Quitting Smoking: Coping With Cravings And Withdrawal

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Introduction

It's not easy to quit smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes is addicting. Your body craves it because it makes you feel good.

So when you try to stop smoking, you go through nicotine withdrawal. You feel awful, and you may worry about gaining weight. You get cranky and anxious. It can be hard to sleep.

You're not the only one. Most people feel bad when they try to quit. The hardest part is not reaching for a smoke to feel better. Use the tips in this Actionset to help you cope. The information also applies if you use chew or snuff.

Key points

• Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are worst within the first few days after you quit. They may last a few weeks. Some people crave cigarettes for months.
• Medicines can help you feel better and make it more likely that you won't start smoking again.
• Exercise, healthy eating, counseling, and support groups also may help.

 What are the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal?

 Why does nicotine withdrawal make you feel so bad?

 How can you get through it?

 Where do you go from here?

Talk with your doctor

If you have questions about this information, print it out and take it with you when you visit your doctor. You may want to mark areas or make notes in the margins where you have questions.

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Last updated:	April 11, 2008
Author:	Ellie Rodgers
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Katy E. Magee, MA, Michele Cronen