I'm a teenager and have been smoking for a while now. Both of my parents smoke, so they haven't really noticed that I smoke. I've decided to quit after a friend's uncle died from a smoking related cause and it really shook her up. So, to keep her from worrying about me I'm gonna quit. But first I need to know the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and ways to combat them. both of my parent have tried to quit smoking before and they will recognize the symptoms if I'm too obvious, so I have to know what to expect. Please only post if you can give a serious answer. I don't mean to sound rude, but a lot of people tend to use this resource as a chance to lecture people, and I've had more than enough of that. Thank you for considering my inquiry.
2006-06-06 20:33:57 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
* Cravings to smoke
* Irritable, cranky
* Insomnia
* Fatigue
* Inability to Concentrate
* Headache
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Constipation, gas, stomach pain
* Dry mouth
* Sore tongue and/or gums
* postnasal drip
* Tightness in the chest
Coping Skills for Nicotine Withdrawal
* Delay until the urge passes--usually within 3-5 minutes
* Distract yourself. Call a friend or go for a walk.
* Drink water to fight off cravings
* Deep Breaths--Relax! Close your eyes and take 10 slow, deep breaths
* Discuss your feelings with someone close to you or at the smoking cessation support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation.
Other Ways to Manage Nicotine Withdrawal Include:
* Exercise--get a little every day. Even a 15 minute walk will work wonders to help you feel better and reduce cravings to smoke.
* Get more rest. More sleep helps!! If you're experiencing insomnia, try taking a long walk several hours before bed.
* Relaxation. Time alone to read a good book. A hot bath at the end of the day. Whatever makes you feel pampered and relaxes you is a great choice.
* Reward yourself at the end of every single smoke free day you complete early on. You are doing a great job, so celebrate your victory every single day.
Don't let nicotine withdrawal scare you! Remember - it's a temporary phase of quitting. The fantastic feeling of freedom and control you'll get when you successfully beat nicotine addiction is worth every bit of effort you give to quitting, and then some. You are worth it!
2006-06-06 20:37:17 · answer #1 · answered by Sweetask 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hello teen,
First withdrawal symptoms tend to differ depending on how long you have been smoking. But the most common symptoms are; Nervousness, shaking, lack of concentration, and even sweating. The good news is the major affects go away as early as 48hours after smoking, I wont lecture you because I smoke and have smoked since I was a teenager, however I recently had a baby and I had to quit during my pregnancy. It is very hard, my advice is
1. Drink Water ( a lot of water, it helps to rid your body of the nicotine faster) so the symptoms go away faster.
2. Eat - Not junk, but eat. sunflower seeds and pickles did the trick for me while I was pregnant.
3. Don't Give Up, Its going to be so much easier if you quit now instead of waiting till your older, The longer you feed your body nicotine, the more dependent you will become and the harder it will be to quit.
2006-06-06 20:44:57 · answer #2 · answered by sotherngalinvegas 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As an ex smoker who smoked 20 a day for for 21 years the symptoms are craving for cigarette especially for the first couple of weeks. Then after that dealing with the phychological side as you begin to adjust to a life of not smoking. After about a month you begin to succeed and after 3 months you know it is not such a big hardship anymore. 6 months you forget you smoked. 1 year like you never did.
You can only do it by not having any cigarette. You smoke one then you are still a smoker so just go the whole distance.
2006-06-06 20:37:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll get edgy and irritable, and a little voice in your head will say, 'go on, have one, one won't hurt you'. Don't listen to the voice. Set a date 3 or 4 months into the future and tell yourself you won't have a single smoke until then. By the time's up, you won't feel like one, with luck. Good luck, it's a good decision, and the earlier you give up, the easier it is.
2006-06-06 20:39:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Great decision, good on you. If you focus on your new free life and what you're gaining rather that on what you're giving up, it makes it much easier.
For actual symptoms of tossing your addiction, have a read of all the helpful information at this website: http://www.quitguide.com
2006-06-06 21:13:53 · answer #5 · answered by megancrtr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Irritability. War-freakiness(always lookin for fights). Moody behaviours. Failure to focus properly on any task. On extreme cases, delusional symptoms like hallucinations...
Nah, im just kidding on the last part (:
Just go to any Cessation Programs organized by Help Groups. They can help you lots.
2006-06-06 20:38:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hope you are able to KICK THE HABIT I really think you will be better off just think of the money you will save over a long period of time.
Here are some links to help ya out don't give up.
2006-06-06 20:41:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good luck
2006-06-06 20:37:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish you the best and good luck and God Bless!
Read here below:
http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/cravingsandurges/a/withdrawal.htm
2006-06-06 20:38:12 · answer #9 · answered by sumbunnyhoney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋