Quit Smoking for Good

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco. It is as addictive as heroin and cocaine. When smoke is inhaled, the nicotine absorbs quickly into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body. Nicotine affects almost every system in your body, such as the cardiovascular system, hormonal system and metabolism.

Quitting Cold Turkey

Just like any addictive drug, when trying to cut back or quit smoking, the absence of nicotine causes withdrawal symptoms that are both physical and psychological. Symptoms usually start within a few hours of the last cigarette and can last a few days or several weeks.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

Depression
Feelings of frustration and anger
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Trouble concentrating
Restlessness
Headache
Tiredness
Increased appetite

Although the physical symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are not life threatening. The hardest part of cigarette withdrawal is overcoming the psychological aspects. If you are a long time smoker, the force of habit and the link between smoking and your favorite past times will be the hardest to beat. The best way to bear through it is to remember the urge will pass and you are stronger than the urge.

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