What can you expect when you quit using tobacco?

Education - Prevention - Cessation

Why Quit - What Can You Expect When YouQuit?
Click here to find cessation services in your area

Cessation counseling can help you successfully fight nicotine addiction. A list of organizations that can help you is listed under Service Providers.

What Can You Expect When You Quit?
Withdrawal, recovery and relapse are all part of "kicking the habit".

Withdrawal
Nicotine has a powerful effect on your body and your brain. So, when it is taken away, it can cause changes in your brain's chemistry. This is called withdrawal.

Cravings and emotional distress can occur. And you may have one or more of these:

Strong cravings for tobacco
Depression
Anger
Irritability
Tension
Anxiety
Restless feelings
Trouble concentrating
Insomnia (not able to sleep)
Increased hunger leading to weight gain.

Withdrawal may be harder for some than others. No one really knows why. Everyone is different. See tips on help with withdrawal

Recovery
Recovery is getting past withdrawal. The longer you have used tobacco and the more you use it each day, the harder it may be for you to “kick the habit”.
Being honest about why you use tobacco can tell you what you need to work on for recovery.
For example: Do you use tobacco:

To get you going in the morning and give you a boost during the day?
Because you like the feel of holding a cigarette or cigar?
To relax and feel good?
For stress relief?
Because you are hooked and can’t seem to quit?
And don’t even realize you are doing it?

Think about why you use tobacco. Then try to replace that reason with a healthier choice.

Relapse
Relapse is when you start using tobacco again after you have already quit. Many who try to quit, relapse. Most successful quitters try 2-6 times before they make it. If you relapse, don't give up and don't be too hard on yourself.
It’s hard to stay a nonsmoker once you’ve had a cigarette, so do everything you can to avoid that “one.” The urge to smoke will pass. The first 2 to 5 minutes will be the toughest. If you do smoke after quitting:

This doesn't mean you’re a smoker again – do something now to get back on track.
Don’t punish or blame yourself – tell yourself you’re still a nonsmoker.
Think about why you smoked and decide what to do the next time it comes up.
Sign a contract to stay a nonsmoker.

Even if you start using tobacco again, you have taken a step toward quitting for good. You have faced the problem. Now you have to find the weak links in your plan and fix them. Forgive yourself. Think of this effort as a practice run. Set a new quit date and begin again.

One Allegheny Square Suite 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | Call 412-322-8321 | Fax 412-322-8323