When nicotine intake is stopped, the smoker temporarily suffers withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and increased hunger. For example, finishing a meal, driving a car, or feeling anxious or angry will trigger an urge for a cigarette. Smoking helps to relieve anxiety, depression, anger, and boredom. Smokers rely on cigarettes, like a good friend, to help them through these difficult emotions. Upon quitting smoking, many people feel sad, as if they have lost a close friend.
Many smokers try one method at a time.
They try the nicotine patch or they try hypnosis. Each of these methods can help, but each targets just one of the factors that hook smokers. The patch, for example, helps overcome physical addiction but does nothing for the habit of smoking or for emotional dependence on cigarettes. Success is most likely when all the factors are attacked at the same time. In just three sessions, the QuitSmart program at Duke provides the tools to overcome each of the addiction factors.