When a person quits smoking they will most likely suffer from symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.  Depending on the amount of cigarettes smoked each day and the duration smoked affects the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine is a very addictive drug that when introduced into the body it affects the chemicals in the brain creating a feeling of, for lack of a better word, tranquility.  In reality all we are doing is setting ourselves up for pain and discomfort.  There are two main types of nicotine withdrawal, physical and psychological.  Each type needs to be addressed separately in order to diagnose and treat nicotine withdrawal symptoms effectively.

Once a person quits smoking and is no longer introducing nicotine into the body they will most likely begin to exhibit physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.  There are methods and products that can help in minimizing nicotine withdrawal such as over-the-counter nicotine replacement products, herbal remedies, and prescription drugs such as Zyban or Wellbutrin.  Often times individuals desiring to quit smoking have done so utilizing one of these products. 

There is no real easy way around suffering from physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.  The good news is that your brain chemistry will begin to return to normal after 1-2 weeks of quitting smoking reducing if not eliminating some of the symptoms associated with physical nicotine withdrawal.  This may sound like good news and in a way it is but don’t under estimate your nicotine addiction.  Many times when a long time smoker quits they encounter intense cravings for nicotine and relapse because these cravings are so strong.  There are several other physical symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal; you can expect to encounter at least one of them if not more.

Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms:

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Trouble Sleeping

• Drowsiness

• Constipation

• Anger

• Impatience

• Restlessness

• Difficulty Concentrating

• Trouble Thinking

• Lack of Energy

• Bad Breath

• Coughing

• Headaches

• Depression

• Tension

• Jitters

• Sweating

• Increased Appetite

• Time Distortion

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Learn about the Psychological Effects of Smoking