What to expect

[Lenny Jo]

In a post, deep in a thread, someone wanted to know what to expect when they
quit. It's a good question. I thought I'd bring that up as its own thread so
others can easily find it in case they have not come across these symptoms.
Quitters experience both good feelings and bad feelings. I'm assuming most
people are interested in the bad feelings they'll come up against, so that
they can better prepare.

What to expect (withdrawal symptomatology) is pretty well known in regards
to quitting smoking. It is helpful to understand and recognize symptoms when
you quit. Of course, everyone is different and experience symptoms to
varying degrees. But do expect at least some of these.

Clinicians claim (according to their manuals) these are the 8 chief
symptoms: depressed mood, insomnia, irritability
anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, decreased heart rate, and
increased appetite.

Many stop smoking counselors claim these as the major symptoms of what to
expect:

Irritability
Cause: Body's craving for nicotine
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Relief: Walks, hot baths, relaxation techniques

Fatigue
Cause: Nicotine is a stimulant
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Relief: Take naps; don't push yourself

Coughing, Dry throat
Cause: Body's getting rid of mucous that's blocking airways
Duration: A few days
Relief: Drink plenty of fluids, try cough drops

Lack of Concentration
Cause: Body needs time to adjust to lack of stimulation from nicotine
Duration: A few weeks
Relief: Plan workload; avoid additional stress

Chest tightness
Cause: Tension from body's need for nicotine; or sore muscles from coughing
Duration: A few days
Relief: Relaxation techniques; deep breathing; hot bath

Constipation, gas, stomach pain
Cause: Intestinal movement decreases for brief period
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Relief: Drink plenty of fluids; add fiber to diet (fruits, vegetables, whole
grain cereals)

Hunger
Cause: Craving for cigarettes may be confused with hunger pangs
Duration: Up to several weeks
Relief: Drink water or low-calorie drinks; have low-calories snacks on hand

Craving for a cigarette
Cause: Withdrawal from nicotine, an addictive drug
Duration: Physical craving, 2-4 days; psychological craving can happen for
months or even years
Relief: Wait out the urge; urges last only a few minutes; distract yourself;
exercise

Headaches
Cause: More oxygen in your system and less carbon monoxide
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Relief: Drink water; relaxation techniques

Hope that helps. I'm sure others will supplement with their experiences.

-Lenny
'Put the smokes down three weeks, and five days ago, resisting 652
cigarettes.

[Troy & Marie]

Hi Lenny
just wanted to thank you for that post ....for me a soon to be ex-smoker i
really helps to know whats in store for me
Marie

[Feyd Rautha]

This is priceless, Lenny. Thanks ever so much for posting it.

The biggest problem I had with the negative symptoms during my first quit
attempt was not knowing how long they were going to go on for. That made it
hard to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks again!

Feyd Rautha.