How long after you quit smoking does it take your system to be totally free of nicotine? How long for withdraw? -
hi igotmach
ditto what starry night said... some claim 3 days its gone.. some chemicals are in your system for longer periods..
i also would recommend you check in with a support group.. i have been quit for 5 years now as a result of my participation in nicotine anonymous.. i attend meetings locally as well as voice meetings on the internet.. support is as close as your computer!!.. you are welcome to attend while planning a quit, all are welcome smoking or quit!!
Nicotine Anonymous is a Non-Profit 12 Step Fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The Fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 Steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine.
20 minutes after quitting:
Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.
12 hours after quitting:
The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 weeks to 3 months after quitting:
Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
1 to 9 months after quitting:
Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
1 year after quitting:
The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker-s.
5 years after quitting:
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
10 years after quitting:
The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker-s. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease, too.
15 years after quitting:
The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker-s.
How severe your symptoms are depends on how long you smoked and how many cigarettes you smoked each day. Common symptoms include:
An intense craving for nicotine
Tension
Irritability
Headaches
Difficulty in concentrating
Drowsiness and trouble sleeping
Increased appetite and weight gain.
Nicotine withdrawal is short-lived and symptoms should pass in time, usually less than a week. While withdrawal is the most uncomfortable part of quitting, the real challenge is beating long-term cravings and staying away from tobacco.
Like any addiction, quitting tobacco is difficult, particularly if you are acting alone. If you join smoking cessation programs, you have a much better chance of success. Such programs are offered by hospitals, health departments, community centers, and work sites.