Davidoff cigarette pack have a warning, just like other brands have "Smoking is injurious to heath" or "Smoking Kills", it says "Smokers die younger". Tobacco industry is one of the industries that even governments can't control. Every smoker knows it to the core that its going to kill them, but still they smoke. Why?
I did a research few years back with a friend of mine about it. So what is it that makes if difficult to quit? The reason is the withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms are so subtle that people often don't notice and keep smoking even if they want to quit. And live in the guilt and low self esteem that they are not strong enogh to quit. But if one wish they can quit with proper information.
Physical Symptoms.
During the quitting process people should consider the following physical symptoms of withdrawal as they were recuperating from a disease and treat them accordingly as they would any physical symptoms:
Tingling in the hands and feet
Sweating
Intestinal disorders (cramps, nausea)
Headache
Cold symptoms as the lungs begin to clear (sore throats, coughing, and other signs of colds and respiratory problem)
The first few weeks after quitting smoking are usually the most difficult and it's safe to say that it normally takes at least 8-12 weeks before a person starts to feel comfortable with their new lifestyle change of being an ex-smoker. Withdrawal from nicotine, an addictive drug found in tobacco, is characterized by symptoms that include headache, anxiety, nausea and a craving for more tobacco. Nicotine creates a chemical dependency, so that the body develops a need for a certain level of nicotine at all times. Unless that level is maintained, the body will begin to go through withdrawal similar to alcohol addiction withdrawal. For tobacco users trying to quit, symptoms of withdrawal from nicotine are unpleasant and stressful, but only temporary. Most withdrawal symptoms peak 48 hours after you quit and are completely gone in six months.
Mental and Emotional Symptoms.
Tension and craving build up during periods of withdrawal, sometimes to a nearly intolerable point. One European study found that the incidence of workplace accidents increases on No Smoking Day, a day in which up to 2 million smokers either reduce the amount they smoke or abstain altogether.
Nearly every moderate to heavy smoker experiences more than one of the following strong emotional and mental responses to withdrawal.
1.Feelings of being an infant: temper tantrums, intense needs, feelings of dependency, a state of near paralysis.
2.Insomnia
3.Mental confusion
4.Vagueness
5.Irritability
6.Anxiety
6.Depression is common in the short and long term. In the short term it may mimic the feelings of grief felt when a loved one is lost. As foolish as it sounds, a smoker should plan on a period of actual mourning in order to get through the early withdrawaldepression.
As far as i understand and have experienced, the getting sad part is very strong and without any reason. Brain have some glands which release particular harmones when we become happy and when we become sad. Such secretion of sad harmones increase during early stage of withrawal. Infact within 5 hours of thinking to quit. I have personally experienced it.
The mental confusion makes you believe that its okay to have one last cigarette. And this is where most people break down.
Knowing it all helps, unless you really don't believe is quitting. Its helpful if you have your friends and family supporting you. Generally in colleges and offices you have a smoking friend circle, and its hard to explain each and every time why this sudden change.
sources:
http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/withdrawal1.htm
http://www.notosmoke.com/herbal-smoking-articles/smoking-withdrawal-symptoms.htm
