Smoking cessation

Smoking can create several negative effects on your health, such as an increased risk of developing serious diseases like cancer and heart disease. It can also lead to an earlier death. While these risks are a good incentive to quit, quitting can be hard for some people because of withdrawal symptoms.

These can include irritability, headaches, and intense nicotine cravings. Even though quitting can be a challenge, the benefits on your physical and mental health are worth it.

 

What are the benefits?

Broken addiction cycle

Within one month of quitting, the many nicotine receptors in your brain will return to normal, breaking the cycle of addiction.

Better circulation

Your blood circulation improves within 2 to 12 weeks of stopping smoking. This makes physical activity a lot easier and lowers your risk of a heart attack.

Improved taste and smell

Smoking damages nerve endings in your nose and mouth, dulling your senses of taste and smell. Within just 48 hours of quitting, the nerve endings begin to grow, and your sense of taste and smell begin to improve.

More energy

Along with improved breathing and physical activity, the increased oxygen in your body will also give you more energy.

A boost to your immune system

Quitting smoking improves circulation, increases oxygen levels, and lowers inflammation — all of which give your immune system a boost, so it’s easier to fight off colds and other illnesses.

 

Side effects of quitting smoking

The side effects of quitting smoking can be extreme for some. Many people feel like they have the flu when they’re going through withdrawal. This is because smoking affects every system in your body. When you quit, your body needs to adjust to not having nicotine. It’s important to remember that these side effects are only temporary.

Headaches and nausea

Smoking affects every system in your body. Headaches, nausea, and other physical symptoms are common as the nicotine leaves your body.

Tingling in hands and feet

As your circulation begins to improve, you may feel tingling in your hands and feet.

Coughing and sore Increased appetite and associated weight gain

The boost in energy you experience when you quit smoking increases your appetite. Some people also eat more because they substitute cigarettes with food to cope with the “hand to mouth” habit of smoking. Both lead to weight gain.

Intense cravings for nicotine

Your body is dependent on nicotine while you’re a smoker. It will crave it when it goes without. Cravings peak between the two- and four-week marks.

 

Smoking Cessation: Fast Facts

Tobacco use can lead to tobacco dependence and serious health problems. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases.

Tobacco/nicotine dependence is a condition that often requires repeated treatments, but there are helpful treatments and resources for quitting.

Smokers can and do quit smoking for good. In fact, since 2002 there have been more former smokers than current smokers

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