Side Effects of Quitting Smoking Cold Turkey

Cigarettes have several harmful chemicals that can have short-term as well as long-term effects on our health. According to statistics, there are over a billion smokers worldwide, and they suffer a high risk of a heart attack and other smoking-related diseases like lung cancer.

You don't have to be a doctor to know that smoking is bad and you need to quit if you want to lead a healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to quit smoking is cold turkey in which you suddenly stop smoking instead of gradually quitting your habit.

Lot of people believe that 'cold turkey' is the best way to quit, because if you have one cigarette, then there is no stopping you from having another one.

Of course, there are certain side effects of quitting smoking abruptly, and these range from mild discomfort, to diarrhea, and depression. However, none of these symptoms are long-lasting, and you will get over most of them in a week's time. If you are mentally prepared to give up smoking, be ready for some temporary physical discomfort. Enlisted below are some of the symptoms of quitting smoking cold turkey.

✔ Irritation
Certain chemicals in cigarettes trigger and stimulate the neurotransmitters in the brain, which leads to the smoker experiencing a pseudo feeling of euphoria. When you stop smoking, the stimulation stops and the person feels irritated. This can lead to a lack of concentration and a feeling of something being amiss.

✔ Insomnia
One of the first things that will happen due to the cessation of smoking is insomnia. The person will feel drowsy throughout the day and won't feel sleepy in the night. When we smoke, it causes certain chemical changes in the brain, and when we stop smoking, it takes time for the brain to readjust. So, the brain goes into an overdrive mode and we experience lack of sleep, which is a classic nicotine withdrawal symptom.

✔ Diarrhea
There are certain chemicals in the cigarette smoke that have an effect on the digestive system. When we stop smoking, it affects the digestive system and we may experience diarrhea. It can last for a couple of days or may extend to a week. Taking over-the-counter diarrhea medication will help control the situation.

✔ Constipation
People who quit smoking cold turkey may also experience constipation. Although there is no laxative in cigarette smoke, it does have a psychological effect on the person's daily routine. Constipation may last for a couple of days, and if it persists, use laxatives for getting relief.

✔ Cold and Flu
One of the most common side effects of quitting smoking is the onset of flu or cold. This is because the body is readjusting to the new phase, and this causes a drop in the immunity levels. Mild flu-like symptoms will persist for a few days and you may also experience cold sweats. Some are also susceptible to cold, which can be taken care of with the help of readily available pills.

✔ Depression
One of the dangers of quitting smoking cold turkey is depression, which in some cases can last for a couple of weeks. There are many memories and habits associated with smoking, for example, some people start their day with a cup of coffee and cigarette. When they quit, the mind knows that it will not experience the same joy again and this can lead to depression.

Some of the other side effects of quitting smoking abruptly are acid reflux, body ache, dizziness, and irritation in the throat. One of the effective quit smoking cold turkey tips is to keep your body hydrated so that you can cleanse your body of the toxins quickly. A strong resolve and support from friends and family is important. So, enlist the help of others in your endeavor to quit smoking. All the very best!

Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.