Wednesday, February 25, 2009

What Happens When You Stop Smoking

By Amy Hudson

In trying to kick a smoking habit, it is necessary to remember the advantages of a smoke-free life - such as significant improvements in health for you and your loved ones, whiter and cleaner teeth, the absence cigarette stench on your body and clothes, etc.. Of course, it is similarly imperative to know what it is exactly that you're dealing with. There are numerous stumbling blocks that you have to conquer to be able to kick the habit. A good number of these obstacles might originate from outside issues, but most problems come from inside your own body in the form of smoking cessation side effects.

An important element of smoking cessation is acknowledging what you will experience. Realizing what you will face is the most ideal way to cope with the adverse effects of smoking cessation. A lack of awareness about the nuances of quitting smoking may catch you off guard and sidetrack you from your goal of quitting. Even though the effects of smoking cessation can be extremely adverse, keep in mind that these are often fleeting and can be easily dealt with.

Psychological and Physical Symptoms of Smoking Cessation

The side effects of kicking the habit can be classified as psychological and physical. The first couple of weeks are known to be the most challenging, as symptoms may exacerbate in 48-72 hours after stopping. These symptoms can totally decrease after twelve weeks, and only then will you feel entirely at ease once more.

Psychological Side Effects

The earliest psychological impact of quitting smoking comprises irritability and/or anxiety, as well as an extreme desire to smoke once more. With the passing of time, you will experience tingling and tremors your hands and feet, and also severe perspiration. Soon, you can experience acute depression that occurs as a result of nicotine withdrawal. This early stage of depression will likely come in the form of grief, such that you feel that you suffer from the loss of something important. The best response is to just endure this sensation of sadness, remembering that this is just a regular stage in your body's healing process. Permit yourself to deal with this grief and wait for the feeling to pass. Other than depression, you may also suffer from confusion, moon swings, insomnia, as well as emotions similar to vulnerability, helplessness, and neediness.

This first depression may potentially develop to a long-term condition, particularly in cases wherein the person involved is already previously predisposed.

Physical Side Effects

The physical symptoms of smoking cessation involve gastrointestinal problems such as intestinal cramps, headaches, constipation, and nausea. You can also suffer from various respiratory illnesses like intermittent colds since both lungs are beginning to clear.

Moreover, most ex-smokers have been reported to start gaining weight after discontinuing to smoke, however, this may not apply to everyone. If your body's figure is a significant issue, you are advised to compensate with physical exercise.

Acknowledging the potential repercussions of smoking cessation will prepare you for these conditions as they appear. Of course the quit smoking side effects will frequently vanish after just a few weeks. The only long-term repercussion of quitting is a positive one, that of a great improvement in your health and wellbeing. - 15437

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