It might seem overly dramatic but it is starkly true – a decision to quit smoking will change most people’s lives forever. That does not mean a person will change or that there will be that “alcoholic-like” yearning for a cigarette lucking in the back of your head for the rest of your life. It does mean that one’s choices and reactions to stress will be different. It might also mean at least a temporary change in one’s personality.

Addiction

The main reason for this is that tobacco contains nicotine, a drug every bit if not more addictive than heroin or cocaine. Approximately one-third of those who smoke as few as one cigarette will become dependent on nicotine. Smoking becomes a part of their lives and being deprived of it can cause problems.

Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and craving tobacco are common but are not the only changes faced by quitters. Experts list an unlucky 13 negative side effects from quitting smoking; while few experience all of them, most face at least some.

Symptoms

While dealing with personality changes that come from withdrawal from nicotine, there are good points to remember too. In fact, focusing on the positive health benefits of quitting smoking is one way therapists urge quitters to use to reinforce their resolve and determination. A couple of these are that the body starts healing from the negative effects of smoking in as little as 20 minutes after the last cigarette. The other is that nicotine will be flushed from the body within three days, although intense withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks.

Perhaps the most noticeable and potentially dangerous of these is irritability. Deprived of nicotine and its calming effects, many have trouble handling the added stress and anxiety. Others experience insomnia, and anyone who is stressed and dealing with lack of sleep can get really grumpy.

Less noticeable personality changes are an inability to concentrate and fatigue. These can especially be a trouble in the workplace where lack of drive and attention to detail are more likely to stand out and be interpreted negatively by superiors. Other changes, such as sore gums, a cough, or tightness in the chest, would seem to belie the supposed health benefits of quitting smoking.

What To Do

Short of entering a monastery, a quitter needs to take into account these personality changes or risk losing friends and family. Experts outline a “five D” program: Delay acting on a craving until it passes; Distract yourself from a craving or outburst of irritation; Drink water to fight off cravings; Deep breaths, remember to relax; and Discuss your feelings with a counselor or friend.

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