What is withdrawal?

When people who are addicted to nicotine deprive their body of it, their body may react with uncomfortable feelings. This is because the body has become used to functioning with nicotine. The body also tries to get rid of nicotine and other chemicals that are found in cigarette smoke.

What are some withdrawal symptoms?

Bad mood, feeling tired, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), cough, runny nose, dry throat, difficulty concentrating, shaking, stomach pain, hunger, and cravings.

How do I overcome these symptoms?

The good news is that withdrawal only lasts for a few days to a few weeks (depending on the level of addiction). Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, stretching, or napping. Try to drink as much water as possible and make sure you eat regularly. Look for distractions like exercising, hanging out with non-smoking friends, or taking a walk.

What if I start smoking again?

Quitting smoking is harder for some people than others. If you “relapse,” or go back to smoking, you have not failed! The first thing you should do is set another quit date. Then, devise a plan for dealing with the triggers that caused you to go back to smoking. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or to enlist the help of friends and family. Each time you try to quit, it will get easier!