Products such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cigars that contain tobacco can lead to many health conditions or even worsen them. It’s been reported that smoking causes around 80% of deaths from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and approximately 90% of deaths from lung cancer. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of stopping smoking and the quit smoking timeline in Glenrothes, Fife.
One of the main questions that people who want to quit smoking normally ask is, “How long will it take me to quit?”. Fortunately, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been smoking – from the time you decide to stop, your body will start to restore itself to its normal state, even after smoking for many years.
In this article, we are going to discuss why smoking is very addictive and why most people find it difficult to quit. We will also provide some context regarding the timeline of how long it actually takes to get rid of the habit permanently.
Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine can simply be defined as an ingredient (Stimulant) in tobacco products like cigars and cigarettes. It falls under drugs that can make a person’s brain stop functioning normally. The effect it causes on the brain is what makes it so addictive. It basically changes the balance of 2 chemicals found in your brain, Noradrenaline and Dopamine. When the levels of these two chemicals are changed, your concentration level and mood are affected to produce feelings of pleasure. At the same time, it reduces the levels of stress and anxiety.
Nicotine Withdrawal
When you smoke, the number of nicotine receptors in the brain increases. Once you stop smoking, these receptors still expect nicotine. So, they start to adjust when they don’t receive it. The process of adjustment is what brings about withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Combating these cravings and withdrawal symptoms is among the factors that determine whether you’ll quit smoking or not. Some of the main symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include:
- Headaches
- Cravings (E.g. cigarettes, food)
- Irritability and anxiety
- Difficulty with concentration
Four stages of the quit smoking timeline in Glenrothes, Fife
There are typically four stages in the process involving quitting smoking. The stages include:
1. Contemplating (You want to quit but you aren’t ready yet)
This first stage is when smokers contemplate stopping smoking soon. The timeframe is normally less than six months.
2. Preparing to stop
This is the second stage in which a smoker has made the decision to quit smoking, and has set a date to work towards.
3. Action (quitting)
The action stage involves the smoker actively trying to stop smoking by seeking help and support from close friends and relatives, committing to quitting, using rewards that help maintain motivation, and making plans to fight off pressures that could cause them to backslide.
4. Maintenance (continuing to not smoke again)
At this stage, a person who has stopped smoking can cope more easily with the stress, boredom, and social pressure that come as a result of quitting. The person has also found ways to resist temptations to smoke again. Nevertheless, they may slip once in a while and have a cigarette. But they learn from it and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
What’s the quit smoking timeline in Glenrothes, Fife?
Once a smoker quits smoking, it takes about 72 hours for the nicotine to clear from the body. The withdrawals begin at about two to three days after stopping the habit. The symptoms normally last for about 1 to 3 months after you stop. However, symptoms such as irritability and low energy levels may take longer to disappear than the others.
Any stop smoking service will need to take into consideration this lengthy period of adjustment. This includes the time it will take for your nicotine receptors to return to their normal functioning. It’s usually recommended to wean off nicotine slowly with the help of things such as nicotine replacement therapy instead of going cold turkey.
How our Stop Smoking Service can help (Set a quit smoking timeline in Glenrothes, Fife)
Cadham Pharmacy prides itself on qualified and well-equipped pharmacists who are great in counselling and advising to help you stop smoking. You can also get the best nicotine replacement products from us, such as nicotine replacement patches, chewing gum, inhalators, and nasal sprays. They can be effective in minimising cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. We also provide a tailored Stop Smoking service to assist you for up to a number of weeks.
Giving up smoking is a great step towards a healthier and happier life, and Cadham Pharmacy has made it our responsibility to make that possible.
This blog post was written on behalf of Cadham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
