This experience can be a distressing experience for some, triggering a host of physical and psychological symptoms.
But it doesn’t mean that everyone will experience withdrawal in the same way.
What Is Nicotine Withdrawal?
Verywell / Laura Porter
How long do nicotine withdrawal symptoms last?
However, they are often strongest a few days after stopping nicotine completely.
The nicotine withdrawal symptoms discussed here are not all the same criteria as listed in the DSM-5.
Here are a few of the most common, along with several ways to avoid them.
While nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be challenging, it’s important to remember that these effects are only temporary.
With a little preparation and persistence, youwillget through them.
The cravings you feel are triggered by nicotinic receptors in the brain.
To cope with this nicotine withdrawal symptom, remind yourself that the feeling will pass.
Chewingnicotine gumor taking a long, brisk walk can also help as you wait them out.
Muscle and joint pain after quitting smoking are common symptoms of the quitter’s flu.
In most cases, quitter’s flu will last for only a couple of days.
Nicotine replacement therapy, along with over-the-counter pain relievers, may help ease these symptoms.
Thankfully, this effect will stabilize as your body adjusts to being nicotine-free.
In the meantime, to keep from gaining weight when quitting smoking, it helps to control your snacking.
Do something to distract yourself instead eating, such as engaging in physical exercise.
And if you do snack, choose healthy foods that won’t contribute to weight gain.
Fruits and vegetables are good options to consider.
These symptoms are also closely linked to the dysregulation of dopamine, which is involved in sleep regulation.
Torelieve insomnia when quitting smoking, consider any other factors that may be contributing to your sleep issues.
It can also be helpful to develop a pre-sleep routine that helps you relax.
It can also be helpful to use honey or an over-the-counter cough drop to ease any throat irritation.
Mood Changes
Stress and irritationare common symptoms of early nicotine withdrawal.
They are triggered by the profound dysregulation of the endocrine (hormonal) and central nervous systems.
Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness are also common.
So are feelings of anxiety, which often occur within three days of quitting but may last several weeks.
These psychological symptoms can worsen if you are sleep-deprived, further leading to bouts of anxiety ordepression.
Findingways to reduce your stresswhen quitting smoking can help avoid this common nicotine withdrawal symptom.
This may involve journaling, talking with a friend, or finding a physical activity that you enjoy.
This effect may be further exacerbated by the “munchies” some people experience while quitting.
Drinking plenty of water can help normalize your bowel movements.
Increasing your intake of dietary fiber may reduce this nicotine withdrawal symptom as well.
So, when you stop using it, there is less dopamine released, resulting in withdrawal symptoms.
(Nicotine affects other neurotransmitters as well.)
While nicotine withdrawal can be uncomfortable, it does make your body healthier versus hurting it.
Behavioral factors are also thought to influence nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
For example, just seeing someone smoking or smelling a cigarette can increase your cravings to do the same.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Takeaways
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be intense and uncomfortable.
But this phase of smoking cessationwon’t last forever.
And, if prepared, youcanmanage and cope with the symptoms as they come.
In the end, thebenefits of quittingfar outweigh any short-term discomfort you may experience through withdrawal.
If you take it one step at a time, you’ll get there.
Try not to get ahead of yourself and worry about never smoking again.
Just focus on today and do whatever it’s possible for you to toremain smoke-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, quitting smoking can lead to muscle ache and joint pain.
Smoking is associated with increased inflammation, so quitting smoking can lead to significant improvements.
This can take time, but it contributes to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The health benefits of quitting are progressive and can take time, but start almost immediately after quitting.
Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
A year after quitting, the cilia in your lung regain their normal function.
By two years, your risk of heart attacks drops significantly.
Between five and 10 years, your risk of different cancers drops dramatically.
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