What Will Happen After You Quit Smoking? Are You Ready To Stop?

Quit Smoking | What To Expect After You Stop Smoking? - DoctorOnCall

The intention to quit smoking is your first step to a healthier life. Smoking is an addiction due to the nicotine content that works to release the hormone dopamine and make you feel happy. However, cigarettes have a variety of substances that will cause your health to deteriorate, including causing cancer. However, quitting smoking is not an easy task. There are many things you need to go through before successfully quitting smoking forever. There are various steps and possible treatments that you need to take to ensure that you can quit smoking successfully. Many smokers want to quit smoking but they are unable to cope with the trials and tribulations after quitting. So, we share with you what you need to expect will happen and be prepared to face it when you start quitting smoking. Let's follow this article to know more about it.

Things You Need To Expect After Quitting Smoking

1. Nicotine Withdrawal Syndrome

Quitting smoking is challenging because the addiction is said to be as strong as cravings for opioid drugs. The first thing you need to anticipate and be prepared for is the effects of nicotine withdrawal syndrome.

Among the effects of nicotine withdrawal are as follows:

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Insomnia

  • Increased appetite

  • Unable to concentrate

  • Sweating

  • Anxious

  • Easily get angry and impatient

  • Depression

The effects of this withdrawal syndrome are not easy to deal with. Many return to cigarette smoking because they couldn’t get through it. Within a few weeks to months, your body may always feel uncomfortable and the urge to smoke is there almost all the time. It also causes your emotions to be unstable, irritable, and so on. During this period, the support of the people around you, especially your loved ones is very important. Knowing that you are going to face this in advance can also help you deal with it better. Here are some tips to help you deal with the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal:

  • Avoid other smokers. Seeing them smoke will only increase your addiction and most likely you will be affected and get back into the habit.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption. Cigarettes and alcohol are a very bad combination. 

  • Always remember the original goal and do not feel overconfident. Remember, you are not a perfect human being. 

  • Make sure to get enough sleep and rest. Adequate rest and sleep can help you control your emotions better.

  • Avoid being in stressful situations and always think positive. 

  • Chewing gum or snacks can help you shift your focus from cigarettes. But remember to choose sugar-free gum and take healthy snacks.

  • Use nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of chewing gum and patches can reduce the symptoms of nicotine cravings.

  • Do various activities such as exercising, cycling, farming, dancing and so on to shift focus and make your body healthier and more energetic.

  • Get help from counseling or a smoking cessation expert. Don’t be afraid to get help if you need it. 

2. The Temptation to Smoke

Since smoking has become a part of your life for so long, when you start quitting smoking, the temptation to return to your routine is very strong. Furthermore, nicotine can give you peace of mind, energy and happiness. However, know that all of that is just an illusion. Prolonged use of nicotine in cigarettes causes you to rely on this substance to be happy. In other words, without a cigarette, you will be restless, depressed and lacking in energy. So, don't be fooled again, keep fighting and you can definitely be happy and re-energized without smoking soon. 

To resist the temptation to smoke, you are advised to change your habits so as not to remind you of the smoking routine. If you are used to smoking after drinking coffee, change your drink to tea or fruit juice. Some places may also remind you such as the smoking room, pantry and so on. It is important that you identify what can trigger your memory of cigarettes. You can stay away from it or be more prepared to resist temptation when facing it. Find out if you're dependent on nicotine with this quiz!

3. Slipping

Remember, you are not a perfect human being. During the period of your attempt to quit smoking, you may slip when faced with certain situations such as during a party with friends. You might have accepted their invitation to smoke because of a situation that made it difficult for you to refuse. 

If you did slip, don't blame yourself too much. This is something that often happens to smokers during the period they quit smoking. This also does not mean that you have completely failed. Restart and move on to a healthier future. 


Quitting Smoking On A Whim

When you first decide to quit smoking, it should be done in stages. Quitting smoking abruptly can invite danger. According to experts, sudden abstinence from smoking can trigger health problems for the elderly and the sick.

For some people, quitting smoking abruptly also makes it easier for them to return to smoking because of the wrong way to quit.

You are advised to seek the help of an expert such as visiting the Smoking Cessation Clinic so that the most effective way to quit smoking can be recommended. Help such as nicotine replacement therapy and medications are also available to help you quit smoking easier.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Do not be too scared of nicotine withdrawal syndrome or other bad things that you may face after you quit smoking. The fact is, the unpleasant symptoms are only temporary and there are many other benefits that you will enjoy after you successfully quit smoking. 

1. Reduced risk of cancer

Without the carcinogen in cigarettes, of course, your risk of getting cancer is reduced.

2. Nicotine removal

Without the nicotine in the body affecting your mood, you can now feel happy for real.

3.Smooth blood flow 

There are no more substances in cigarettes that could obstruct your blood vessels! 

4. Improved sense of taste and smell

Within 48 hours, your sense of taste and smell will recover. Now you can enjoy your food wholeheartedly.

5. Improving your sex life quality

Removing cigarettes from your life can also restore the intimacy of married couples!

6. More energetic

No more substances that interfere with the exchange of oxygen in your lungs. With an adequate supply of oxygen, your organs are recovering, and you are also getting more energetic.

7. Improving your immunity

Without cigarettes, your immune system can fight better.

8. Live happier

Cigarettes that have been poisoned in your life no longer exist. Now your relationship with your partner and your whole family relationship is getting better. Your child and wife are also no longer passive smokers. No need to buy cigarettes, your finances are also more stable! What else you could ask for?

Conclusion

Do not give up easily in your journey to quit smoking. Not all smokers successfully quit smoking on the first try. But in order to have a healthier life, the pain is worth it.

There is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help in your quest to quit smoking, ask family and friends to support you. Always motivate and remind yourself of the main purpose you want to quit smoking. Don’t forget to consult a doctor or pharmacist for medical help. We are always here for you.


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