Withdrawal in the First Two Weeks

Because the first two weeks are so critical in determining quitting failure rates, smokers should not be shy about seeking all the help they can during this period.

Withdrawal symptoms begin as soon as four hours after the last cigarette, generally peak in intensity at three to five days, and disappear after two weeks. They include both physical and mental symptoms.

Physical Symptoms.

During the quitting process people should consider the following physical symptoms of withdrawal as they were recuperating from a disease and treat them accordingly as they would any physical symptoms:

Tingling in the hands and feet
Sweating
Intestinal disorders (cramps, nausea)
Headache
Cold symptoms as the lungs begin to clear (sore throats, coughing, and other signs of colds and respiratory problem)

The first few weeks after quitting smoking are usually the most difficult and it’s safe to say that it normally takes at least 8-12 weeks before a person starts to feel comfortable with their new lifestyle change of being an ex-smoker. Withdrawal from nicotine, an addictive drug found in tobacco, is characterized by symptoms that include headache, anxiety, nausea and a craving for more tobacco. Nicotine creates a chemical dependency, so that the body develops a need for a certain level of nicotine at all times. Unless that level is maintained, the body will begin to go through withdrawal. For tobacco users trying to quit, symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine are unpleasant and stressful, but only temporary. Most withdrawal symptoms peak 48 hours after you quit and are completely gone in six months.
Mental and Emotional Symptoms.

Tension and craving build up during periods of withdrawal, sometimes to a nearly intolerable point. One European study found that the incidence of workplace accidents increases on No Smoking Day, a day in which up to 2 million smokers either reduce the amount they smoke or abstain altogether.

Nearly every moderate to heavy smoker experiences more than one of the following strong emotional and mental responses to withdrawal.

Feelings of being an infant: temper tantrums, intense needs, feelings of dependency, a state of near paralysis.
Insomnia
Mental confusion
Vagueness
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression is common in the short and long term. In the short term it may mimic the feelings of grief felt when a loved one is lost. As foolish as it sounds, a smoker should plan on a period of actual mourning in order to get through the early withdrawal depression.

Anger and Mood Swings
Anger is part of the quitting process. You don’t have to have a reason to feel that way, you just do. Accept it, vent it safely. Deal with the irritating situation by dealing with your feelings rather than suppressing them. Say what’s on your mind without blowing your stack. Anger openly expressed or kept inside creates tension which may create the need for a cigarette. Reducing the tension will reduce your desire for a cigarette. Discuss your anger with your buddy. Take a walk. Do deep breathing exercises.

Constipation, gas, stomach pain
Constipation is caused by intestinal movement decreases for a brief period. It will normally last for several weeks.
Drink plenty of liquids (6-8 glasses of water daily); add roughage to diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, bran); go for walks.

Depression & Despair
Find a substitute reward to smoking. Deal with your emotions. Call your support buddy. Use positive self-talk. Don’t cut yourself down; build yourself up. Don’t allow a self-defeatist attitude (I’m no good, I can’t do this). This can lead to a decreased sense of control and a drop in self-esteem. Think of success, not failure! It’s normal to feel sad, angry, or confused in the first few smoke-free weeks. These feelings will pass but If the depression does not appear to be going away, take it seriously and consult your doctor.

Dizziness
Your body is getting extra oxygen like it hasn’t seen for a long time. Get fresh air, go for a walk, change positions slowly. It will last several days and will go away.

Fatigue
Nicotine is a stimulant. 2 to 4 weeks. Get extra sleep and more exercise; take naps; don’t push yourself. If you feel tired when you first wake up, do some moderate exercises and take a cool shower. Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to speed up the healing process.

Insomnia
Nicotine affects brain wave function. This can influence sleep patterns and dreams about smoking are common. 1 week Take a hot, relaxing bath, avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, pop) after 6:00pm Try relaxing at bedtime with a glass of warm milk, deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Work on a hobby.

Irritability, grouchy, tense
The body is craving for nicotine. Tobacco smokers are in

If you are sincere about quiting then rationalize all the reasons why.

Number 1 on my list was…how strong can "I" be if I allow something outside of myself to control me? As with any addiction many believe their drug of choice has more control than they do and that is just not true…you are in control of your body…you either want it or you do not.

Number 2…[which should actually be the most important] I am causing my loved ones to be around second hand smoke which has been shown to harm others.

Number 3…I am tired of my body/hair/breath/clothes/home smelling like a stale cigarette…it is offensive in the extreme especially to myself.

Number 4…It is ridiculous to spend money to potentially get a serious disease which can ruin my health and my life.

I am sorry to say more than likely you will "always" crave a smoke. Try to surround yourself with people who do not smoke and if you have to be around others who do keep reminding yourself of all the reasons why you should not induldge in smoking.

Keep track of all the money you will save by not smoking…save it and buy yourself a new outfit with that hard earned money.

I am proof it can be done but my goal was to get and be healthy…you should not wait until you are sick from smoking disease to quit. If you have a weak moment and smoke a cigarette do not get discouraged just get determined to not fall back into the habit of smoking. After you are off of cigs for a while you’ll be amazed at how bad they make you feel.

I know you can do it…if I could anyone can.

Best of luck!!!