Smoking is a very harmful habit. Over time, it becomes an addiction for nicotine that is present in tobacco as well as for the act of smoking itself. Smoke and tobacco both contain a very large number of highly toxic chemicals. Many of these are known to be carcinogens while the effect of some others is yet to be found. This is the reason why quitting is the most important step that an individual can take to regain control over health and life.
Symptoms of giving up smoking
Although quitting is a very important step towards better health and life, it can be quite an experience for many. As quitting means depriving the body of something it has gotten used to and addicted to, it can be quite a task. There are some physical, physiological as well as psychological symptoms and experiences that the individual has to go through when quitting. All these are together called withdrawal symptoms.
Physical symptoms
- Headaches
- Increased sweating
- “Quitters’ flu”, characterized by cold, coughing, sore throat, even mild fever
- Disorders of the digestive system like nausea and vomiting as well as abdominal cramps, constipation and gas
- A tingling feeling in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
Increase in appetite and sudden weight gain
Psychological symptoms
- Cravings
- Irritability and sudden temper
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and depression for the first few days
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
These are some of the most common withdrawal symptoms that an individual faces when quitting, their intensity may vary from person to person, depending on the duration and extent of addiction a well as the individual’s physiological and psychological makeup. Depending on all these factors, these symptoms may last for a few days to a few weeks, but they will eventually wear off.
Going through all these symptoms is absolutely worth it because the life that you get after quitting and after all the withdrawal will be safer, healthier and better for you and everyone around you.
