Nicotine is addictive, which is why it's so tough to quit smoking. Here are some of the withdrawal symptoms that you may experience when you quit, and some suggestions for dealing with them.
Managing nicotine withdrawal symptoms
| Symptom | Try this |
| Dry mouth Sore throat, gums, or tongue |
Sip ice-cold water or fruit juice, or chew gum |
| Headaches | Take a warm bath or shower Try relaxation or meditation techniques |
| Trouble sleeping | Take a walk several hours before bedtime Don't drink coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine after 6:00 pm, or noon if 6 pm doesn't work Try relaxation or meditation techniques Unwind by reading for awhile Take a warm bath |
| Irregularity | Add roughage to your diet, such as raw fruit, vegetables, and whole grain cereals (Note: do this gradually to allow your body to adjust, and increase fluid intake at the same time) Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day |
| Fatigue | Take a nap Try not to push yourself during this time; don't expect too much of your body until it's had a chance to begin to heal itself over a couple of weeks |
| Hunger | Drink water or low-calorie liquids Eat low-fat, low-calorie snacks |
| Tenseness, irritability | Take a walk Soak in a hot bath Try relaxation or meditation techniques |
| Coughing | Sip warm herbal tea Suck on cough drops or sugarless hard candy |
| Cravings for tobacco | Distract yourself—go for a walk, call a friend, or start an activity Do deep-breathing exercises Realize that cravings are brief |
This material is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult with your physician if you are in any way concerned about your health.
© 2003 SLPM Self-care Ltd.
