Quit Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms

Quit Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms

Addiction is the fact of mind and you must be determined to quit smoking. People who try and quite smoking rarely do it on the first attempt. It often takes several attempts to quit permanently. To quit smoking is a major life changing event and should never be taken lightly. A person who quits will suffer withdrawal symptoms, particularly in the first two weeks after quitting. Outside of these withdrawal symptoms there are two other psychological factors that cause ex-smokers to start up again. The first is rationalization, the second is stress.

Rationalization generally occurs in the first couple of weeks after quitting, and is when the ex-smoker starts playing mind games with themselves about the facts of why they stopped. It can include anything from convincing themselves that just one puff doesn’t make a difference, or that smoking isn’t really that bad because they know people who have lived way passed 75 and suffered no ill effects.

These mind games need to be recognizable to a smoker when they start and understand that they are just another sign of a sudden craving. Following techniques such as going for a brief walk or phoning somebody to talk about sport or even just taking deep breathes generally carry the person through until the craving stops. Another common technique is convincing yourself that you can a quick puff in another 15 minutes or so, by then the craving passes. The trick is whether or not the ex-smoker identifies these mind rationalizations as withdrawal symptoms.

Stress is often cited as one of the leading reasons why ex-smokers light up again. During their smoking days, stress would be handled by lighting up a cigarette. The nicotine would have an instant calming effect and prompt the body to produce more dopamine. That was easy. Everybody gets exposed to stress, nicotine may relieve if for a brief period but the body needs to relearn how to deal with it.

An ex-smoker needs to find an alternative way of dealing with stress. Exercise is a great de-stressor. A brief walk, a game of squash or a nice bicycle ride are all great substitutes for stress release. If you suffer from stress extensively and don’t believe that you can continue not smoking as a result, you should look into following or using a nicotine replacement product. These products allow you to receive daily amounts of nicotine without the use of cigarettes. They can be used for a limited time only and their dosage should decrease over that time.

Other stress relief can be found in support groups or by following the regimes set out in some self-help books. A smoker will know their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to stress and they need to select the right method for them. Paying no attention to it all, could end removing the ex in ex-smoker.