trying2quit,

Thanks for the question.  I'm glad you're considering a most important step toward a healthier life.  This is not an easy question to answer as everyone is different.  Nicotine is an addiction and the usual symptoms of irritability, anger, weight gain, hunger, and sometimes even anxiety usually last about two weeks.  However, the desire to light up, and the need to satisfy that oral fixation can last several months.  As with any addiction, you'll need a support system - friends and family that will reinforce your decision to stop and provide encouragement along the way. 

Also recognize that your system will need to substitute something for the constant presence of a cigarette in your mouth, and will naturally turn to food.  With some thought, this can be anticipated, and chewing gum, having a water bottle nearby, crunching celery stalks and similar ultra low calorie items will help prevent the weight gain often experienced by people who quit smoking. 

Making the decision to quit is the toughest part.  Then after the first two weeks, you're on your way.  I hope this has been helpful.  Please refer to other areas of this website for tips on kicking the habit. 

Thanks.

Martin Cane, M.D.

trying to quit.

don't worry about what your getting into by quitting. Be thankful for what your getting yourself out of. Believe me when your in your early 50's and can't walk much over 100 feet without having stop to get your breath. Or when you take a morning shower and you have to sit down and gasp for air before drying off. I smoked for 36 years and I also tried to quit off and on for at least 20 years. I've tried the gum,patches,hypnosis,zyban three times and finally I found Chantix and I give all the credit to this drug for my success. Being a Truck Driver the support group really was not an option. I took the recommended

dosage but I also took a straw from Mickie D's it was the same diameter as my smokes and every time I felt the urge I put the straw in my mouth and puffed on it. I didn't chew it I smoked it just for a minute or two and the urge passed I carried that straw for about a month then just tossed it. It worked for me I smoked my last cigarette at 4:00 am September 9,2006. I still think about it and  I could light up right now honestly but I never will besides life's full of temptations. Good luck I wish you all the best and I guarantee you it's worth the effort.