For everyone who makes the smart decision to quit smoking, they are not fully afraid of the cravings so much as the generally unpleasant physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. After all, these men and women have been consuming large quantities of this stimulant over the course of several months or years, so cutting off the supply is pretty much equivalent to slicing off a limb or cutting out a major organ. After all, how are you supposed to cope with sleepless nights, constant irritability, and endless bouts of exhaustion on a daily basis? If you follow a set pattern of instructions, the answer may be clearer than you think. Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Coping with Unpleasantries
What makes nicotine withdrawal so unpleasant is the fact that addicts will endure a cascade of symptoms at the same time, rather than cases of long, drawn-out withdrawal. However, you can easily find a way to cope with these unpleasantries if you adhere to your schedule and remember your coping mechanisms:
- Depression: Feeling sad and let-down during nicotine withdrawal is perfectly normal, but it’s still incredibly annoying. Overall, one of the best ways to combat this problem is to exercise your body and to always remember that you will be happy soon enough.
- Irritable: Some days you may feel frustrated. Others, angry. All you have to do is stay away from stimuli that may trigger these feelings of resentment or rage. Just give yourself plenty of time and space to iron out the kinks in your brain.
- Antsy: Some of you will feel anything from mild anxiety to full-blown panic during withdrawal. If your anxiety worsens, just remember to breathe and relax and try to find avenues for relaxation, such as yoga or martial arts.
- Poor concentration: Although stimulants help with mental focus, withdrawing from nicotine will leave you feeling scatterbrained and confused, simply because your brain is rewiring itself. In this case, medical professionals recommend you quit cigarettes during a non-stressful time. For example, don’t quit on the cusp of a final exam.
Duration of Discomfort
While this is all well and good, you may be asking, “How long will this nightmare last?” Unfortunately, most of the withdrawal you experience will stem from your mental state, as well as the period of time you have consumed nicotine. If your withdrawal goes on for longer than expected, always go to your doctor. Also, while cravings will eventually go away, these pesky feelings will still reappear once in a while. Always be prepared.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
