Tips for Coping With Nicotine Withdrawal

Introduction:

The craving or urges can be strong for many people who use tobacco. But one can overcome those cravings and urges. Remember that each time you resist a craving, you are one step closer to stopping tobacco use for good.

What Are the Things That Make Quitting Nicotine Difficult?

Your initial days of quitting nicotine will be difficult. Write down your reasons for quitting before your quit day, and read the list every day before and after. Try to stay focused and motivated. Some things make quitting nicotine difficult. They are:

Effects On the Brain:

• The brain has to get used to not having nicotine. As nicotine is the primary addictive drug in tobacco, it is difficult to quit. Nicotine triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that makes you feel good and pleasurable. So with time, your brain gets used to having nicotine around.

• Your brain gets irritated if you stop smoking or tobacco, making you anxious or upset. This is because nicotine changes the functioning of your brain. It may affect your sleep and concentration, and you can also have strong cravings.

• You can start having withdrawal symptoms. But it gets better with time as your brain gets used to not having nicotine around.

• You can also try quit-smoking medicines which contain nicotine because it is a safe way to get used to not having so much nicotine.

Effects On Daily Routine:

• Initially, quitting nicotine may affect your daily routine as it may be difficult for you to do these routines without a cigarette or any other form of tobacco.

• Feelings like if you are happy, sad, or stressed can also trigger an urge to smoke.

• Try to find out your triggers and overcome them accordingly.

• Millions of people have successfully quit nicotine for their good and have been feeling much better after that.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?

While trying to quit nicotine, it feels different for each person; almost everyone has the same nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine withdrawal can be hurtful as your body and brain must get used to not having nicotine. However, with time the nicotine withdrawal symptoms will disappear as you stay smoke-free. There are different symptoms of nicotine withdrawal:

• Having Cravings to Smoke - A person who smokes regularly has cravings and urges to smoke when they quit. Therefore, it is essential to figure out ways to handle those cravings.

• Feeling Restless - During the initial days of quitting, it becomes very difficult. So the person feels restless for the initial few weeks of quitting as the body has to deal with living without nicotine.

• Difficulty in Concentration - It is very common for people to find it difficult to concentrate after they quit nicotine.

• Difficulty in Sleeping - During the initial days, it is very common to have trouble sleeping. But if it bothers you, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

• Weight Gain or Increased Hunger - There is increased appetite after you quit nicotine. Overeating or feeling hungry might be because of the stress of quitting.

• Feeling Depressed, Sad, or Anxious - People who smoke are more likely to have depression than non-smokers. This is because there are mood changes observed. Smoking can make you feel better for a short period. The people who quit nicotine observe their depression and anxiety as lower than before.

• Feeling Irritated or Upset - It is very common to feel irritated or upset when you quit.

What Are the Tips to Manage Withdrawal?

There are a lot of things you can do to manage your withdrawal symptoms. There are a few tips that can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms:

• Use quit smoking medicine.

• Be Active. Any physical activity is better than doing nothing. It is not compulsory to join a gym; you can just go for a walk. Being physically active can help you lift your mood.

• Focus on eating. Try to eat slowly and enjoy your meals. Avoid distractions like watching television or checking your phone while having your meals. This can help you notice your appetite and prevent you from overeating.

• Try to stay busy and distract yourself.

• Connect with people who will encourage you and who are supportive of your efforts to quit smoking.

• Reward yourself.

• Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.

• Prepare your bedroom. Make sure it is dark, quiet, and adjusted at a comfortable temperature.

• If you are using a nicotine patch, try taking off it an hour before sleep, as it can affect your sleep.

• Try to avoid coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks.

What Are Different Ways to Quit Nicotine?

There are different ways to quit nicotine:

• Avoid Triggers. The triggers include where you have smoked or chewed tobacco most often, including bars. Try to avoid such triggers.

• Try going to smoke-free zones and try to distract yourself.

• You can try chewing sugarless gum or hard candy.

• Try to control your cravings and urges. Do not be tempted to satisfy your craving.

• Try to be physically active. You can jog, run, walk, or do some sort of exercise. If you dislike physical activities, you can try different things to distract yourself, like any household chores.

• Relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, and massaging have proved to be beneficial.

• Try to connect with your family members and friends for help. Counseling can be helpful too.

• You can join an online support group. This may help you learn how others have handled their cravings.

• Remind yourself about the benefits of quitting. You can become healthier, save money, and start feeling better.

Conclusion:

Always remind yourself that it is always better to do something. So each time you resist a craving, you are one step closer to nicotine-free. It is essential to focus on yourself, as there are many simple things you can do to improve your life.