How to Tell If You Are Addicted to Nicotine: Signs and Tips to Quit
Knowing how to tell if you are addicted to nicotine is the first step towards breaking the habit and leading a healthier life. We’ve compiled signs of addiction and tips to help you quit. While everyone has bad habits, some can become serious addictions. Smoking is one of the toughest to kick, and even if you consider yourself a social smoker who can quit anytime, you might be in denial.
You reach for a cigarette as soon as you wake up
Whether you need it immediately after you wake up or after an hour, it just shows the severity of your nicotine addiction. Research shows that nicotine dependence is as equally addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol. Naturally, the more you smoke, the more tolerant you’ll become. It will also become an inseparable part of your morning routine. If you can’t imagine having your morning coffee without a cigarette then think about switching to green tea instead. It’s a healthier alternative and it will prevent mood swings that caffeine can cause.
You can’t resist the craving
If you’re wondering how to tell if you are addicted to nicotine, one sign is smoking even when you’re sick or braving bad weather for a cigarette. Nicotine withdrawal can also hit when you stop smoking for a while. If you’ve decided to quit, good news: cravings come in waves and last about 20 minutes. To get through it, keep busy. Carry fruit or nuts, or try meditating. Distract yourself until the cravings fade.
You’re experiencing health problems
Aside from the unpleasant cigarette smoke and the fact that smoking cigarettes will cost you money, it also poses a serious threat to your health. The list of health complications is long and it includes
- lung cancer
- chronic bronchitis
- diabetes
- stroke
- heart disease
- cataracts
- infertility and impotence
- weakened immune system
- dental issues
- osteoporosis
You feel tired all the time
Nicotine addiction has a huge impact not only on your physical health but on your psychological health as well. The signs of dependence include a feeling of depression, insomnia, restlessness, anger, headaches, and fatigue. If you’ve been feeling extremely tired for no particular reason, it’s probably because of nicotine. A fantastic way to battle this feeling and to improve your overall health is to start exercising regularly. A good workout will fill your body cells with plenty of fresh oxygen. It will also regulate your blood pressure and the levels of bad cholesterol. Sweating will purify your skin and leave it glowing. You’ll boost your energy levels and start feeling fresh and strong.
You’ve lost the sense of taste and smell
You’ve probably heard those stories about people who gained a lot of weight after they stopped smoking. That can happen for several reasons. First of all, smoking numbs your sense of taste and smell. It affects your appetite. So, when you stop smoking, food starts to taste and smell much better than before. Secondly, some people replace smoking with eating to battle the cravings. Don’t let this discourage you. Your eating routine can become your best ally in kicking nicotine addiction. Make a plan and start prepping your meals. Carrying a healthy snack with you at work or out in a town will help you resist lighting a cigarette the next time you start craving it.
Conclusion
Becoming aware of the fact that you have a nicotine addiction is the first and most important step in overcoming this bad habit. Smoking has many bad effects both on your physical and psychological health. If you’ve decided to ditch the cigarettes, we salute you. These tips will help you along the way in becoming a healthier and happier version of yourself.
