Once you take steps to quit smoking, expect nicotine withdrawal symptoms to reach their peak two to three days after you've acted. However, they are usually gone within one to three months after you stop. Common withdrawal symptoms are as follows:
An intense craving for nicotine
Anxiety
Coughing and a possible sore throat
Depression
Finding it hard to concentrate
Headaches
Insomnia
Intestinal cramping
Irritability
Nausea
Sweating
A tingling feeling in the hands and feet
Weight gain
However, Nicotinell is aware that the signs are different for everyone, but the one way to tell that your addiction is waning is that cigarettes are no longer an option, no matter what. When the things that once triggered you to reach for your pack no longer have power over you, you’ll know you’re winning the battle. So, have a look through these smoking triggers and establish whether they have any sway over your urge to light up now:
Emotional triggers such as being anxious, bored, down, lonely or stressed as well as more positive ones like being excited, happy or satisfied.
Pattern triggers like when drinking alcohol or coffee, driving, finishing a meal, taking a break at work, talking over the phone, watching TV or before going to sleep.
Social triggers which can include going to a bar, attending a social event or being with friends who smoke themselves.
Withdrawal triggers such as the craving for the taste of a cigarette, smelling cigarette smoke, keeping hold of lighters or matches or needing to do something with either your hands or mouth, or both.