Tobacco is a substance that has been used for centuries in order to alter mood. It has been taken by various means including chewing, sniffing, and smoking. Cigarette smoking is the major means of its consumption in the modern world.

Tobacco smoke contains more than just nicotine. When smoking today you are also consuming thousands of chemical constituents. Nicotine is however the addictive substance. It is said that nicotine acts as a stimulant on the nervous system thereby raising blood pressure and heart rate. Nicotine can also affect the metabolic rate, the regulation of the body’s core temperature, and the degree of muscle tension and hormone levels. Despite its stimulant effects, most smokers feel a sense of relaxation and pleasure using this substance.

Nicotine withdrawal causes a variety of symptoms some of which can be extremely unpleasant. These might include anything from frustration, irritation, anger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, headache, stomach cramps, restlessness, a rise in blood pressure and most of all an intense craving for nicotine.

Once the habit has been acquired it can therefore be exceedingly difficult to quit. Some researchers have suggested that giving up nicotine might be even more difficult that overcoming heroin or cocaine addiction. This is most likely because smoking is both a physical and psychological addiction. Acute physical withdrawal may only last for a limited period of time, usually no more than a few weeks after the person has completely quit. However, the psychological addiction continues on. Long-term cravings can continue even after the physical addiction has been dealt with. Anything that has been associated with smoking, be it the morning coffee, dealing with stressful situations, or enjoying a drink with friends can all trigger the psychological craving.

Of course nowadays we know that there are certainly no shortage of reasons to quit smoking. Rather than go into all of the overwhelming statistics, here is some rather better news for those trying to quit. The effects of overcoming this addiction begin immediately. After your last cigarette it takes just twenty four hours or your blood pressure and pulse rate to return to normal. So too will your levels of oxygen and carbon monoxide in your blood in this short time frame. Within a week your risk of heart attack has already begun to decrease. At this time your sense of smell, taste and breathing will also have already improved.

Quitting smoking can be an extremely difficult task and being motivated is one of the best indicators of success. If you are hoping to quit smoking, first examine your options for the best methods (be it the patch, gum, e-cigarettes, inhalers, laser therapy, acupuncture, cold turkey, or some combination of these). Once you have chosen a quit date and a method, begin making a list of the all of the reasons you want to quit including especially good things such as the immediate health and lifestyle benefits you will receive. Remember this is one of the hardest things to do. Getting a proper plan and support system in place can therefore make all the difference.