Nicotine withdrawals how long

Urges last only a few minutes. Distract yourself. Exercise; go for a walk around the block; talk to someone for support. Download this page as a PDF. About us What we do Our leadership Contact us. Resources Multimedia Publications Training. Talk to your primary care provider if you have concerns about your weight. They may be able to help you identify helpful strategies. Some people may also experience mental health issues. Depression associated with nicotine withdrawal is often temporary and subsides with time.

If you have a history of depression, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your symptoms during smoking cessation. Here are some ways to combat common withdrawal symptoms. Drink plenty of water , chew sugar-free gum, or suck on sugar-free candy. Shop for sugar-free gum. Shop for sugar-free candy. Practice deep breathing exercises or take a bath. Shop for ibuprofen. Shop for acetaminophen. Turn off or put away electronic devices one to two hours before bedtime. Create a bedtime ritual, such as reading, taking a shower or warm bath, or listening to soothing music.

Drink a glass of herbal tea or warm milk, and avoid caffeine or heavy meals before bed. Get more tips on natural ways to sleep better.

Shop for herbal tea. Take frequent breaks. Try not to overdo it. Make to-do lists, and give yourself plenty of time to complete tasks. Overcoming nicotine withdrawal is often the most difficult part of quitting smoking. Many people have to try more than once to quit.

There are many situations in your daily life that may trigger your desire to smoke. These situations can intensify symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Triggers include:. Identify your triggers , and try to avoid them if you can. In general, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal pass quickly. Most symptoms pass within a week. Once the symptoms of withdrawal stop, you may still experience long-term cravings for tobacco.

Curbing these cravings will be important for long-term success. Many people can manage cravings by avoiding triggers, engaging in moderate physical activity, and practicing deep breathing exercises. Finding ways to relax can curb cravings as well, such as:. Another helpful tip is to substitute carrots, gum, or hard candy for cigarettes.

These can curb the psychological need to smoke. The levels of nicotine continue to drop for the next few days until it no longer affects the body. Alongside the withdrawal symptoms, people will also begin to notice positive changes. These can be improvements in their sense of smell and taste, less coughing, and easier breathing, particularly when exercising. Quitting nicotine can be difficult because the addiction is both physical and psychological.

Many people benefit from various kinds of support during the period of nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine replacement therapy NRT is where a person stops using tobacco and uses one of the following substances that contain smaller amounts of nicotine instead:. There is no research to suggest that one method is more effective than another.

Combining different types of NRT could have a stronger effect than a single method alone. Research has found that using NRT can increase the chance of quitting by 50 to 60 percent. At this point, an individual can gradually reduce the dosage of nicotine until no further treatment is needed. NRT is a common and successful treatment for nicotine withdrawal.

However, many people will still experience certain withdrawal symptoms, which may be stronger in some individuals than others. Possible side effects of NRT include:. Nicotine replacement therapy is available for purchase online. Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is consumed as vapor but does not contain the same host of harmful substances as most other tobacco products. E-cigarettes can be used instead of traditional tobacco products.

But the health risks of smoking e-cigarettes are not yet known. They may be less harmful than smoking tobacco cigarettes, but there is currently insufficient research to confirm this. E-cigarettes are available for purchase online. Counseling can help some people cope with the psychological and physical aspect of nicotine withdrawal. It can be a valuable addition alongside NRT. Counseling can help people to identify and address triggers that are preventing them from quitting.

People should remember that many craving will only last for 15—20 minutes. This means that when someone feels a craving coming on, they can distract themselves in some way until it passes.

Many people find the following tips and strategies can help them cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms:. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and may feel overwhelming at times, particularly in the first week. Some people relapse because of this or are afraid of trying to quit. But many people successfully overcome the challenge of nicotine withdrawal because of the benefits of quitting. Sometimes it can take a few tries before a person kicks the habit for good.