Tobacco contains a harmful substance called nicotine, but did you know that nicotine’s dependency is higher than heroin?
It has been said that the strength of withdrawal symptoms of nicotine can exceed those for cocaine. Many would-be quitters point to this single thing as an intimidating obstacle preventing them from smoking. Also, because the act of smoking a cigarette itself is made into a habit, there are times when you feel uncomfortable if you do not have it at hand.
In this article, we will introduce a method to overcome the two dependencies – nicotine dependence, which frustrates smoking cessation, and psychological dependence on the act of smoking.
What is nicotine dependence?
Some smokers have withdrawal symptoms due to nicotine dependence called “nicotine run out.” Simply put, over time the body becomes dependent on nicotine. If a smoker doesn’t get their nicotine fix within a certain period of time, they will often experience symptoms such as a strong desire to smoke, in addition to irritability, inability to concentrate or focus, and sleep disturbance.
When people with a strong nicotine dependence start quitting smoking, they may feel impatient, feel uneasy, and in extreme cases may even experience suicidal thoughts or fall into a state of mental instability. In general, withdrawal symptoms develop strongly during the initial period, but in many cases will calm down with time as the body copes with a lack of nicotine.
For nicotine dependence, the older the age at which a smoker starts smoking, the higher the risk. One of the factors that causes nicotine addiction is by continuously smoking tobacco, nicotine receptors in the brain are increased. Due to this, dopamine – a chemical which produces the sensation of pleasure – is given off when nicotine is taken in. As a result, since people feel “comfortable” when dopamine comes out during smoking, smoking itself becomes a closed-loop cycle.
What is psychological dependence on smoking?
Psychological dependence on smoking means that the behavior surrounding smoking has formed into a habit. This includes everything from the perceived need to have something between your fingers or in your mouth, to thoughts such as wanting to finish lunch quickly in order to have a longer smoke break at work.
Smoking is said (usually by smokers) to relieve stress and promote a sense of relaxation, but withdrawal symptoms of tobacco are caused by smoking in the first place. Since tobacco itself does not have a relaxing effect, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms are gradually lost during the process of continuing smoking cessation.
Overcoming two tobacco dependencies
Both psychological dependence and nicotine dependence can be said to be close to drug dependence. As a result, there are many people who continue smoking for some time regardless of the negative health effects and awareness of smoking’s dangers, due to a perception that withdrawal or changing habits might be even worse.
Now there are a wide variety of methods and aids that can assist with quitting smoking. However, in order to eliminate the custom of cigarettes from everyday life it is important to decide clear goals beyond smoking cessation. Just vaguely saying, “I want to quit smoking,” alone doesn’t work. By clarifying specifically “why do you want to quit” or “what you want after you quit,” it can be easier to maintain your motivation in quitting smoking. Bear in mind that withdrawal symptoms can be particularly painful at the beginning, but for most people these last only around 14 days. Joining others who are also thinking of smoking cessation and quitting together can also help boost motivation, and behavior modification programs designed for smokers (many of which are freely available) can help people quit and stay quit.
Final word
There are individual differences in the degree of dependence, but those who have the experience of being restless without a cigarette may already depend on tobacco. Human beings can live without cigarettes. However, if you are in a dependent state, life without tobacco will initially be stressful. Stress may become priming, which can lead to failure to quit smoking. In order to quit smoking, it is effective not only to set clear targets but also to consider small targets linked to daily lives.
Incidentally, this is true with Rien Pipe as well. Although Rien Pipe has been designed to gradually decrease nicotine intake, which may result in experiencing many fewer (if any) withdrawal symptoms, it addresses the physical dependency on nicotine. Taking steps to really change your routine and lifestyle and embrace being an ex-smoker is equally important. Imagine the “you” after you quit smoking and start taking concrete steps to invite them into your life today.
