Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Everyone who quits smoking is expected to experience a number of withdrawal symptoms, depending on the level of their addiction. Below are the ten most common symptoms of quitting smoking, as well as the coping strategies to beat them:
| Withdrawal Symptom | Why it Happens | Coping Strategy |
| Difficulty Sleeping | Nicotine negatively affects many parts of your brain, including those that are responsible for a good night sleep. In the smoking cession period, your brain is trying to adjust its functions without relying on nicotine. |
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| Trouble concentrating | Your brain is used to depend on nicotine as a stimulant to get focus on a task. Now, it’s learning how to stay focused and alert without any trace of nicotine. |
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| Irritability | It’s a sign that your body is craving for a dose of nicotine. |
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| Tightening of chest | Your cardiovascular muscles might be swollen or clogged. |
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| Digestive problems such as constipation | Your body is still on the adjustment period. |
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| Hungry | Your body is confusing nicotine cravings with hunger. |
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| Cold symptoms | You might experience respiratory symptoms such as flu, colds, sore throat and coughing. This is because your lungs are clearing up nicotine residues. |
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| Depression | For some people, quitting smoking is as painful as losing a loved one. Foolish as it may sound, but that’s true! Nicotine addiction is a form of drug addiction. It can really |
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| Headache | This is your brain’s reaction to the declining level of nicotine in your body. |
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| Weight gain | When you quit smoking, you are likely to divert your nicotine cravings into food consumption. |
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