Quitting smoking
Nicotine addiction
Withdrawal symptoms
Nicotine addiction
Nicotine, a naturally occurring substance in tobacco, produces an enjoyable sensation in the brain without affecting behaviour. Much like hard drugs, however, nicotine leads to addiction and physical dependence.
How addiction happens
Nicotine stimulates the brain within 10 seconds of every drag.
The brain reacts to this stimulation by producing substances known as endorphins. One of these is called dopamine.
Your brain normally produces these “feel-good” substances on its own, when you do something you enjoy or when you are having a good time, for example.
When you quit smoking, your brain must learn how to produce and regulate endorphins once again, without the use of nicotine.
Withdrawal symptoms
Symptoms |
Approximate duration |
Tips |
Dizziness |
1 to 2 days |
Take deep breaths and stretch. |
Fatigue |
2 to 4 weeks |
Get plenty of rest, exercise, eat well and drink plenty of water. |
Insomnia |
Up to 3 weeks |
Avoid stimulants. If you can’t sleep, get out of bed and do something to get your mind off things. |
Coughing |
Less than 7 days |
Drink plenty of water to flush the mucus out of your lungs. |
Constipation |
3 to 4 weeks |
Drink water, eat fibre-rich foods and get some exercise. |
Hunger |
A few weeks |
Snack often, but choose healthy foods in small quantities. |
Irritability |
May vary |
Tell yourself that it’s normal and that it means you are in the process of regaining your freedom. |
Pressure around the head and eyes |
May vary |
Relax, breathe, get a massage. |
