Going through nicotine withdrawal can be tough. Because smoking affects so many parts of your body, nicotine withdrawal involves physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. You’ll have intense cravings for a cigarette. You’ll be angry, irritable, and restless. You’ll have headaches and a cough. You’ll be tired but won’t be able to sleep.
But hang in there! The worst of it lasts only a few weeks. When it ends, the nicotine will be out of your system. You’ll be healthier than you’ve been in a long time.
Before you quit, it’s wise to have a plan for getting through these withdrawals. You’ll have an easier time if you’re mentally prepared and have some strategies for how to deal with your symptoms.
Know What to Expect
Anyone who’s quit (or tried to quit) smoking will tell you that the first week of withdrawal is the worst. In the three to four days that your body is clearing out the nicotine from that final cigarette, you will feel physically terrible — and your mental state and emotions will be all over the map.
But it will get better after that. You’ll improve physically, and your mental symptoms will also start to go away over the next few weeks.
During nicotine withdrawal, you may have:
- Cravings
- Restlessness and boredom
- Anxiety and depression
- Stress
- Headaches
- Cough
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Digestive problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Weight gain
You might not have all of these symptoms, and you might find that some are easier to handle than others. But you should be aware of them so they don’t take you by surprise.
Some symptoms, such as Headaches and cough, you’ll just have to power through. But you can take an active role in ensuring that you survive the others.
How to Deal with Cravings
Cravings are the longest-lasting and strongest withdrawal symptom. They can start within 30 minutes of your final cigarette, as the nicotine starts to wear off and your body wants more.
- Keep your mouth busy with gum, hard candy, and crunchy (healthy) food
- Use nicotine replacement therapy, like gum, lozenges, or the patch
- Go for a walk or do some quick exercises when a craving hits
- Head to a public place where you can’t smoke
- Call or text a friend
- Take deep breaths
- Start a new routine for times when you usually smoke
- Avoid triggers that make you want to smoke, like alcohol, caffeine, or people you know who still smoke
- Remember why you quit
