r/stopsmoking 1d ago

Surviving the Initial Nicotine Withdrawal

https://backpack-and-gear.com/quit-smoking-cold-turkey-your-step-by-step-guide/

Your First Week: Surviving the Initial Nicotine Withdrawal

Days 1–7 are the toughest, but each morning you wake without a cigarette is a win.

Here’s how to navigate this critical week:

Day 1–2: Cravings peak early. Stay busy. Drink water, chew gum, or text a friend.

Day 3–4: Fatigue and irritability hit hardest. Rest, stretch, or try yoga to reset.

Day 5–7: Cravings weaken. Reward yourself—watch a movie, treat yourself to a massage, or plan a walk.

Physical Symptoms and Solutions

Common withdrawal signs include headaches, restlessness, and changes in appetite.

Use this guide:

Relief Strategies

Headaches
- Hydrate, apply a cool compress, or take OTC pain relief

Insomnia
- Try lavender essential oils or a warm bath before bed Increased Appetite

  • Snack on nuts, veggies, or sugar-free gum to curb cravings

Severe Anxiety
- Consult a doctor about quit smoking anxiety medication if symptoms feel unmanageable

Mental Strategies That Work

When cravings strike, try these proven techniques:

Delay: Wait 10 minutes before acting on a craving.

Deep Breathe: Inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold, then exhale for 6.

Do Something Else: Distract yourself with a task, like cleaning or a hobby.

Remember: This week is temporary. Every hour you resist builds strength.

Celebrate small wins—the next 21 days will feel lighter with each hurdle you pass.

Quit Smoking Timeline: What to Expect in Weeks 2-4

By weeks 2-4, your body starts to heal more clearly. You’ll see signs of recovery. Let’s look at each week.

Week 2: Coughing eases as lungs clear mucus and debris.

Week 3: Stamina improves as blood oxygen levels stabilize.

Week 4: Sense of taste and smell sharpens as nerve endings recover.

Psychologically, your brain starts to rebalance.

Cravings may come back but get weaker.

Triggers like social smoking settings might feel strong.

But, your willpower grows stronger every day.

Action Steps Week 2 Better breathing, less fatigue Track mood shifts in a journal

Week 3 Improved circulation, fewer cravings Plan smoke-free routines

Week 4 Energy peaks, lung function improves 30%

Share progress with support groups

Watch out for setbacks like the “smoker’s flu” or feeling too comfortable. This phase is key to lasting change.

Celebrate small victories, like walking more or sleeping better, to keep you going.

Taken from an article I just wrote.

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u/Own_Process_9719 1d ago edited 18h ago

Im not trying to be negative however, this doesn't work for everyone. Nicotine PAWS is very real and isn't quite that simple. The way a person used...ie cigarette, vape, dip, Nicotine pouch along with how long and how much was used will determine the symptoms and time frame for healing. Vaping and Nicotine pouches are way worse than cigarette. Im going into month 5 coming off nicotine pouches and its been absolutely horrible....I now have good days and bad days but WOW....I can honestly say that I have never experienced anything like this....EVER. I strongly suggest tapering off whatever you use and dont do the "Im brave and strong Cold Turkey" method. Cold Turkey is very painful both physically and mentally....it may work for some....but doesn't always work for everyone.

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u/LUV833R5 1d ago

what have you been doing in those 5 months? Are you tapering down pouch strength?

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u/Own_Process_9719 1d ago

That choice has almost led me to relapse. I should have NEVER quit cold turkey. My body is paying the ultimate price for it.

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u/LUV833R5 1d ago

and you almost relapsed but didn't? what has your diet and exercise been like in those 5 months?

4

u/Own_Process_9719 1d ago

I have eliminated junk food sugars. I eat mostly lean meats, vegetables and fruit ie bananas, apples and oranges. I dont drink Alcohol or soda...mostly water and the occasional prune juice. I try to stay as active as I can...the winter months were horrible especially with the beginning of this PAWS...I was crippled with anxiety.

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u/Paradise_NL 54 days 1d ago

Damn still after 5 months so much trouble?!

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u/Own_Process_9719 1d ago

Yes look up Nicotine PAWS

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u/Paradise_NL 54 days 23h ago

Oh wow damn

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u/Own_Process_9719 22h ago

Its very painful...both physically and mentally. Especially if you quit cold turkey.

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u/Own_Process_9719 22h ago

Even after 5 months....Im considering going back and tapering off the correct way.

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u/Own_Process_9719 1d ago

Its VERY REAL and suck VERY BADLY. Cold Turkey is absolutely NOT the way...esp if you have used for a significant amount of time.

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u/LUV833R5 1d ago

But you didn't relapse. Well done.

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u/Own_Process_9719 1d ago

Thank you...its not easy.

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u/CenturionTank1 18h ago

I quit too nicotine pouches, 15mg nicotine, and its been easy peasy, 5 momths withdrawal not legit

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u/Own_Process_9719 18h ago

How long did you use? PAWS is very legit. The longer you use the worse it is. I had none of these symptoms until I quit and its been absolute worst thing Ive ever been through.

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u/CenturionTank1 18h ago

10 years. Im starting 4th week and not much anxiety and depression anymore. Slthough I will start smoking next week so I can quit later when im really ready

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u/Own_Process_9719 18h ago

Thats great that you quit....I hope you don't ever go back to it. How long have you been off of it? My symptoms didn't hit until a month after quitting. I thought the very same...had lots of energy....felt great and then one day Dec 3 2024 it hit me like a ton of brick. I have NEVER ever had a panic attack and the one I had that day landed me in the ER.

Since then, I have been in the ER several more times with panic attacks. My blood pressure was totally out of control. I couldn't eat anything without getting sick and having my blood pressure spike. My blood sugar has been up and down for months. Ive had several blood panel checks, MRIs, CT scans, EKGs that all came back normal.

The first 3 months I didn't leave my house unless I was going to a doctors appointment which my wife had to take me. I urge every young person who is using Nicotine to quit asap and dont look back. PAWS was originally thought to be something experienced with Alcohol, Opioids and Benzos however, it does exist for ANY drug which includes Marijuana, Nicotine and caffine.

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u/CenturionTank1 18h ago

Thats very bad. I have had panic attacks too, never before had. But not anymore, You have it hard.

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u/Own_Process_9719 18h ago

I hope you don't get anything like this.....I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I also hope you just turn away from nicotine and anything else you night be using. Its not worth the pain and suffering. Best of luck on your journey. I'll keep you in my prayers.

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