Nicotine Addiction: Break the Habit Once and for All
Nicotine addiction happens quickly. Whether you smoke or chew tobacco, outside help is often sought in order to successfully quit the habit. Hundreds of thousands try to stop their nicotine addiction “cold turkey,” by using nicotine patches, gum, or through use of relaxation and bio-feedback techniques. Almost 30 million nicotine addicts a year find themselves making multiple unsuccessful attempts in an effort to break their nicotine addiction.
Nicotine Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms Sabotage Quitting
Withdrawal symptoms, associated with breaking a nicotine addiction, sabotage success by impacting both physiological and psychological components. Trying to live with multiple symptoms gives way to allowing those nicotine cravings to turn into another failed attempt. When trying to break the strangle-hold of nicotine addiction, more than 50% of those working to quit the habit experience at least four of the following symptoms:
- Increased appetite and feeling like you need to eat
- Weight gain that follows the fear of gaining weight
- Depression
- Loss of motivation and energy
- Feeling irritable, angry, or agitated for no apparent reason
- Increased feelings of being anxious and stressed
- Insomnia, tossing and turning in bed, night sweats
- Feeling drowsy and sleepy with decreased concentration or focus
- Headaches that may stay with you for hours on end
- An intense craving for nicotine where you feel driven to satisfy the urge
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms Manageable with Medications
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as the last cigarette is put out – prescription medication in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy or other adjunct therapy has proven most successful in stopping nicotine’s hold on your life. Your psychiatrist may choose to prescribe Chantix, Zyban, Wellbutrin or Buproprion, and recommend over-the-counter products such as nicotine patches, inhalers, gum, or nicotine nasal spray. Treating the whole person and their unique needs makes for a successful outcome in ending nicotine addiction. An experienced doctor will develop a plan that meets your own individual needs and personality.
Nicotine Addiction Psychiatrist
Stopping the nicotine habit is hard. When multiple attempts end in failure, it is time to seek out professional assistance. Working with an experienced psychiatrist gives you the best opportunity for success and freedom. Call Dr. Hege’s office today.