The drug nicotine, commonly associated with tobacco, is what makes smoking addictive. It can have a wide range of effects on the brain, such as:
boosting mood
reducing depression
reducing irritability
enhancing concentration and short-term memory
producing a sense of well-being
reducing appetite
Nicotine can be as addictive as other drugs, including alcohol, cocaine, and morphine.
In addition to nicotine, tobacco is thought to contain about 70 carcinogens. These chemicals can result in the development of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
In an effort to prevent these diseases, millions of smokers attempt to quit each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68 percentTrusted Source of smokers say they want to quit completely, as of 2015.
Nicotine withdrawal makes it more difficult to quit. Read on to learn how to manage the symptoms that occur when you stop using this addictive substance.
What are the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal?
The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can begin within 30 minutes of your last use of tobacco and will depend on your level of addiction. Factors such as how long you used tobacco and how much tobacco you use on a daily basis will impact the severity of your symptoms.
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal for smokers include:
intense cravings for nicotine
tingling in the hands and feet
sweating
nausea and abdominal cramping
constipation and gas
headaches
coughing
sore throat
insomnia
difficulty concentrating
anxiety
irritability
depression
weight gain
Symptoms of withdrawal for people who use chewing tobacco are quite similar. They include:
depressed mood
trouble sleeping
difficulty concentrating
feeling restless and jumpy
irritability
increased hunger or weight gain
slower heart rate
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal typically peak within two to three days.
Your cravings are caused by nicotine receptors in the brain. These receptors are increased in response to your previous nicotine use. The receptors will make you want to continue smoking. Ignoring those receptors leads to the withdrawal symptoms.
However, as you ignore them, they begin to disappear. Withdrawal symptoms often go away in two to four weeks. Some people may experience nicotine withdrawal for several months
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Answer:
What is nicotine withdrawal?
The drug nicotine, commonly associated with tobacco, is what makes smoking addictive. It can have a wide range of effects on the brain, such as:
Nicotine can be as addictive as other drugs, including alcohol, cocaine, and morphine.
In addition to nicotine, tobacco is thought to contain about 70 carcinogens. These chemicals can result in the development of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
In an effort to prevent these diseases, millions of smokers attempt to quit each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68 percentTrusted Source of smokers say they want to quit completely, as of 2015.
Nicotine withdrawal makes it more difficult to quit. Read on to learn how to manage the symptoms that occur when you stop using this addictive substance.
What are the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal?
The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can begin within 30 minutes of your last use of tobacco and will depend on your level of addiction. Factors such as how long you used tobacco and how much tobacco you use on a daily basis will impact the severity of your symptoms.
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal for smokers include:
Symptoms of withdrawal for people who use chewing tobacco are quite similar. They include:
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal typically peak within two to three days.
Your cravings are caused by nicotine receptors in the brain. These receptors are increased in response to your previous nicotine use. The receptors will make you want to continue smoking. Ignoring those receptors leads to the withdrawal symptoms.
However, as you ignore them, they begin to disappear. Withdrawal symptoms often go away in two to four weeks. Some people may experience nicotine withdrawal for several months