Nicotine addiction is a serious disease, it is difficult to cope with. Scary is not so much psychological dependence, as physical, when some functions of the body are associated with the intake of nicotine. When a person decides to quit smoking, he faces various unpleasant consequences, for example, irritability, nervousness and other symptoms. In this case, it is not surprising that many are interested in how long nicotine dependence lasts. At first, uncomfortable symptoms manifest themselves quite brightly, so many break down and return to a bad habit . According to statistics, it is most difficult to survive the first two weeks. Unpleasant symptoms can be felt from a few weeks to months.
Stages of nicotine addiction
In general, there are three main stages in the development of dependence, which are distinguished by the strengthening of physical and psychological traction:
- The initial stage is 3-5 years. During this time a person smokes systematically, constantly increasing the number of cigarettes. After a few puffs, satisfaction is felt and well-being is improved.
- Chronic stage - 6-15 years. For a day a person can smoke up to two packs of cigarettes. The desire to smoke occurs when the slightest mood swings or even a change of conversation. The smoker periodically suffers from cough and pain in the heart, as well as from insomnia.
- Late stage. At this stage, a person can smoke constantly, while the quality of cigarettes is not particularly important. There are serious health problems.
Getting rid of nicotine addiction
To cope with this problem, combined therapy is used, including the use of medications and psychological help. In the first stages, it is recommended to take funds that contain nicotine, for example, "Nicorette", or alkaloids - "Tabex". Gradually, the dosage is important to reduce, which allows us to wean from nicotine. To cope with nicotine addiction after quitting , doctors can prescribe other drugs to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and maintain health. It is recommended to attend individual and group sessions on psychological assistance.
There are also a few tips from people who have already successfully coped with nicotine addiction. It is recommended to perform physical exercises and switch to proper nutrition. When there is a desire to smoke, you should distract yourself in any case. Find support among people who will control and not give up.