LalliCareClinic.ca

1139 Yates St - Victoria , BC V8V 3N2 - PHONE: 250-386-5100 - Fax: 250-386-5527 - TOLL FREE: 1-866-261-4165

Coping With Quitting: Withdrawal


Nicotine is addictive, which is why it's so tough to quit smoking. Here are some of the withdrawal symptoms that you may experience when you quit, and some suggestions for dealing with them.

Managing nicotine withdrawal symptoms

Symptom

Try this

Dry mouth
Sore throat, gums, or tongue

Sip ice-cold water or fruit juice, or chew gum

Headaches

Take a warm bath or shower
Try relaxation or meditation techniques

Trouble sleeping

Take a walk several hours before bedtime
Don't drink coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine after 6:00 pm, or noon if 6 pm doesn't work
Try relaxation or meditation techniques
Unwind by reading for awhile
Take a warm bath

Irregularity

Add roughage to your diet, such as raw fruit, vegetables, and whole grain cereals (Note: do this gradually to allow your body to adjust, and increase fluid intake at the same time)
Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day

Fatigue

Take a nap
Try not to push yourself during this time; don't expect too much of your body until it's had a chance to begin to heal itself over a couple of weeks

Hunger

Drink water or low-calorie liquids
Eat low-fat, low-calorie snacks

Tenseness, irritability

Take a walk
Soak in a hot bath
Try relaxation or meditation techniques

Coughing

Sip warm herbal tea
Suck on cough drops or sugarless hard candy

Cravings for tobacco

Distract yourself—go for a walk, call a friend, or start an activity
Do deep-breathing exercises
Realize that cravings are brief

 

This material is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult with your physician if you are in any way concerned about your health.

© 2003 SLPM Self-care Ltd.

 

© Copyright RealWeb Enterprises Ltd.
all rights reserved