If you are a smoker and you have tried quitting, then you realize how difficult that process is. I am an ex smoker and thought of stopping for years. I often asked whether the benefit of quitting outweighed the consequences. How does the body react to nicotine withdrawal? The answer, not surprisingly, has some good news and some bad news.
I will give you the bad news first. Let’s start by saying that not everyone’s reaction to nicotine withdrawal is the same. I know of someone who claims that he simply stopped smoking and never gave it another thought. How I envied him! For most of us, however, the symptoms are, for the lack of a better word, horrible.
The craving is the worst. Everyday activities, like having that first cup of coffee in the morning, become less enjoyable. How about getting together with friends who are smokers? They are sitting there puffing away and your body starts screaming for one. Thank goodness time heals everything. Yes, with time the craving subsides.
Insomnia is another side effect. My husband, also an ex smoker, had months of sleepless nights.
Anger management anyone? I can sure testify to that one. Not being able to smoke made me angry. I thought it was unfair. I still do, but I no longer get upset about it.
Then there is the coughing, the headaches, sore throat, and dry mouth associated with quitting. Thankfully these symptoms are easy to deal with when compared to how more severe they are when you experience them as a smoker.
You are probably wondering if I will ever get to the good news, so here they are! Your body will start thanking you minutes after you have that last cigarette. Below is a list of benefits associated with quitting, reported by the American Cancer Society:
•After 20 minutes you will see a drop in heart rate and blood pressure
•After 12 hours the carbon dioxide level in your body drops to normal
•After 2 to 3 months your circulation improves and lung function increases
•After 9 months you will experience less coughing and shortness of breath
•After 1 year the risk of coronary disease is cut in half
•After 10 years lung cancer risk is cut in half
•After 15 years the risk of coronary disease is the same as a non smoker’s
Did the benefits outweigh the consequences? The answer is obvious but non the less, the experience is scary. Just remember that you are not alone. There is help out there, from support groups to patches, gums, and even prescriptions. Make that decision. Reach your goal. Become a non smoker.
It may be hard to come to that decision to give up your habit for good. But nothing good comes easy. I assure you the dedication and effort you put into quitting your habit will result in you receiving many health benefits in return. You will physically become fitter and much healthier than you once were! So learn how to quit smoking marijuana today.
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