Why might person might feel worse after quitting smoking? What to know

It can take some time for the body to adjust to the absence of nicotine, the active ingredient in cigarette smoke. This time of adjustment, called nicotine withdrawal, can feel uncomfortable.

People usually feel worse during the first week. However, symptoms decline gradually over the first month. That said, some individuals may still have symptoms for several months.

Various coping strategies can help with nicotine withdrawal, such as exercising to boost mood. It also helps to remember how quitting smoking results in important health benefits.

This article discusses the symptoms that manifest after quitting smoking, why they occur, and how long they last. It also examines coping strategies and the long-term benefits of quitting.

Common symptoms people experience can include:

Less common symptoms include:

Nicotine is highly addictive. Approximately 80–90% of individuals who smoke develop a dependence on it.

Once someone stops smoking, their body and brain need time to become accustomed to not having nicotine. This time of adjustment may feel uncomfortable and can result in a cluster of symptoms typical of nicotine withdrawal.

The severity of nicotine withdrawal differs among people who quit smoking. According to an older 2015 study, it depends largely on the amount of nicotine consumption. However, some genetic changes may account for 29–53% of the variation in withdrawal symptoms.

Seeking help for addiction may seem daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support. If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:

Many people feel much better after 1 month. However, some may experience symptoms for several months.

The first 72 hours — or 3 days — after the last cigarette is the most difficult.

Below is what a person can expect:

More than 70% of individuals who quit smoking will experience cravings and increased appetite. These are the most persistent symptoms and may linger for longer than 4 weeks.

Additionally, around 60% of people experience lingering symptoms that impact their mental health — such as irritability, anxiety, or trouble concentrating — this can last 4 weeks and then gradually reduce.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide the following coping recommendations for various symptoms:

Learn more about smoking cessation aids here.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important things a person can do to improve their health as it leads to a reduction in the risk of premature death. It also has other very significant long-term benefits.

These include:

These include:

These include:

These include:

Nicotine withdrawal can cause symptoms such as cravings, anxiety, and insomnia. It helps to remember that people often feel much better after 1 month.

During withdrawal, several coping strategies can help with symptoms. For example, exercising can elevate mood, and avoiding caffeinated beverages late in the day can improve sleep.

It is worth persevering through nicotine withdrawal because of the long-term health benefits of quitting smoking. These include a significantly lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung disease, and certain cancers.