Strategies To Combat Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms

This article starts below.

Dizziness, light-headedness and headache strategies

• Lie down, if possible, for five minutes.
• Relax the neck and upper body with relaxation exercises.
• Open the windows or go outside for fresh air.

Dry mouth strategies

• Sip water, fruit juice, or milk.
• Brush your teeth.
• Swish your mouth with a mint mouthwash or water.
• Take a deep breath, hold for five seconds, and exhale.

Coughing strategies

• Don't take antibiotics.
• Cough as gently as possible.
• Moisten your mouth with a drink of water.

Tingling sensation strategies

• Take a warm bath.
• Ask someone to massage the tingling area.
• Take a walk.
• Take a shower, alternating warm (not hot) and cool (not cold) water.
• Rub the parts of your body that tingle with a towel.

Anxiety and nervousness strategies

• Take several deep breaths.
• Go for a walk, or do some light calisthenics.
• Relax, lie down.
• Change your thoughts to a quiet and peaceful experience of your past.

Depression strategies

• Exercise. Any type of aerobic exercise is good.
• Take a warm shower, cool down, and rub vigorously with a towel.
• Drink some fruit juice.
• Think of the most exciting time of your life.

Diarrhea strategies

• Eat more solid food, less juice and fruit.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take medication, if necessary.

Constipation strategies

• Eat more fruit.
• Relax.
• Exercise.
• Take a mild laxative, if necessary.

Excerpt from The Ill Effects of Smoking, Institute of Pulmonary Medicine, St. Luke's Medical Center