Sympathize With Me!

As I near the completion of my blog during which I have traced my struggle to quit smoking cigarettes, I realized that it must be very hard for anyone who has never been a regular smoker to understand why it is so hard to quit. If you are one of those people, I tell you that it is very, very hard. It is one of the hardest challenges I have ever taken on in my life. Quitting cigarettes results in real withdrawl sypmtoms. The following is from a website I came across as I researched different ways to quit smoking:

"To quit for keeps this time, know your enemy. The nicotine in tobacco is extremely addictive.3 When you try to quit, the absence of nicotine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as:
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Fatigue
-Depression
-Increased appetite
-Trouble sleeping
-Irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating
-Strong urges to smoke

Physically, your body is reacting to the lack of nicotine. Psychologically, your mind is struggling to give up the habit of smoking." (From http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Adult/OralHabits/22,21258)

During my effort to quit I have experienced all of these symptoms to varying degrees. The worst one is several nights my cigarette cravings have kept me awake into the early morning hours. I hope that any person who has never experienced nicotine addiction, and the struggle of trying to kick the habit, can understand and appreciate how hard it is to quit, and that all of the withdrawl symptoms above do occur.