Does Nicotine Cause Anxiety?
Here we explore the connection between nicotine and anxiety, also providing healthier coping options.
The Link Between Nicotine and Anxiety
The link between nicotine and anxiety continues to be explored.
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Although, findings are mixed.
Over time, this can exacerbatesymptoms of anxiety.
How Does Nicotine Affect the Body?
Nicotine negatively affects the body in numerous ways.
But nicotine only produces temporaryanxiety reliefand does not address the underlying cause of the feelings of anxiousness.
The anxiety eventually returns and, without doing something about them, they can start to worsen over time.
Fromcognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) todialectical behavior therapy(DBT), many methods are available to help.
In some cases, a physician may recommend ananti-anxiety medicationto help manage the daily worry and stress.
The length of time that medication is used is based on the person’s condition and unique situation.
A person may need to start working on their anxiety before they attempt toquit smoking.
Therapy can help them identify healthier coping skills they can use to gain relief.
Then, they can work on quitting.
It’s important for people to discuss smoking with their doctor.
Suppose that the doctor suggests helping them quit while they still have high anxiety.
But each can have negative health consequences.
Getting help for anxiety is a healthier and more effective way to get lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may.
While many people think that smoking can ease anxiety, studies suggest that the opposite may also be true.
Research shows that nicotine may cause symptoms of anxiety or, at the very least, make them worse.
Nicotine targets various neurotransmitters and neural pathways in the brain that play a role in mood and anxiety.
Nicotine withdrawal can lead to a range of symptoms and feelings, including anxiety.
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Smokefree.gov.Anxiety & smoking.
National Institute of Mental Health.Generalized anxiety disorder: When worry gets out of control.
2018;5(5):CD000146.
