Cigarette Withdrawal

Cigarette withdrawal is tough but you can get through it.

Cigarette withdrawal occurs as a result of an individual’s addiction to nicotine which spirals out of control when the smoker decides to quit smoking. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get through cigarette withdrawal and there’s no way to skip it if you are going to quit. It is a necessary part of quitting that comes with various challenges but once you have overcome the withdrawal symptoms, you will be well on your way to remaining cigarette free.

Handling Cigarette Withdrawal

When you decide to quit smoking, the best thing that you can do for yourself is have a game plan for how you will handle withdrawal symptoms. While they may be difficult to cope with, these symptoms will not hurt you, they are not a danger to you in any way and they will not last forever; these are three very important points that you should keep in mind as you work to get past the withdrawal state and on your way to becoming a smoke free individual.

How you handle cigarette withdrawal symptoms will dictate how effective your smoking cessation actually is. Quitting is your only chance at reducing your health risks so you must be prepared to quit smoking and to take the withdrawal symptoms with stride! Follow these tips for coping with the symptoms that you have:

• Remind yourself that the symptoms you are feeling will pass
• Avoid situations that may lead you to crave cigarettes
• Chew on other foods such as gum, carrots, apples or other foods to cure the psychological or oral desire to smoke
• Avoid situations that may put you close to others who are smoking around you
• Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy such as a nicotine patch, nicotine gum or similar treatment
• Find something to do to stay occupied

Coping with Anger or Frustration During Cigarette Withdrawal

There are many steps that you can take to cope with cigarette withdrawal in a positive manner. The anger and frustration that you are feeling when you quit smoking are both very common side effects that will soon go away. Some of the ways that you can effectively cope with the anger that you have within include:

• Counseling to overcome the frustration that you are feeling
• Support groups which will help you to feel like you are not alone
• Staying occupied with a hobby or sport that interests you so that you mind is off smoking
• Talking with your doctor about alternative medications to help ease your anxiety, irritability and anger
• Exercise to release energy and relax

Finding something, an activity, a hobby, a sport or a routine that works for you will help you to burn excess energy, release steam and continue moving forward with your decision to quit smoking. When withdrawals bring you down, talk with someone about what you’re feeling and you may find it easier to get through the day without a cigarette. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone and that you are not the only one who has ever had to deal with some difficult symptoms of withdrawal when trying to take the ultimate challenge and quit smoking once and for all!