There’s no getting around the fact that you’re going to experience nicotine withdrawal. It’s just what happens when your body is fighting its dependency on nicotine. But that doesn’t have to get in the way of your determination to quit smoking. First, know how to identify nicotine withdrawal symptoms. While nicotine withdrawal is different for everyone, some people may experience varying degrees of the following:
- Sadness or depressed mood
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Irritability, frustration or anger
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Decreased heart rate
- Increased appetite or weight gain
If you feel any of these nicotine withdrawal symptoms – which can last a few days to a couple of weeks – stay strong. Rely on your determination and don’t reach for a cigarette. Most cravings only last a few minutes, and we know you have the tools to push through it! You also have nicotine replacements like Nicorette gum and NicoDerm CQ to help manage these withdrawal symptoms as your body continues to wean off nicotine dependency.
Another way to resist the urge to smoke is to distract yourself with something else. You can find a list of ideas in the next section.