As you sit there, cigarette in hand, you might be wondering when the day will come that you finally break free from your nicotine addiction. Well, my friend, wonder no more! This article is all about counting down to freedom - how many days until you can quit smoking for good? Let's dive in!
So You Want to Quit Smoking
Breaking news: quitting smoking is hard! But it's also one of the best decisions you can make for your health. According to the CDC, smokers die an average of 10 years earlier than non-smokers. If that wasn't enough motivation for you, consider that quitting will also save you a lot of money - cigarettes are expensive!
If this is your first attempt at kicking the habit (attempt, because let's face it - quitting usually requires multiple tries), then congratulations! You've taken an important step towards improving your life.
Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
Before we get into our countdown, let's talk about what happens when you stop smoking. When nicotine withdrawal sets in (usually within hours after putting out that last cigarette), symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and difficulty concentrating may arise.
Pro-tip: Warn those around you before embarking on a smoke-free journey that they must brace themselves for some serious grumpiness.
Other potential withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Increased appetite/weight gain
It should be noted: these symptoms won't last forever (insert huge sigh of relief) and should subside within 1 month or so (Note: We said "should").
The Countdown Begins...Now!
Drumroll please....how long does it take before all these nasty withdrawal symptoms go away completely and freedom ensues? The answer depends on a few factors including age (older people seem to have longer withdrawal times), length of smoking habit, and level of addiction.
NOTE: This countdown is idealistic. So take it with a grain of salt.
Day 1-2: The Hardest
The first few days without smoking can feel like an eternity as the urge to smoke lingers on your mind all day (and probably night) long. Embrace those around you who are likely brave enough not to run for their lives just yet!
Pro-tip: Divert the craving! Whenever you get a craving, use that energy towards exercise or chores. Who knows? Maybe your house will be spotless by week two!
Week 1-4: Hang in There!
Once you cross over into week one, congratulations! You've made it past some of the hardest days (Alright!). The intense withdrawal symptoms should begin subsiding after about a week from when you stopped(Here’s hope).
Warning: cravings may still persist at this point but they'll become more manageable. Remember earlier -- divert them if needed.
Week 5 - Month 3: Continued Progress
At this stage (don't stop now)...You're more than halfway up that mountain top; however don’t let your guard down because there could still be some wily temptations along the way(better safe than sorry ).
The good news is cravings ease well off and physical changes too start appearing within this period (Now we’re truly getting somewhere).
Physical improvements include:
- Better circulation
- Improved lung function
- Decreased blood pressure
- Potential reduction in wrinkles
These benefits alone make quitting totally worth it, promised!(Yeahh!)
Months 4 -6: Congratulations!
Within half-a-year , congratulations are definitely in order! All withdrawal symptoms should have disappeared completely and there's plenty of room for celebrating(Lockdown parties anyone?).
Note that though urges continue minimally even resurfacing occasionally etc., but the cravings are much easier to manage at this point(Whoop! Whoop!!), as if you reached Mount Everest Summit(you get it, right?).
A Year Later: Celebrate Your Success!
By the time you hit that one-year milestone (cue applause), You're officially in good history(yipee). Research shows smokers who reach their one year anniversary of quitting smoking have a 90% chance of remaining smoke-free for life.
One Year improves dramatically all round, including breathing and coughing fits. The craving feeling now only visits from time to time whenever some random thing triggers it(Pat yourself on the back!)
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it folks - our countdown to freedom! While we've given rough estimates on how long withdrawal symptoms last beyond which recovery begins, remember everyone's journey is different. So take your time and be (ever-so) patient with yourself; through will power and positive mindset even Ironman triathlon doesn’t look impossible(constantly_rolling_on_the_floor_laughing_no_jokes_intended.).