Understanding withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms are the way your body reacts when it stops getting nicotine and all the other chemicals in tobacco smoke. Think of these as recovery symptoms.

Some recovery symptoms will come and go over a period of a few days, and most are gone within two to four weeks. The emotional symptoms - such as irritability or frustration - are closely tied to the physical reaction of your body as the nicotine leaves your system.

Common Recovery Symptoms Include:

• Cravings - Each one lasts a short time, but may be strong. Over time, cravings will happen less often.
• Feelings of irritability, frustration depression or anxiety.
• Feelings of restlessness and/or difficulty concentrating.
• Changed sleeping patterns.
• Increase in appetite and weight gain.

Some People Also Report:

• Coughing, sneezing or sore throat.
• Mouth ulcers.
• Upset digestion, constipation or diarrhoea.
• Headache, earache, deafness or feeling off-colour.

Usually, you won't have all these symptoms, and those that do affect you will only be temporary.

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