If you are a former smoker or know someone who is recovering from smoking, then you definitely understand the difficulty of withdrawal. As soon as the detox process stars, people begin to experience physical and mental problems due to the absence of nicotine. In that light, some smokers may have tremendous difficulty dropping their cigarettes due to this chemical dependency or attachment to this addictive substance. However, for the men and women who are successful in their attempts, the experience is painful but worthwhile. Withdrawal is an uncomfortable experience, but long-term smoking is much more toxic. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal so you can better understand this process.
The Face of Nicotine Withdrawal
When people use a product containing nicotine, they will absorb this chemical through the lining of their mouths, lungs, and nose and, from these sensitive locations, the drug will immediately enter the bloodstream. Once nicotine reaches their brains, it stimulates the dopamine receptors and induces an overwhelming sense of pleasure (e.g. a “high”). Once this drug is ingested for a long period of time, though, people will develop a chemical imbalance that ultimately leads to addiction.
What Can People Expect?
As with any form of withdrawal, the symptoms may vary from person to person. In most cases, nicotine withdrawal peaks at 1 to 3 days and diminishes after about 3 to 4 weeks. Although the physical effects will start to wear off immediately, the mental attachment to nicotine will take some time to break. However, you will be happy to hear that nicotine withdrawal does not pose any danger to your health.
Common psychological symptoms include:
- An overwhelming desire to ingest nicotine
- Anger, irritability, and frustration
- Foul mood
- Poor concentration (or lack of)
- Severe anxiety
- Mood swings
Here is a closer look at the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal:
- Severe headaches
- Sweating, tremors
- Restlessness and/or insomnia
- Periodically waking at night
- Pain in the abdomen
- Digestive problems (including constipation)
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Abuse and Nicotine Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
