In contrast to the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, psychological nicotine withdrawal symptoms are created over years of smoking and are mental.  These symptoms don’t really have anything to do with the lack of nicotine in the body.  They are the product of months or years of conditioning related to how we view smoking and the everyday events in our lives. 

The mind is a powerful contender when quitting smoking.  When we have gone without a cigarette for some time our brain starts to invite the thought that it is time to take a break and smoke or we will begin to experience unpleasant feelings.  Over time smokers have grown accustom to using smoking as a crutch.  When experiencing unpleasant emotions or stress the first thing we think of is having a cigarette to calm down.  Smoking is related to taking time to think, to relax, topping off a meal, or even drinking a cup of coffee. 

Smoking has become a habit for most and getting through the day without having a cigarette can bring on feelings of fear and anxiety.  Smokers are used to smoking at a specific time each day as well as when experiencing certain feelings and emotions. 

When a smoker quits smoking the brain will be your worst enemy at times, telling you that it is okay to have just one or you need it.  The fact of the matter is your brain is lying to you.  When you get stressed you may encounter thoughts that you need a cigarette to calm down, again this is a lie.  You can control the psychological symptoms of nicotine withdrawal by changing the way you think about smoking and the effects it has on your body.  Developing new healthy habits to replace your old smoking habit while changing the way you think about cigarettes can greatly increase your chances of staying quit.

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Additional Information on the Psychological Effects of Smoking:

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Nicotine

Psychological Effects of Smoking - How can I Quit Smoking?

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Overcoming the Fear to Quit Smoking

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Breaking the Emotional Attachment

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Smoking to Relieve Boredom

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Are You Making Excuses to not Quit Smoking?

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Are You Brainwashed to Enjoy Smoking?

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Preparing Your Mind to Quit Smoking?

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Is Quitting Smoking Really that Hard?

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Believe You can Quit Smoking

Psychological Effects of Smoking - Why People Fail to Quit Smoking