Nicotine Withdrawal – What it is, Causes and Treatments

Nicotine Withdrawal – What it is, Causes and Treatments  we should know about. Also,  nicotine is a drug found in tobacco, which makes smoking addictive. Nicotine can have a wide range of effects on the brain, including:

• mood boost
• reducing depression
• reducing irritability
• Increasing concentration and short-term memory
• Producing a sense of well-being
• reducing appetite

Nicotine can be just as addictive as other drugs, including alcohol , cocaine and morphine. In addition to nicotine , tobacco is thought to contain around 70 carcinogenic chemicals (carcinogens). These chemicals can result in the development of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer , heart disease, and stroke.

In an effort to prevent these diseases, millions of smokers try to quit every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 68.8 percent of smokers say they want to quit altogether. Nicotine withdrawal  makes it more difficult to quit. Withdrawal is the set of painful physical symptoms that occur when you stop using an addictive substance.

Top Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms: Nicotine  withdrawal symptomscan start within 30 minutes of your last tobacco use. Symptoms will depend on your level of addiction. Factors such as how long you used tobacco and how much tobacco you use daily will affect the severity of your symptoms.

Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include:

• Intense nicotine cravings
• Tingling in hands and feet
• sundating
• Nausea and intestinal cramps
• Headaches
• Cough, sore throat
• Insomnia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Weight gain

Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal usually vary between two or three days. Symptoms usually disappear within two weeks. Some people may experience nicotine withdrawal for several months.

Treatment for Nicotine Withdrawal:  If you decide to stop smoking, contact your doctor to discuss ways to manage your withdrawal symptoms. They may be able to provide you with access to prescription drugs or information about support groups in your community.

Several different treatment options are available for nicotine withdrawal . Over-the- counter nicotine replacement medications, such as nicotine gum and skin patches, or prescription nicotine replacement methods , such as inhalers and nasal sprays, can help reduce symptoms by slowly decreasing the amount of nicotine in your body.

Treatment may also include the use of non-nicotine prescription medications such as Zyban or Chantix. If you are trying to quit smoking, you may benefit from the help of others who are trying to quit. Participating in a smoking cessation program or support group can increase your chances of success.

What are the Complications Associated with Nicotine Withdrawal: Nicotine  withdrawal is not a life-threatening condition. However, you may notice some physical or mood changes after you stop smoking. Some people gain weight as a result of quitting smoking. Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions about this issue. They may be able to help you identify strategies for managing your weight.

Some people may also experience mental health issues. Patients who have had episodes of depression in the past may experience a relapse. This can also occur for people who have had bipolar disorder or other substance abuse problems. The depression associated with nicotine withdrawal is often temporary and lessens over time. Depression is a treatable condition, but it can be fatal if left untreated. If you have a history of depression, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your symptoms during smoking cessation.

Long-Term Perspective:  Overcoming nicotine withdrawal is often the hardest part of quitting. Many people have to try more than once to get out. The more you try to get out, the more likely you are to succeed.

Unfortunately, there are many situations in your daily life that can trigger your urge to smoke. These situations can intensify the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Triggers include:

• Being around other smokers
• be in a car
• feeling stressed
• Drinking coffee or tea
• Drink alcohol
• feeling bored
• talking on the phone

Identify your triggers and try to avoid them if you can. In general, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal pass quickly. Most symptoms pass within a week.

Once withdrawal symptoms subside, you may still experience long-term cravings for tobacco. Limiting these desires will be important for long-term success. Many people can deal with cravings by avoiding triggers, engaging in moderate physical activity, and practicing deep breathing exercises. Another useful tip is to replace carrots , gum or candy with cigarettes, as this can curb the psychological need to smoke.