The Symptoms That You May Feel After Quitting Smoking (Part 1)

By Phil Conran

Many smokers have exaggerated notions of the agony of going without cigarettes and want to know how long they will be affected by withdrawal symptoms. Since physiology varies widely among individuals, the answer has a lot to do with your attitude about the process. On average, it takes two to three days for the nicotine level in your body to drop significantly below your maintenance level. During that time you will have frequent urges, which are the most significant symptoms of withdrawal. If you drink lots of water, breathe deeply, and keep moving, you will be able to go long periods of time without being aware of your changed situation.

As you notice the time between urges increasing, you may become aware of some of the physical symptoms of recovery described below. You may feel all, some, or none of these symptoms within the first week. Remember that your body is healing and that over time, the symptoms will abate. Don't worry about them unless they persist for a long time.

Cravings for a Cigarette: Cravings for a cigarette are frequent and intense within the first two to three days after stopping. The cravings become less frequent over the next four or five days, but they may increase again and persist for many weeks. Most former smokers - even those who have been free for many years - still report an occasional urge for a cigarette. Deep breathing and immediate activity will help distract you from your craving. The worst of the cravings usually end within a couple of weeks after breaking free. You know you're in good shape when you no longer think of cigarettes all the time.

Coughing: Your lungs and upper respiratory system are now getting rid of the built-up toxins that restricted your breathing while you were smoking. Your body is cleaning house, so don't panic if you cough or spit up blackish mucus. Your cough should last only a few days; cough drops or syrups may help relieve the symptoms.

Sleeplessness: Smokers lack energy, and their sleep tends to be restless because of coughing and difficult breathing. Now that you are no longer smoking, you are healthier and your body has more energy. You should need fewer hours of sleep, and the sleep you get should be more restful. If you want to sleep longer, use more of your new energy during the day by exercising harder and going to bed later, when you tend to be more tired.

Author Details:
Phil Conran writes for various web sites including information portals such as Simply Top's Free Article Directory, information junkie and the A-Z of.com

Source: The A-Z of Smoking

NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if this note, the author details, source and ALL links remain in place and active.

Articles About Smoking

Smoking
Stopping The Fag - Health Concerns And More!
Preferring Wellbutrin - Controversial Method To Stop Smoking
Ways To Stop Smoking - Why Some Of Them Work And Why Some Do Not
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Cigarettes
Nicotine Gum
Be a Non-Smoker
Quit Smoking
Quitting Smoking 1
Quitting Smoking 2
Hypnosis To Quit Smoking
Hypnosis To Quit Smoking
NRT
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine Anonymous 1
Nicotine Anonymous 2
Smoking Dependency
Symptoms of Quitting
Symptoms of Quitting
Smoking Recovery 1
Smoking Recovery 2
Smoking Recovery 3
Passive Smoking
Cigarette Filters
Benefits Of Quitting
Emphysema
Non-Nicotine Pill
Stop Smoking
Weight-Gain
Smoking Habit
Body Of A Smoker 1
Body Of A Smoker 2
Cigars
Quitting Smoking
Smoking
Children & Smoking
Vitamins & Smoking
Depression Smoking
Your Last Cigarette
Temptations
Smoking Relapse
Smoke-Free
Quit Smoking