There are over 4000 chemicals
in tobacco, many are known carcinogens and many are known to
cause birth defects.
Tobacco contains the drug nicotine - a central
nervous system stimulant, and most likely the most addicting component
of tobacco.
Many of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are
a result of the nervous system returning to normal after stimulation by
nicotine. These symptoms may start within an hour after stopping
tobacco, and usually peak after 2 to 3 days, but since nicotine is a
water soluble drug, it leaves the body quickly, and the withdrawal
symptoms will quickly start to taper off after a few days. However, the
symptoms do vary from individual to individual, and may last up to a few
weeks. We do highly recommend the use of nicotine
replacement therapies,
as these will help lessen the intensity of withdrawal, and increase the
chance of successful quitting.
