to ignore. These things produce pleasurable feelings and calming sensations for users.

However, if the user can distract himself/herself, the nicotine craving usually dissipates within five minutes. Cravings can occur as long as six months after initially quitting smoking. Sometimes, if a highly emotional or stressful situation occurs, they can return even after years of abstinence.

Behavioral treatments, like learning to avoid relapse situations, are beneficial to people because of the cravings. Other ways to cope with withdrawal cravings include avoiding smokers or smoking environments, exercising, getting enough sleep, and enjoying a favorite hobby or activity after a particularly hard day.

Reasons for Withdrawal

Going through nicotine withdrawal may not seem worth it. Gaining weight, becoming moody, and fighting with cravings can be extremely difficult. However, the health consequences of not getting through withdrawal are even more extreme. These medical problems may include:

• Lung cancer
• Other cancers (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Gum disease
• Increased risk of hearth disease, stroke, heart attack, vascular disease, and aneurysm
• Risks to unborn fetuses (low birthweight, preterm deliver, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects, mental and physical difficulties after birth)
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility in men and women
• Men becoming impotent
• Miscarriage in women

In addition to the serious health effects, small ones can be seen even in young people. They may cough; have yellowed skin, eyes, or fingers; wrinkle prematurely; have a dulled sense of smell and taste; or have brittle hair.

Once a person has decided to quit, his/her health almost immediately improves. For example, within 20 minutes, blood pressure and heart rate go down. By three months, walking is easier and circulation is improved. After a year of quitting, the risk of heart disease is cut in half. Long term effects include dropping the risk of lung cancer, other cancers, and stroke. Overall health and appearance will also improve.

Nicotine withdrawal is a trying time. However, with support from loved ones, treatment, and therapy, it is possible to overcome the addiction and make it through withdrawal.

Resources to Help You Quit

• Why Quit
• 1-866-U Can Try
• The Truth
• Smokefree.gov
• American Cancer Society