Quit gradually or Cold turkey?
Quit gradually or cold turkey? A decision that is yours to make. When it comes to quitting smoking, there is no single path. All people are different and so are the things that work for each one of us. We present some of the pros and cons of cold turkey and quitting gradually.
Withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms of quitting can include:
- Anxiety
- Heavy cravings
- Depression
- Frustration
- Difficulty to sleep
- Stress
- Irritability
- Constipation
- Humor changes
- Headaches
- Cramps
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Eating more
- Restlessness
- And more.
Not all people have all the symptoms and the intensity may vary, let’s remember that each person is different and that what we say here is not an unbreakable rule. Learn more about the risks of smoking and benefits of quitting.
Cold Turkey
Withdrawal symptoms and physical and psychological side effects are often much more intense because we cut out the substances our body is addicted to from one moment to the next.
Quitting Gradually
As our body slowly gets used to less nicotine, the effects and withdrawal symptoms are usually much lighter, especially in the process of lowering consumption.
How long will that take?
Cold Turkey
The time it will take should be less assuming that we will succeed on the first try. Although many times that is not the case.
Quitting Gradually
It will take more time, as we slowly reduce our consumption.
Note: Time can be subjective. A minute can be a very short time for a massage but not if you spend it under water, or in pain.
Can I do both?
One of the most common strategies is to choose a date to quit completely and cut down to quit as much as possible until that day to try to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Cold Turkey
Quitting Gradually
Any advice?
For both it is advisable to prepare well and above all to document yourself on how to quit smoking.
Cold Turkey
Make a Plan.
Choose your date.
Prepare mentally.
Tell friends and family.
Expect withdrawal symptoms.
Quitting Gradually
Look for a tool that helps you:
Stay organized.
Gives you waiting times.
Keeps track of your overall progress.
We recommend an app called Alive and it is specially designed for that purpose.