Giving up smoking is a tedious task. Everyone has their own habits, making it difficult to anticipate the withdrawal symptoms precisely, but it is safe to say that most of them are relatively common. Withdrawal irritation, for example, renders you unable to concentrate due to the craving for nicotine.
If you have already decided to quit smoking, you probably wonder how long it takes for your body to withdraw nicotine completely. There are many factors that affect this process, from the amount of nicotine you consume daily to the duration of your smoking career and personal traits.
In this article, you will learn about the characteristics of nicotine withdrawal and a few tips that help maintain self-control in the first days of quitting. From cravings to weight gain, discover the most common symptoms and what you can do to reduce them. How long does it take to get rid of nicotine after giving up smoking? Read on to know more!
What Is Nicotine Withdrawal?
Nicotine withdrawal is the process that your body goes through after you decide to quit smoking, during which it begins to adapt to a new situation. Nicotine dependence, for example, is characterised by the desire to have a cigarette after waking up or after a meal, during stressful situations, or when you have nothing else to do. The most common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include cravings and irritability. As they begin to subside, you will notice that your energy levels increase.
How Long Does It Take To Withdraw Nicotine After Giving Up Smoking?
It is difficult to estimate how long it takes for your body to withdraw nicotine after quitting smoking, as the process varies from person to person. However, most people experience the worst symptoms in the first few days, and they gradually subside within two to four weeks. Keep in mind that specific cravings may persist for a more extended time; one way to prevent that is to get nicotine replacement therapy in the form of a patch or an electronic cigarette from a vape shop.
Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Nicotine Withdrawal?
The most common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include cravings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. You may also experience a headache, nausea, or a feeling of emptiness. Not all symptoms are experienced simultaneously, and the intensity of each may vary.
Nicotine cravings can appear suddenly and be very intense. They are often accompanied by an urge to smoke and can last for a few minutes or up to a few hours. In the next few hours, you may feel irritable and have difficulty concentrating as you will be preoccupied with thoughts of smoking. The next day, you may notice that your headache has worsened.
As the days progress, your energy levels will start to increase, and the cravings will gradually subside. After about three days since the last cigarette, the physical cravings should be gone. The psychological cravings are likely to persist for longer, but after two to four weeks, your appetite should return to normal, and you should no longer feel the urge to smoke.
What Can You Do To Reduce Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms?
There are a few things you can do to reduce the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, from avoiding triggers to indulging in physical exercise.
Avoid Triggers
If you know that certain situations or activities trigger cravings, try to avoid them as much as possible in the first few weeks of quitting. For example, if you find it challenging to resist smoking when you are drinking alcohol, try to avoid social events where alcohol is served.
Seek Support
Quitting smoking can be a challenging task, so it is important to have the support of your friends and family members. Talk to them about your struggles and ask for their help in avoiding potential triggers. Their encouragement can make the process a lot easier – having mental support will motivate you to stay strong.
Stay Busy
Keep yourself occupied with activities that you enjoy, such as reading, going for walks, or watching your favourite TV show. This will help keep your mind off cigarettes. When you have nothing else to do, you may be more likely to smoke.
Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy
If you find it difficult to resist cravings, you may want to consider using a nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum or patches. These therapies can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and make it easier to break a habit.
Alternatively, you can use an electronic cigarette to help you quit smoking. Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that simulate the experience of smoking a traditional cigarette. Thanks to the variable amount of nicotine, you can use them to gradually reduce your nicotine intake until you no longer need it.
Indulge In Physical Exercise
Although it is not a cure-all, exercise can help make the process of quitting smoking a bit easier by giving you a healthy outlet for your energy. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and can help you combat cravings. Head to the gym or go for a brisk walk to get your body moving.
To Sum Up
Quitting smoking is a challenging task, but it is definitely worth it in the long run. The most common nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually subside within two to four weeks. You can do a few things to reduce their severity, such as avoiding triggers, seeking support, and staying busy. You can also use nicotine replacement therapy or an electronic cigarette to help you quit smoking. The most important thing is to maintain your willpower and avoid relapsing.
