nicotine withdrawal

My dad has stopped smoking cold-turkey for health reasons and is experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms and he can not have things like the patch because he can not have nicotine in his body at all. What are some ways to help him- like are there over the counter calming aids that don't add nicotine to the body- or gum chewing, fake smoking, herbs?

Peppermints... Dont know what it is in them... but something about the mint flavor...

Hard candy... or I even heard of Hall's (something with menthol in it)

2009-03-08 13:49:36 by jademoon20

Educational Video about Nicotine Withdrawal

I'm a teenager and have been smoking for a while now. Both of my parents smoke, so they haven't really noticed that I smoke. I've decided to quit after a friend's uncle died from a smoking related cause and it really shook her up. So, to keep her from worrying about me I'm gonna quit. But first I need to know the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and ways to combat them. both of my parent have tried to quit smoking before and they will recognize the symptoms if I'm too obvious, so I have to know what to expect. Please only post if you can give a serious answer. I don't mean to sound rude, but a lot of people tend to use this resource as a chance to lecture people, and I've had more than enough of that. Thank you for considering my inquiry.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

* Cravings to smoke
* Irritable, cranky
* Insomnia
* Fatigue
* Inability to Concentrate
* Headache
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Constipation, gas, stomach pain
* Dry mouth
* Sore tongue and/or gums
* postnasal drip
* Tightness in the chest

Coping Skills for Nicotine Withdrawal

* Delay until the urge passes--usually within 3-5 minutes
* Distract yourself. Call a friend or go for a walk.
* Drink water to fight off cravings
* Deep Breaths--Relax! Close your eyes and take 10 slow, deep breaths
* Discuss your feelings with someone close to you or at the smoking cessation support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation.

Other Ways to Manage Nicotine Withdrawal Include:

* Exercise--get a little every day. Even a 15 minute walk will work wonders to help you feel better and reduce cravings to smoke.
* Get more rest. More sleep helps!! If you're experiencing insomnia, try taking a long walk several hours before bed.
* Relaxation. Time alone to read a good book. A hot bath at the end of the day. Whatever makes you feel pampered and relaxes you is a great choice.
* Reward yourself at the end of every single smoke free day you complete early on. You are doing a great job, so celebrate your victory every single day.


Don't let nicotine withdrawal scare you! Remember - it's a temporary phase of quitting. The fantastic feeling of freedom and control you'll get when you successfully beat nicotine addiction is worth every bit of effort you give to quitting, and then some. You are worth it!

2006-06-07 00:33:57 by shagginginthestalls

Price: $1.99

I know that there are lots of other chemicals in cigarettes besides nicotine. Maybe this sounds dumb, but are they addictive? I'm on the patch but still having what I think must be withdrawal symptoms. I feel really tired and spacey, like I did when weaning on and off bipolar medications. Obviously something is affecting my brain to cause these symptoms, but I assume that since I'm on the patch I'm not in nicotine withdrawal?

Yes I have heard from multiple sources that the cig companies put addictive chemicals in their products so that you will indeed become addicted and keep buying their cigs. Nasty, huh?

You are probably withdrawing from something...you could probably do a little internet research and find out what it is they put in there and get your mind off the side effects.

Congrats on your decision to quit. I know it's not easy so hang in there.

2008-10-07 09:19:22 by Stormiecat

Price: $54.92 $51.99

I quit smoking almost 6 weeks ago. I chewed the gum for 1 week, but haven't had any nicotine in my system for 5 weeks. I feel awful with all the signs of withdrawal - lethargic, tired, short of breath, light headed, difficulty concentrating. Does anyone know how long this should last?

I smoked for 21 years about 10-15 cigarettes per day. Since I quit I feel worse than I ever did when I was smoking. And it's not just psycholigical, these are physical symptoms. I almost want to start smoking again ;-)

It took me about 6 months before the cravings left me. I went cold turkey. I don't think they even had nicotine gum back then !
I had been smoking about 10-15 cigarettes per day for ten years.

2008-01-24 03:09:46 by l00kt0thec00kie

Last night i was trying to fall asleep for about 3 hours. I would think i was asleep but i wasnt sure and i was sweating a lot. Id have a dream that i was trying to fall asleep and i kept waking up after that. Are these some nicotine withdrawal symptoms? I smoked a few cigarettes before that night and i didn't have one that day, so could that be the problem? Could you tell me some other symptoms?

Yeah that can happen. Nicotine is a stimulant and does weird things to your brain. Other symptoms are irritability during the day, bronchial irritation (coughing), and arranging your life around smoking outside in all kinds of weather.
Don't smoke. Next thing you know it's 25 years later and you're spending $7 per pack and doing it every day. That's almost $50 per day and $200 per month!

2008-07-30 18:07:29 by Lindsey C