If you are physically addicted to nicotine, I recommend that you make plans about how you are going to cope with the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. One option is to use a nicotine replacement therapy, such as the nicotine gum, patches, nasal spray, or inhaler. If you decide to use a medication to help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, check with your doctor to see if your medical insurance will cover the cost. Research has shown that combining the use of a medication with behavior-modification strategies, like exercise and stress management, is the most successful approach for smoking cessation at this time. Whether or not you are physically addicted to the drug, nicotine, you probably have a psychological attachment to the relaxing habits and the mood management that comes from its regular use.
Psychological dependence can be mild to severe.
This type of dependence can be addressed with behavior-modification strategies, with or without the help of medication. Stress management skills are especially helpful with the psychological effects that come when you change your tobacco habits. Your attachment to the way that your tobacco habit occupies your hands and mouth can be mild to severe. It is part of your psychological dependence on the habit. This behavior is often replaced with eating and associated with weight gain.