Trying Again to Stop
Time to Quit
Your local stop smoking service can be contacted
on 0800 056 7890
It often takes practice to give up smoking. Researchers have
found that the more past attempts to stop smoking a person has
made; the more likely they will be to stop smoking in the future.
This is because of all the practical experience you get each time
you try to stop.
The experience from any previous attempts to stop will help
you know what works for you and what you need to do differently
this time. The most common reasons people give for returning to
smoking are:
- They were unaware of their smoking
“triggers” and got caught out;
- They did not plan a programme to help them
stop;
- They didn’t sort out alternative ways to
handle stress;
- They thought they could get away with
having “just one”;
- They hit a bad patch or a pressurised
day;
- They found it difficult to manage weight
gain;
- They thought of themselves as smokers, not
non-smokers.
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
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Symptoms.
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How it feels/the cause.
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How to cope.
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Cravings
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Intense desire to smoke. The brain is missing the nicotine
fix.
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Do something to
distract your attention. Take deep breaths and drink a glass of
water.
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Coughing, dry mouth
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Often worse at the beginning as the lungs clear out the
tar.
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Warm drinks can ease the coughing.
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Hunger
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Caused by a change in your metabolism and food tasting
better.
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Keep fruit/veg, chewing gum, cinnamon sticks close to hand.
Drink water.
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Bowel Changes
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Possible constipation or diarrhoea.
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This will settle. Drink fluids and change your diet to include
fibre if you are constipated.
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Trouble Sleeping
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As nicotine leaves the body this can cause insomnia or
tiredness.
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Settles over 2-3 weeks. Physical activity, fresh air, less
coffee and tea may help.
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Dizziness
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Caused as more oxygen instead of carbon monoxide gets to the
brain.
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Passes on its own after a few days.
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Mood swings, inability to concentrate, irritability.
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Caused by withdrawal of nicotine. Missing the habit/comfort of
smoking.
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Warn family & friends, ask for support
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Links