Can’t decide whether it’s time to quit your nicotine craving? Do you regret it every time you light one? Not certain if you have what it takes to quit smoking? Well, if you’ve been feeling all that, it's fair to say that you’re not the only one. Millions of people have developed an addiction towards nicotine over the years and are finding it difficult to put an end to this unpleasant habit.
When you use tobacco products, nicotine travels to your lungs and is quickly absorbed into your blood, and then, travels to other areas of your body. This causes the brain to release dopamine, creating temporary feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
When the feel-good effects of nicotine wear off, one may feel edgy or irritated. At this point, many people keep using nicotine to continue enjoying the pleasurable effects. The more you use nicotine, the higher your body’s tolerance to it becomes. This means your body will gradually need more nicotine to feel good. The body and mind become dependent on smoking to combat stress. The lack of nicotine at such a time can result in withdrawal symptoms like restlessness and agitation.
Physical withdrawal symptoms:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Gas, constipation or diarrhoea
- Increasing hunger and weight gain
- Nasal drip, coughing, dry mouth and throat irritation
Psychological and Emotional withdrawal symptoms:
- Having trouble focusing
- Sadness or depression
- Feeling uneasy, jittery, agitated or angry
- Feeling worn out, fatigued or apathetic
There are several things you can do, such as limiting the number of cigarettes per day, substituting your craving with a tangy treat or exercise, and finding other ways to occupy your mind.