Quit Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms

Once you put those cigarettes down once and for all, you are free, right? Not exactly! Cigarettes are only part of the whole concept of smoking. For such a small object, they can become a huge part of a person’s life in a matter of three days. (This is the time that it is estimated that the average smoker goes from trying his first cigarette to being a full-fledged, addicted smoker.) And while, it may only take less than a week to become a smoker in the first place, it may take months or even longer to stop being one.

Stopping the physical act of cigarette smoking brings on a number of other issues, and when you quit, the smoking withdrawal symptoms may be even worse to deal with than you may realize. Just as with any other addiction, there are physical and mental symptoms to deal with. The cravings may be a nagging need to a raging monster that is impossible to ignore. Symptoms may sicken you and weaken your will until you find yourself standing outside, helplessly puffing away yet again. Before you even think about quitting, you should have some knowledge. Knowing what to expect when you quit smoking, including the withdrawal symptoms may be half the battle. Knowing what you will do to combat the effects of each issue as it arises will be comforting to you. Having a plan of action will strengthen your resolve which may be the push that you need to get you over that last hurdle.

When you quit smoking, withdrawal symptoms can include:

- increased nervousness, depression and sleeplessness
-increased appetite and weight gain
-tremors and other physical manifestations
-sweating and dry mouth
-dizziness and headache

If you know what to expect, you may not panic and then reach for a cigarette because of this added stress. Know what your triggers are. When do you smoke most frequently? Try to avoid the situation or replace smoking with another habit. Know techniques to deal with each of the withdrawal symptoms. Have several in mind in case one is failing you. Make sure that you have a support system in place for the days when you are at your most miserable. Not only should you use your friends to lean on in these trying times, you should consider:

-To combat nervousness and other mental symptoms, ask your doctor about nicotine replacement therapies that should lessen these effects.
-If sleep is becoming an issue, try a walk in the cool night air followed by a relaxing soak in the bathtub before bed. Add lavender to the water and try to keep you water to comfortably warm, not hot. Lowering your body temperature is key to good sleep.
-Find a way to fiddle and fidget that is acceptable and keeps your mind off of smoking. Start a crossword puzzle or find a word.
-Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing, preferably made of cotton to combat sweating.
- Take frequent sips of water, chew gum or suck on hard candies to combat dry mouth.
If any symptom persists, becomes unbearable or develops suddenly it may not be entirely smoking related and should be investigated by a doctor.