Smoking and tobacco use can be an enjoyable habit for some. The nicotine contained in tobacco can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, especially after stressful situations. However, nicotine can become addictive, and getting it through tobacco can also mean introducing cancer-causing carcinogens into the body.
Environment
Before embarking on a nicotine detox, adjust your environment from your home to your hangouts. This can help fight the body's cravings by reducing stimulation. Remove every tobacco-related item from your living area, including ashtrays, old cigarette packs, cigarette butts, dip cans and tobacco advertisements in magazines. Wash any clothes, jackets and linens that smell like smoke. Consider your hangout spots as well, like bars and restaurants where you would ordinarily have a smoke. Sit in non-smoking areas and if you want a drink after work, go to a restaurant. Bypass the smoking area at work, even if you are going there just to socialize.
Detox Aids
Use aids like gums, patches and pills to curb nicotine cravings. The gums and patches provide an infusion of nicotine without the carcinogens inhaled through smoking. They also slowly wean you off nicotine by gradually reducing the amount of nicotine. Start with FDA-approved methods versus ones that promise a quick fix. They may help you stop smoking temporarily, but they may have untested and unrecognized side effects. Even FDA-approved nicotine withdrawal aids like Zyban can have side effects that need to be dealt with immediately. According to Zyban's warning labels, some users may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts. If so, report them to your physician immediately.
Cold Turkey
At some point you will be nicotine-free. This can happen immediately if you quit cold turkey, i.e. stopping smoking or using nicotine products immediately with no medical aid. If you do this, withdrawal symptoms such as heavy cravings, restlessness and extreme irritability may be more intense. However, nicotine can leave the body within 72 hours, so those symptoms are largely mental rather than physical. Employ other stress relievers and oral substitutions. For instance, keep regular gum or sunflower seeds handy when cravings hit. Include a self-reward system, such as buying new clothes after reaching a milestone.
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