Smokers have to be genuinely committed to quitting, or positive results are unlikely. For many smokers, quitting smoking side effects are difficult to overcome and some smokers may question the value of quitting.
Nicotine addiction causes the body to crave the substance. When smokers attempt to stop smoking, quitting smoking side effects will quickly manifest themselves. Within hours of stopping smoking the first side effects will be noticed. Craving for cigarettes will begin, and many smokers attempting to stop report an increased appetite. Other common quitting smoking side effects include nervousness or fatigue. Many smokers exhibit short tempers and complain of headaches. These symptoms will often appear within a few hours of having the last cigarette, and may continue for quite some time.
One of the most common quitting smoking side effects is weight gain. This is very common, but it should be noted that there are fewer negative effects from moderate weight gain than from continuing to smoke. A craving for food appears to be a substitute for craving a cigarette. Another very common side effect is depression. The intensity of the depression will vary from one individual to another, and if the depression worsens medical intervention may be indicated. Again, the length of time these symptoms persists is not consistent for all individuals, and may last for a short period or for several months.
Few health professionals have expressed the belief that enduring a period where quitting smoking side effects are suffered is not worth the effort. Long-term benefits of quitting far outweigh short-term discomfort. However, individuals with underlying health conditions should work with their physician when attempting to stop smoking to control the underlying conditions. Should other symptoms become extreme, intervention by health care professionals is also indicated. While most individuals will exhibit relatively minor symptoms, medical professionals are generally in agreement that smoking cessation efforts are well worth the efforts for long-term health benefits.
