It's the first three days that people find the most difficult regardless of the smoking cessation method they've chosen. This is due to the fact that it is in those 72 hours when the nicotine leaving your body is felt the greatest. This can lead to feelings of irritabililty, fatigue, and a persistent headache - all perfectly normal symptoms of withdrawal.
Preparation is the key. By knowing what you are in for, you can make plans to deal with the feelings and symptoms and not have to hide away where you won't bother anyone. However it is also a good idea to inform your family and friends (but only if they are supportive) of your goals. This also gives them the opportunity to stay clear if they think you might be a little bit cranky!
Keep in mind, that by making plans in advance on how you are going to handle these symptoms, it can really help if they present themselves. What are you going to feel? What are the symptoms of withdrawal? You may want to include these things on your list:
Angry or agitated: I will find a task to take my mind off the fact that I can't smoke.
Feeling overly emotional or sensitive: I will find a few moments for myself.
Feeling tired: I will allow myself to be able to rest and heal from my addiction.
Feeling nauseated: I will drink a glass of water (helps with nausea, as do apples and ginger).
After eating, I will: Read to keep my mind occupied so I don't crave the 'after-dinner' smoke.
By drinking lots of fluids, and most especially water, your body's stores of nicotine will be rapidly metabolized and flushed from your system. The downside is that you will have to go to the bathroom more often, but the upside is that the nicotine will clear itself from your system that much quicker and alleviate the physical withdrawal symptoms.
There are a lot of theories as to what makes withdrawal symptoms worse or better. Some say that you should also give up caffeine when you stop smoking and there are others who found that it makes no difference in their case. If drinking beverages with caffeine in them makes you suddenly crave a cigarette, it is probably better to not to have any, or at the very least cut back.
Sometimes giving up too many things at once can also open up another can of worms, so maybe just try cutting back on the caffeine. Water, fruit juices, and even ice cream shakes, can help clear out your system and get those withdrawal symptoms done with faster.
A very common side effect during the first few nights is finding it difficult to fall asleep and then to sleep soundly. Even though you might've been exhausted throughout the day, when it's time for bed it seems like everything is racing through your mind and you can't get comfortable.
To help alleviate this, I recommend a hot shower before heading off to bed to help you relax. Usually the sleep deprivation only lasts for a night or two. However if it persists, I would suggest a visit to the pharmacy to pick up a sleeping aid until the restlessness passes. It won't last forever. - 16083
Preparation is the key. By knowing what you are in for, you can make plans to deal with the feelings and symptoms and not have to hide away where you won't bother anyone. However it is also a good idea to inform your family and friends (but only if they are supportive) of your goals. This also gives them the opportunity to stay clear if they think you might be a little bit cranky!
Keep in mind, that by making plans in advance on how you are going to handle these symptoms, it can really help if they present themselves. What are you going to feel? What are the symptoms of withdrawal? You may want to include these things on your list:
Angry or agitated: I will find a task to take my mind off the fact that I can't smoke.
Feeling overly emotional or sensitive: I will find a few moments for myself.
Feeling tired: I will allow myself to be able to rest and heal from my addiction.
Feeling nauseated: I will drink a glass of water (helps with nausea, as do apples and ginger).
After eating, I will: Read to keep my mind occupied so I don't crave the 'after-dinner' smoke.
By drinking lots of fluids, and most especially water, your body's stores of nicotine will be rapidly metabolized and flushed from your system. The downside is that you will have to go to the bathroom more often, but the upside is that the nicotine will clear itself from your system that much quicker and alleviate the physical withdrawal symptoms.
There are a lot of theories as to what makes withdrawal symptoms worse or better. Some say that you should also give up caffeine when you stop smoking and there are others who found that it makes no difference in their case. If drinking beverages with caffeine in them makes you suddenly crave a cigarette, it is probably better to not to have any, or at the very least cut back.
Sometimes giving up too many things at once can also open up another can of worms, so maybe just try cutting back on the caffeine. Water, fruit juices, and even ice cream shakes, can help clear out your system and get those withdrawal symptoms done with faster.
A very common side effect during the first few nights is finding it difficult to fall asleep and then to sleep soundly. Even though you might've been exhausted throughout the day, when it's time for bed it seems like everything is racing through your mind and you can't get comfortable.
To help alleviate this, I recommend a hot shower before heading off to bed to help you relax. Usually the sleep deprivation only lasts for a night or two. However if it persists, I would suggest a visit to the pharmacy to pick up a sleeping aid until the restlessness passes. It won't last forever. - 16083
About the Author:
Like to stop smoking? Then read Darren Warmuth's article on the withdrawal to expect in the 72 hours after you quit smoking
