Nicotine
Do you smoke? and want to quit smoking? Why? Living a smoke-free life offers countless benefits that can truly transform your health and well-being. Quitting smoking helps improve physical and mental health well-being. lets starts with understanding smoking.
Understanding the difference between Nicotine Use, Abuse, and Dependence
- Nicotine Use: When individual consume nicotine through products like cigarettes, e-cigarettes (vaping), cigars, or chewing tobacco. Many people start nicotine use for social reasons or due to stress or other. Use is the first phase, where individuals brain got exposure with nicotine and experience of “feeling HIGH”. But in this phase individual do not feel craving to consume it again and do not experience any withdrawal symptoms.
- Nicotine Abuse: This is the second phase where individual starts consuming nicotine in compulsive ways harmful to the individual, such as using it in large amounts or in unsafe conditions. and sometime experience craving to consume substance and also experience withdrawal symptoms when nicotine is not consumed. This often leads to negative health effects and interferes with daily life.
- Nicotine Dependence: This is the third stage where an individuals body and brain become reliant on nicotine. Nicotine dependence is a condition where a person becomes reliant on nicotine, typically from smoking or use of tobacco products. The dependence creates strong craving and urges to use nicotine to feel normal or relaxed. Over time, the body and brain adjust to regular nicotine intake, leads to increase tolerance and strong withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating when not consuming it.
Understanding Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone stops using nicotine after becoming dependent, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as..
- Intense cravings for nicotine.
- Irritability, frustration, and anger.
- Anxiety or feeling restless.
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog.
- Increased appetite and weight gain.
- Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia or vivid dreams).
- Depressed mood or feelings of sadness.
- Headaches or dizziness.
When to Seek Help for Nicotine Dependence
- Feels unable to quit smoking on your own despite multiple attempts.
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms that interfere with daily life.
- Continues to smoke or vape despite knowing the harmful health consequences.
- Uses nicotine to cope with stress, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. It is time to seek professional help for nicotine dependence.
Treatment : Talk to your therapist.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Medications
- Counseling and psychotherapy
- Mindfulness
Live Again: It’s Time to Take Control
Quitting nicotine may feel daunting, but it is never too late to start. Reclaim your freedom, improve your well-being, and take the first step towards living your best life. Reach out to a health professional or mental wellness center, like Live Again, for guidance and support in your nicotine cessation journey.
Your Life Is Precious, Take Care of Yourself—Live Again
At Live Again Mental Wellness, we understand how hard it can be to break free from nicotine addiction. But it’s important to remember that quitting is not just about adding years to your life—it’s about improving your quality of life. You deserve a life free from addiction, where you can breathe easier, think clearer, and live healthier, both physically and mentally.
If you are experiencing any mental health issue. Seek Professional Help, talk to your mental health professional. They can provide valuable guidance to enhance your mental and physical health well-being.
Your mental health care is our priority.
