Smoking: Coping with Withdrawal - NYC Health

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Coping with Nicotine Withdrawal

Help Is Available Whether or Not You’re Ready to Quit

Tobacco treatment medications can help anyone who smokes or vapes avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, whether they want to quit, reduce their use or avoid smoking in specific situations (such as at home, at work or in public spaces).

Resources for Individuals

What is Your Relationship with Tobacco Quiz? (PDF)

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How to Use Tobacco Treatment Medications Pocket Guide (PDF)

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How Can I Get Tobacco Treatment Medications? Insurance Guide (PDF)

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Be Free with NRT video

For more tobacco treatment resources, visit NYC Quits.

Resources for Social Service and Housing Providers

Commissioner of Health Letter (PDF)

What is Your Relationship with Tobacco Quiz? Guidance for Providers (PDF)

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Exploring Myths and Facts About Tobacco Use (PDF)

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Other Resources for Addressing Tobacco Use (PDF)

Withdrawal Symptoms

Many people have nicotine withdrawal symptoms whenever they are not smoking or vaping, or if they are trying to cut back or quit. Depending on how much you smoke or vape, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Cravings

Irritability

Frustration or anger

Anxiety

Difficulty concentrating

Restlessness

Increased appetite/weight gain

Depressed mood

Insomnia/sleep problems

How Treatment Can Help

Tobacco-treatment medications (PDF), including nicotine replacement therapy (the patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler and nasal spray), bupropion SR (Zyban® or Wellbutrin®) or varenicline (Chantix®), can help you avoid nicotine withdrawal symptoms and stay comfortable whenever you are not smoking or vaping—whether or not you want to quit. Most health insurance plans (PDF), including Medicaid, cover these medications.

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are not FDA-approved tobacco treatment medications or devices, so they are not covered by health insurance plans. They also expose people using them and those nearby to harmful chemicals.

To better understand your relationship with tobacco, take this quiz

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Other Tips for Coping

Medications are a great way to manage cravings and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms. There are also other tips for managing triggers and avoiding smoking or vaping when you want to.

Booklet: Still Smoking? Make a plan to meet your goals (PDF)

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Identify and Cope with Triggers (PDF)

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More Information

Smoking: NYC Quits

E-cigarettes

Smoking: Medicaid Benefit

Information on Smoking, Tobacco and E-cigarette Use for Clinicians