Tobacco Prevention News
Stress is a normal part of everyday life, even more so today. For smokers, many struggle with withdrawal and cravings when they attempt to quit. In this instance, the withdrawal and cravings are forms of stress.
Nicotine is the main addictive substance in cigarettes along with other tobacco and vaping products. Nicotine is a drug that affects many parts of our body, including your brain. Over time, your body and brain get used to having nicotine. When you stop smoking, your body and brain must get used to not having nicotine, thus causing the withdrawal symptoms.
For many, withdrawal can be uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms are usually the strongest the first week after quitting smoking. The good news is that the worst withdrawal symptoms usually last less than two weeks, with symptoms being the strongest in the first week. Nicotine withdrawal is different for every smoker. The most common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include:
•Having cravings for cigarettes or e-cigarettes
•Feeling down or sad
•Having trouble sleeping
•Feeling irritable, on edge, or grouchy
•Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
•Feeling restless and jumpy
•Having a slower heart rate
•Feeling hungrier or gaining weight Over time, the symptoms and cravings will fade if you stay smoke free. For many smokers, cravings for a cigarette last much longer than other symptoms of withdrawal. Cravings can often happen without warning and occur after a trigger has ignited the thought of smoking. However, there is no health danger from nicotine withdrawal. In fact, quitting smoking or vaping is the best thing you can do for your health. One way to be prepared for withdrawal is to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Almost all smokers can use NRT safely. Medications and changing your habits can help you manage withdrawal symptoms. Also having a strong support group around you will help you to better manage the withdrawal process and make it easier for you to quit smoking.
Calling the Montana Tobacco Quit Line can also help you with your quit attempt.
The Montana Tobacco Quit Line offers NRT (gum, patches and lozenges) and is currently offering Chantix while supplies last. They also offer Bupropion which is a medication used to help treat anxiety or depression. Teens who may be using vaping products and are interested in quitting can call the My Life, My Quit teen quit line at 855-891-9989 or text “Start my Quit’ to 36072. They offer free coaching and are set up for text or chat options. For questions about how to quit smoking or using vaping products, call Allen at 406-653-6212.
