Physical Effects of Withdrawal From Tobacco

The most commonly felt effects of physical withdrawal from tobacco smoking are feelings of anger, depression, anxiety and restlessness. A chain smoker’s body experiences sharply rising and falling levels of nicotine on a daily basis. In the withdrawal stage, these cycles are coming to an end. Over years, the nicotine literally takes control of about 200 neurochemicals in the brain. The brain is slowly regaining control of these. This causes the intense emotional effects mentioned above.

Within the first 72 hours of withdrawal, if a user abstains totally from nicotine, they will begin to feel the gradual effects of recovery. The brain is now getting used to being lavished with nicotine-free oxygen.

During the early stages of withdrawal, time seems to drag endlessly. The first few weeks are interminable. It is important not to let this overshadow the greater purpose and really keep going with a positive attitude. One may experience an unbearable craving to grab a cigarette. During such an episode, it helps to take a look at the clock and actually time the duration of the ‘attack’. It will likely last no longer that 3 minutes, although it may seem endless – this helps to gain perspective.

Most nicotine addicts complain of not being able to concentrate like before during the first few days of withdrawal. However, concentration levels begin to return to normal within two weeks.

In their smoking days, most nicotine addicts could skip a meal without feeling the hunger pangs. This was because nicotine triggered the process of releasing stored fats and sugars in our blood stream. This ends when nicotine intake stops. Hence, in order to prevent falling blood sugar levels, it is important not to skip meals.

Nicotine is a powerful stimulant. Our body needs time and a great deal of effort to learn to live without it. It is natural to feel tired, drained out and fatigued during the first few days.

Normal sleep patterns get disrupted during withdrawal. One might find oneself sleeping comparatively less. It takes a couple of weeks for regular sleep patters to establish.

Other common symptoms of physical withdrawal are tightness in the chest, slight sore throat, coughing with mucus, bad breath and headaches.

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