You’ve decided it’s time. You’re ready to quit smoking and take control of your health. But now you’re wondering, is it dangerous to just stop? Will quitting cold turkey lead to more harm than good?
We’ve got the answers you need, so buckle up and let’s dive in!
First Things First: What Happens When You Stop Smoking?
Before we get into whether or not it’s dangerous to quit smoking cold turkey, let’s talk about what happens when you stop.
Your body goes through a lot of changes when you quit smoking, both physically and mentally.
Here are some things that will happen once you kick the habit:
- Within 20 minutes: Your heart rate drops back down to a normal level.
- Within 8 hours: The nicotine levels in your blood drop by half, and oxygen levels start returning back to normal.
- Within 48 hours: Carbon monoxide is removed from your body completely.
- Within 72 hours: Your lungs begin repairing themselves as breathing becomes easier.
So after just three days without cigarettes, your body has already started undoing some of the damage caused by smoking.
Is It Dangerous To Quit Cold Turkey? Let's Find Out
Now for the big question – can stopping abruptly actually be harmful? As with most things related to health questions - sorta kinda maybe sometimes?
There are certainly risks associated with suddenly putting an end on decades-long habits like someone sticking their fingers recklessly on typewriters long past their prime. Here are a few potential issues that could arise if world went off cigarettes entirely overnight:
1.The first problem with quiting ‘cold’ turkey: Nicotine withdrawal symptoms
When people who smoke try [to] (this includes fish smokers!) suddenly stop,they[can] experience withdrawal symptoms which may include:[A]
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Insomnia
2. The Second problem: Increased appetite and snacks munching on crunchy cheetos
Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, so when you quit smoking, your body no longer has that additional control over hunger. As a result, it's possible to gain weight - often caused by additional cheesy salty glucose ridden snacking.
3. Third problem: Social Smoking and Habit Formation
Smoking becomes a habit as much as a nicotine addiction[B]. Habits are difficult to break after decades of practice! Suddenly quitting might lead people back into cigarettes once they find themselves in situations where they crave or normal associations with cigarettes for example “smoke breaks”
However – Let’s keep everything stored safely inside our frontal lobes.
The risks associated with quitting smoking cold turkey start being minimized after just the first few days.
When Is Cold Turkey Okay?
Ah… now we’ re getting somewhere!
Quitting ‘cold turkey’ puts you at risk of relapse but doesn't cause physical harm.Cold turkey can be effective if:
1) You have only smoked casually (let’s sayonce or twice every other month like there were no brains left)
2) Your medical team advises this option will be best suited for [you[i]].
But honestly ?
If you’re trying to kick a true cigarette addiction? It may not be wise[:/] since the likelihood of having withdrawal symptoms far outweighs the benefits in these cases.
Worse yet?
One could end up lecturing everyone else around them about how dangerous nicotine is while puffing away mouthfuls and ribbons of smoke again one day because going cold/turkey was too risky!
So What Should You Do Instead?
Here are other ways that you can ditch those cigs without stopping abruptly:
Tip #1: Nicotine Replacement Therapy
This refers to using products like nicotine gum, patches or lozenges in the early days of quitting[B]. There is also the increasingly popular e-cigarettes which hasn't been thoroughly population-variety tested therefore it's strategic risk management would be a challenge. These aid with easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings as you phase out your dependence on cigarettes.
Tip #2: Medications Prescribed By A Doctor
Certain medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and make quitting easier[7].
Tip #3: Gradual Reduction
Alternatively, you might prefer reducing your daily number of cigarettes gradually….[A]
Practice Intentionality
At the end of the day, successfully quitting smoking requires commitment from you. You need to be intentional about breaking free…especially if their echo chamber peers find themselves lost without them! Take things one step at a time but never letgo repeating that this has to happen!. Remember –
quitting smoking will be one of the most positive changes you ever make in your life [8].
Wrapping Up On Whether It’s Dangerous To Quit Smoking Cold Turkey
While going cold turkey may not pose an immediate threat,[B] it isn’t always easy for heavy smokers!
You’ll likely face some tough challenges associated with nicotine withdrawal - especially if this includes behavioural change cum habit formation and tryng situations – however; there are safer ways to meet your goals.
If all else fails OR let ‘common-sense-doctor’ prescribe appropriate therapies.
Your body thanks you either way once [C]you kick cigarette smoke….finally enjoy fresh cool air sans harmful addictions!