Nicotine is a drug, so when you take it away from your body you can have withdrawal. The good news is these symptoms don’t last forever – it’s just while you and your body are adjusting to life without cigarettes.

When you quit, you’ll most likely get cravings and be a bit cranky. These are the two most common symptoms. Some other symptoms are:

• increased nervousness and tension
• agitation (feeling irritable)
• mood swings
• lack of concentration
• changes to sleep patterns
• headaches
• coughs.
  

Withdrawal symptoms are worst when you first give up. But they do get less and, eventually, they disappear. It might help to think about these symptoms as positive signs that your body is healing itself.

There are stacks of things you can do to get yourself through withdrawal.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – like patches and gum – is really helpful in managing the symptoms.

Friends and family help, too. Good support can help you do anything.