Every smoker knows the process of kicking the nicotine habit is a tough one. As an ex-smoker myself, I remember questioning whether or not the reward of quitting would be worth the effort. I wanted to know what happens when you stop smoking and how could I possibly break my addiction to nicotine. Keep reading smokers, because I am going to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly!
Let's start with the bad and the ugly. Nicotine withdrawal is very uncomfortable and you are going to experience some pretty tough symptoms. I will say though that all smokers are different. What one smoker trying to quit goes through is not necessarily what all smokers will go through. Symptoms will vary.
The craving to smoke is perhaps the most unsettling. Out of nowhere it will wash over and engulf you like nothing you have ever felt before. The really bad news is that this craving can last for years but as time goes by it becomes easier and easier to ignore.
Insomnia is another bad side effect of quitting. If you cannot sleep, you know you will be reaching for a cigarette. Be ready for this one.
Irritability and crankiness can develop but this one is perhaps harder on your loved ones than on you. Go ahead and warn them what is about to happen but reassure them it is only temporary.
Other symptoms include headaches, sore throats, dry mouth and cough. Actually, I had all these symptoms while I was smoking so they were much easier to handle when I quit.
Let me just point out there are wonderful, effective nicotine replacement aids on the market today that can ease most of your symptoms. Remember, physical withdrawal from nicotine is temporary so do not hesitate to get some short term help.
Now on to the good news! Within minutes of smoking your last cigarette your body is going to start benefiting. It is going to say thank you, thank you, thank you in many ways!
According to the American Cancer Society:
-- Your heart rate and blood pressure drops 20 minutes after quitting
-- The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal 12 hours after quitting
-- Your circulation improves and your lung function increases 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting
-- Shortness of breath and coughing decreases 1 to 9 months after quitting
-- Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's 1 year after quitting
-- Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker's 10 years after quitting
-- The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker's 15 years after quitting
When you consider just the good things, what happens when you stop smoking is certainly worth going through a few unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. As I said before though, you can get help with those.
So even though kicking the nicotine habit may be a tough challenge the rewards are unbeatable! Stay focused on your goal, reward yourself along the way, ask for help if you need it. Once you beat the habit, you are going to look better, feel better and even smell better. You can do it and I'm betting on you!
Yes, You CAN do it!
Let's start with the bad and the ugly. Nicotine withdrawal is very uncomfortable and you are going to experience some pretty tough symptoms. I will say though that all smokers are different. What one smoker trying to quit goes through is not necessarily what all smokers will go through. Symptoms will vary.
The craving to smoke is perhaps the most unsettling. Out of nowhere it will wash over and engulf you like nothing you have ever felt before. The really bad news is that this craving can last for years but as time goes by it becomes easier and easier to ignore.
Insomnia is another bad side effect of quitting. If you cannot sleep, you know you will be reaching for a cigarette. Be ready for this one.
Irritability and crankiness can develop but this one is perhaps harder on your loved ones than on you. Go ahead and warn them what is about to happen but reassure them it is only temporary.
Other symptoms include headaches, sore throats, dry mouth and cough. Actually, I had all these symptoms while I was smoking so they were much easier to handle when I quit.
Let me just point out there are wonderful, effective nicotine replacement aids on the market today that can ease most of your symptoms. Remember, physical withdrawal from nicotine is temporary so do not hesitate to get some short term help.
Now on to the good news! Within minutes of smoking your last cigarette your body is going to start benefiting. It is going to say thank you, thank you, thank you in many ways!
According to the American Cancer Society:
-- Your heart rate and blood pressure drops 20 minutes after quitting
-- The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal 12 hours after quitting
-- Your circulation improves and your lung function increases 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting
-- Shortness of breath and coughing decreases 1 to 9 months after quitting
-- Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's 1 year after quitting
-- Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker's 10 years after quitting
-- The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker's 15 years after quitting
When you consider just the good things, what happens when you stop smoking is certainly worth going through a few unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. As I said before though, you can get help with those.
So even though kicking the nicotine habit may be a tough challenge the rewards are unbeatable! Stay focused on your goal, reward yourself along the way, ask for help if you need it. Once you beat the habit, you are going to look better, feel better and even smell better. You can do it and I'm betting on you!
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