What is nicotine withdrawal?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Nicotine withdrawal is the period of time, usually lasting a few days to a week, when smokers who quit experience uncomfortable symptoms. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug - just as addictive as cocaine - and you'll start to feel withdrawal symptoms within a few hours of quitting tobacco. You'll feel nicotine cravings, of course, along with a variety of other symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, and sugar cravings. Get past that first week, however, and the withdrawal symptoms fade away over the next month or so.Nicotine withdrawal is the period of time, usually lasting a few days to a week, when smokers who quit experience uncomfortable symptoms. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug - just as addictive as cocaine - and you'll start to feel withdrawal... More -
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Nicotine withdrawal is not pretty. It is the unpleasant physical and mental symptoms you develop when you stop smoking. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, a powerful and addictive substance. Most people don't realize it, but addiction to nicotine is as strong as an addiction to cocaine, alcohol or heroin.
When you decide to quit, and you should, your body still wants the nicotine. Within a couple of hours of taking your last puff, your body will start craving another cigarette. You might get headaches, become irritable or feel anxious. Don't give in to these withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about ways to overcome them. Nicotine withdrawal will go away in about a week or so, although the craving may continue for much longer.Nicotine withdrawal is not pretty. It is the unpleasant physical and mental symptoms you develop when you stop smoking. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, a powerful and addictive substance. Most people don't realize it, but addiction to... More -
Dr. Robin Miller answered:Nicotine withdrawl occurs when a person stops smoking completely or cuts back drastically on the amount that they smoke. Symptoms can include intense cravings for cigarettes, irritability, headache, trouble sleeping, and an increase in appetite. The withdrawl occurs as a result of both physical and emotional dependence on nicotine.
That is why it is important that when people quit smoking they change their routines. For example some people will go out and smoke their first cigarette of the day with their morning coffee. Instead it might help to start the day by going out for a morning walk to change the routine, which will also help with the symptoms of withdrawl. Little changes can make a big difference.
Nicotine withdrawl occurs when a person stops smoking completely or cuts back drastically on the amount that they smoke. Symptoms can include intense cravings for cigarettes, irritability, headache, trouble sleeping, and an increase in... More -
Nicotine is a highly addictive drug present in cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Nicotine withdrawal occurs when your body and brain respond to a lack of nicotine stimulation in your brain, causing a decrease in “feel good” chemicals that are normally increased when you are using nicotine. Symptoms can occur within two to three hours of the last time the person has used nicotine containing products, and can include headache, irritability, anxiety, intense cravings, increased appetite, difficulty concentrating, and many others. These symptoms typically peak in 2-3 days.Nicotine is a highly addictive drug present in cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Nicotine withdrawal occurs when your body and brain respond to a lack of nicotine stimulation in your brain, causing a decrease in “feel good”... More -
Healthwise answered:When people use tobacco products on a regular basis, their bodies develop a need for nicotine. If they don't get nicotine, they start having nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms and cravings for nicotine vary from person to person. They often depend on how much nicotine a person is used to getting. The more nicotine the body is used to, the more severe symptoms are likely to be.
Symptoms of withdrawal include feeling:
- Irritated.
- Angry.
- Anxious.
- Restless.
- Sad or depressed.
- Hungrier than usual.
People going through withdrawal may find it hard to:
- Sleep.
- Cope with cravings.
- Deal with stress.
- Concentrate.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually begin about 24 hours after a person quits smoking or using tobacco products. Symptoms are the worst in the first week or so after the person quits. The average length of time a person deals with withdrawal symptoms is 2 to 3 weeks. The craving for cigarettes and increased appetite can last for months.
Nicotine replacement products can reduce withdrawal symptoms when used by people who are quitting. Use of quit-smoking medicines, counseling or support groups, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise may also help.
When people use tobacco products on a regular basis, their bodies develop a need for nicotine. If they don't get nicotine, they start having nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms and cravings for nicotine vary from person to... More
