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- $Unique_ID{BRK00769}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Personality Changes While Quitting Smoking}
- $Subject{smoking withdrawal Community Social behavior behaviors lifestyle
- lifestyles Nicotine restlessness concentrate irritability hostility dullness
- sleepiness weight gain smoke}
- $Volume{Q-23}
- $Log{
- The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf
- Indirect Problems Caused by Smoking*0007302.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Personality Changes While Quitting Smoking
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- QUESTION: Some of my friends have quit smoking merely by stopping. Now they
- are at me to give up the habit as well, but I am having a tough time. It
- seems to change my whole personality and the way I feel and work. Is my case
- unusual, or have other people felt the same way while quitting?
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- ANSWER: Your case is more the rule than unusual. Your friends probably had
- similar feelings; if not, they really had it easy. Nicotine is an addictive
- chemical, and when you stop, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that can
- explain the way you feel. They can include a feeling of restlessness,
- inability to concentrate, irritability and feelings of hostility. In addition
- to craving a cigarette, you may find your sleep patterns have been altered,
- and a feeling of dullness or sleepiness during the day. And then there is
- that dreaded weight gain. All are signs of nicotine withdrawal. But be of
- stout heart. Though these symptoms vary from person to person, they are most
- intense during the first week after an abrupt halt to smoking, and gradually
- decline during the second and third week. By day 21 after quitting, few
- people have any remaining problems, except for an occasional urge. The
- greater your habit was, the more intense are the symptoms of withdrawal.
- However, you can manage to stop smoking by will power alone, if you stay on
- guard during the moments when cigarette smoking was a part of your life style,
- like after meals or bedtime. Your little support group can do much to help
- you, if you consider their concern and listen to their advice.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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