Withdrawal symptoms
Overcoming smoking withdrawal symptoms
When you stop smoking, it’s common to experience withdrawal symptoms as your body and mind adjust to being nicotine free. But don’t worry, these symptoms won’t last forever. Stick with your plan, and within a few weeks, you’ll be through the hardest part. Symptoms often ease within the first week or two and typically fade by four weeks.
Common withdrawal symptoms
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but here are some that may occur:
- Increased coughing, phlegm or mucus
- Dizziness or light headedness
- Tingling sensations
- Heightened appetite and hunger
- Mood changes such as anxiety, irritability, and trouble concentrating and tearfulness (these will pass in time)
- Some people sleep more, others less, it’s also common to have vivid dreams but this will stabilise
- Sore tongue or mouth ulcers
- Bowel changes such as temporary constipation or diarrhoea
- Nicotine cravings, you may have an intense craving both mentally and physical to smoke.
Remember, symptoms are temporary
Withdrawal symptoms are a normal part of quitting and will fade over time. Although the first few weeks can be challenging, we’ve got some tips to help.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when reducing or stopping any form of tobacco use, including roll-ups, cigars, and chewing tobacco
Withdrawal symptoms will fade within the first week or two
Some of them are signs of recovery and the first signs of health improvements
You will quickly notice changes in your physical wellbeing when you quit smoking
Within a day or so of quitting, your body begins to remove the poisonous carbon monoxide gas, and you’ll notice improvements to areas such as your complexion and your energy
Get help to quit for good
Looking for support? Contact us to connect with a stop smoking advisor who can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and stay on track toward a smoke free future.
Please note, our service does not currently provide support to stop vaping (unless you are using or about to start using home oxygen), however, we have a self-help guide to help you quit, advice for young people and guidance for parents and carers.