Nicotine is an extremely toxic liquid which is the principal constituent of tobacco. Nicotine acts as a stimulant when taken in small amounts but when taken in larger amounts leads to blocking of action of skeletal muscle cells. Nicotine is extremely addictive and once an individual gets habituated to Nicotine then it becomes very difficult to do away with that habit. Nicotine may give temporary pleasure and you may feel de-stressed for some time and may experience renewed energy but this is all temporary and as the effect of Nicotine wears off, the body starts demanding for more of it.
As stated, Nicotine is extremely addictive and once you get addicted to it to get out of it is an extremely arduous task. If you decide that you want to quit smoking and stay away from any Nicotine product then you may experience what is termed as Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms. These symptoms may be both physical as well as psychological but the good news is that these symptoms are temporary and gradually go away provided that the individual is strong willed and determined to stay away from Nicotine.
How Long Does Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms peak within a couple of days of stopping smoking with the individual having severe craving for a smoke to such an extent that it may become unbearable for the individual. These symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may persist for a couple of weeks. Gradually, as the body gets used to being without Nicotine in the blood stream, nicotine withdrawal symptoms starts to ease. Again, this varies from individual to individual. In some cases, it may take months for an individual to get over Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms.
The physical symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal may disappear in a few weeks but the tougher task ahead for the individual is to get over the habit in the mind that is get over it psychologically. Nicotine may no longer be present in the body but Psychological Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms may linger around for much longer period of time. This is where a good psychologist or a psychiatrist may be of help. The psychologist or psychiatrist may chalk out a detailed treatment plan for you in order to get rid of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms at the earliest.
What are Some of the Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms?
The severity of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on their level of addictiveness. The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may begin as early as within half an hour of the last use of a Nicotine product. Some of the Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms are:
- Feeling of being uneasy and restless with strong craving for a nicotine product
- Tingling in the upper and lower extremities
- Sweating
- Nausea and sometimes feelings of cramping in the intestinal area
- Severe headache
- Sore throat with coughing is a common symptom of nicotine withdrawal
- Inability to fall asleep or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating or staying focused on a task is also one of the symptom of nicotine withdrawal
- Problems completing tasks at work on time
- Severe anxiety can also be nicotine withdrawal symptom
- Feelings of terrible anger and irritability
- Weight gain due to inactivity
- Severe depression.
Ways to Get Rid of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
To get rid of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms, the physician will start off by prescribing what is called as a Nicotine Patch which can be applied to the hands. A Nicotine gum may also be prescribed. It may not give the same pleasure as a cigarette but still it cuts down some Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms.
- Certain medications like Chantix or Zyban may be prescribed to get rid of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms.
- Apart from medications, gums, and patches, regular counseling from a psychologist is also good way to get rid of nicotine withdrawal symptoms as they will teach relaxation techniques which can come in handy during periods of severe Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms.
- Meditation and yoga have also shown to be quite effective in getting rid of Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms.
Are There Any Complications Associated with Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms are temporary and last about a month or so. If an individual is strong willed and determined to stay away from Nicotine products then there might be no complications apart from may be some weight gain or some temporary phase of depression and anxiety which can be easily overcome with counseling and medications. Regarding weight gain due to Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms, physical exercise and a good and balanced diet can address this issue.
What is the Long-Term Outlook for Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms?
Will and determination decides the long term outlook for an individual experiencing Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms. A strong willed and determined person has a very good prognosis to overcome Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms and stay away from Nicotine permanently with very little if any chances of a relapse. On the other hand, an individual who is not that determined may have a guarded prognosis and there may be chances of relapse later on. There may be a lot of triggers around which may make an individual feel like go back into smoking. Some of these triggers are:
- To be around of smokers
- Feeling stressed out at work or at home
- Having caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
- Being alone.
For an individual to stay Nicotine free it becomes essential to avoid such triggers. It should be always kept in mind that Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms are temporary and a passing phase in life and gradually these symptoms will go away on their own. You should have a clear mindset and stay away from triggers which might increase your craving for Nicotine products. Distraction techniques are of great help in getting rid of Nicotine cravings. Whenever you get a craving for tobacco, try and indulge yourself in some activity or the other which takes the mind away from the Nicotine. Over a period of time, the cravings will become less and less and within no time you will get over Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms.
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