Nicotine addiction
Withdrawal symptoms
Treatment options
Nicotine addiction
Nicotine is the addictive component of cigarettes. A naturally occurring substance in tobacco, nicotine produces an enjoyable sensation in the brain without affecting behaviour. Much like hard drugs, however, nicotine leads to addiction and physical dependence.
How addiction happens
With every drag of a cigarette, the nicotine it contains stimulates the brain within 10 seconds. The brain reacts to this stimulation by producing endorphins, hormones that give you a sense of well-being. One of these is dopamine.
Your brain normally produces these “feel-good” substances on its own, for example, when you do something you enjoy or when you are having a good time.
When you quit smoking, your brain must learn how to produce and regulate endorphins once again, without the use of nicotine.
Withdrawal symptoms
Symptoms |
Approximate duration |
Tips |
Dizziness |
1 to 2 days |
Breathe deeply and stretch. |
Fatigue |
2 to 4 weeks |
Get exercise, eat well and drink plenty of water. Get enough sleep. |
Insomnia |
Up to 3 weeks |
Avoid stimulants. If you can’t sleep, get out of bed and do something to get your mind off things. |
Coughing |
Less than 7 days |
Drink plenty of water to flush out the mucus from your lungs. |
Constipation |
3 to 4 weeks |
Drink water, eat fibre-rich foods and get exercise. |
Hunger |
A few weeks |
Snack often, but choose healthy foods in small quantities. |
Intense cigarette cravings |
2 weeks |
Use your strategies! |
Irritability |
May vary |
Tell yourself that it will pass and remind yourself that you are in the process of regaining your freedom. |
Pressure around the head and eyes |
May vary |
Take a deep breath, relax, get a massage. |
Treatment options
Pharmacological cessation aids can be effective if you carefully follow the recommendations for use provided.
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT)
Transdermal patches
Commonly referred to as nicotine patches, transdermal systems generally come in three “steps,” which allow users to gradually master their cravings and withdrawal symptoms (i.e. irritability, anxiety and restlessness).
Lasting about 10 weeks, the program involves the ongoing release of nicotine into the bloodstream (24 hours a day) through a patch applied directly on the skin. The starting dose varies according to your smoking habits. It is reduced once or twice during the program.
Nicotine chewing gum and lozenges
Smoking-cessation gum and lozenges contain nicotine, which is released into the mouth and absorbed by its lining. But be careful! There are special instructions to follow when using these products.
Inhalers
Designed for people who have a hard time breaking the habit of bringing hand to mouth, the inhaler features a two-part mouthpiece designed to hold a nicotine cartridge. This system sprays nicotine into the mouth and throat; it is then absorbed by their lining. The goal is to keep nicotine from actually penetrating the lungs.
Warning
Here are a few guidelines to follow when undergoing a nicotine replacement therapy:
- Do not smoke.
- Before using a nicotine patch, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you currently have or have ever experienced any of the following problems:
- Heart attack (myocardial infarction);
- Chest pains (angina);
- Irregular heart beat (arrhythmia);
- Stroke (cerebrovascular accident);
- High blood pressure (hypertension);
- Kidney or liver disease;
- Thyroid gland problems;
- Stomach ulcers;
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- Insulin-dependent diabetes;
- Skin reactions to adhesive tape or bandages;
- Blood circulation problems;
- Diseases of the skin;
- Drug allergies;
- Digestive problems;
- Heart disease (cardiopathy);
- Treatment of brain circulation problems;
- Taking of prescription medications.
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- Pregnant women should refrain from using these products.
Medications
Varenicline
Varenicline is the first product in a new class of medications aimed at reducing nicotine addiction among adults. People taking varenicline must also follow smoking cessation counselling. Treatment begins 1 to 2 weeks prior to the official quit date. In addition, the dosage must be adjusted over a 7-day period before reaching the recommended dose.
Bupropion
Bupropion hydrocholride is an antidepressant available by prescription. Since it takes time to accumulate in the bloodstream and take effect, buproprion must be taken before attempting to quit smoking, usually 7 to 10 days prior to that date.
Talk to a health professional to find out which treatment option is best for you.
Other techniques
Smoking cessation counselling
The Smoking Cessation Centres (across Quebec) and certain clinics offer personalized support and group workshops. Ask about it at your CLSC.
Hypnotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, phytotherapy, laser treatment
Be careful when it comes to choosing a treatment whose effectiveness has not been proven by scientific studies.
Do you have questions about smoking cessation treatments, therapies and medications?
Ask your pharmacist. He’s there to help!