special subjects
Smoking Cessation
NicotineWithdrawal
Quitting smoking causes strong cravings for cigarettes and also symptoms such as anxiety, depression (mostly mild, but sometimes severe), inability to concentrate, irritability, restlessness, hunger, tremor, sweating, dizziness, headaches, abdominal pains, nausea, and disrupted sleep.Nicotinewithdrawal symptoms tend to be most intense in the first 2 to 3 days of going smoke-free and then subside within 2 to 4 weeks. Medications are available to reduce the symptoms ofnicotinewithdrawal. Becausenicotinesuppresses appetite and slightly increases the rate at which calories are burned, people who quit smoking may gain weight. Food also starts to taste and smell better, because smoking dulls the sense of smell and harms taste buds. Exercise helps prevent weight gain and may reduce the craving fornicotine. Drinking water is recommended along with other strategies for coping with oral cravings (for example, using a toothpick or chewing on a straw or carrot sticks). Use ofnicotinegum may help delay weight gain. A temporary cough may develop as the lungs start to heal themselves. Below are examples of commonnicotinewithdrawal symptoms, their estimated time of duration, and behavioral strategies for relieving them. Withdrawal Symptom Duration Behavioral Strategies Chest tightness A few days Deep breathing Constipation 1–2 weeks Drink fluids Eat fiber-rich foods Cough A few days Drink fluids Cigarette cravings 2–3 days frequently, then decreases Distract yourself Exercise Depressed mood 1–2 weeks Increase pleasurable activities Ask family and friends for support Difficulty concentrating A few weeks Plan workload in advance Dizziness 1–2 days Change positions slowly and use caution Fatigue 2–4 days Take naps Do not push yourself Hunger Up to several weeks Drink water Eat low-calorie snacks Insomnia 1 week Limitcaffeine(do not drink it after noon) Practice relaxation techniques Irritability 2–4 weeks Take walks Take hot baths Practice relaxation techniques * Reproduced with permission from Rx for Change: Clinician-Assisted Tobacco Cessation program. The Regents of the University of California. Copyright © 1999-2018.RxforChange. 