As per data released by the
World Health Organization, over 8 million people die of smoking or use of
tobacco each year, 7 million from direct use while around 1.2 million people
die of second hand smoke. Data also suggests that cigarette smoking is the
leading cause of preventable death and diseases. From cancer to heart disease
to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking leads to serious
ailments and loss of lives of many across the globe. Putting a stop to smoking
certainly seems like a tough job for any smoker because of the challenges of
quitting smoking that follow. Find out more in this article.
Withdrawal
symptoms of smoking
The most challenging part
of getting rid of smoking addiction is the withdrawal symptoms after smoking
that follow. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can differ from person to person.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
·
severe craving
·
feeling of sadness and melancholy
·
remaining irritable and grouchy
·
having trouble concentrating
·
Restlessness
·
slower heart rate
·
increased frequency of feeling of hunger.
While almost every one
trying to quit smoking undergoes withdrawal symptoms the good part is that they
don’t last long. As per experts, worst withdrawal symptoms usually last for 3-4
weeks. However, cravings can last longer than most withdrawal symptoms.
Also Read: Foods You Must Have And Avoid To Quit Smoking
Craving
food after giving up smoking
Sometimes cravings occur
without any warning sign making it difficult to uphold for the person trying to
quit. Various surveys suggest that cravings are often caused by reminders of
smoking like sight of other people smoking or just a glimpse of a cigarette
kiosk, these reminders are termed as triggers. Therefore, it is imperative to
have proper plan and ways to handle such triggers.
· The
best way to manage cravings is to keep busy or take up any physical activity.
Involvement in activities not only helps in curbing cravings but also keep triggers
at bay.
· As
per experts the best way is to keep the mind busy and avoid
distractions.
· More
than often mood also acts like a trigger, for example people feel like smoking
when they are sad or angry or hurt.
·
Similarly, routine-activities that were linked with smoking in the past
can be a trigger as well, like people who possess the habit of smoking while
driving or smoking while out on a break can get cravings when they are doing
the same activities. Peer Pressure
Other reasons that make it
challenging for people to quit smoking include peer pressure, routine habit
like smoking after meals or soon after waking up and last but not the least
social expectations.
· While
there is no set timeline when it comes to quitting, it is said that it usually
takes around 66 days to break the habit.
· There
are also numerous programs that help people in quitting for example—Nicotine
Replacement Therapy and Modalities to name few.
· There
are varieties of things like nicotine patches, lozenges or gums that help in
substituting cigarettes as source of nicotine.
·
Sometimes, doctors also suggest prescription nicotine like nasal spray
or inhalers for effective quitting.
· Having
a support system also helps in maintain the quitting state upto a great extent.
It is for similar reason
that people join support groups and try to communicate and share thoughts with
others who are trying to quit as well. Quit line option is also available where
toll free number are given to connect with right that will guide you in the
process. If not support group, one can find solace in family member or even
close friends, it’s important to open up with your support system and be honest
about your progress, this way you will always feel you have someone to report
to and it’s your responsibility to keep up your promise to quitting
smoking.
Quitting cigarettes may
seem like a very difficult thing, some people even think they are going through
depression while doing so but it is important to remember that the decision to
quit smoking is always good no matter how severe withdrawal symptoms are.
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