What is the neurological response during the first week after smoking the "last" cigarette?

Hey... I insist on quitting without any aids. Pills, patches, gum, whatever.. seems pointless to me... kind of like delaying the inevitable.

I find it much easier to accomplish things when I understand them fully. I would like to know what's going on in my brain when I am nicotine free for extended periods of time. I know the feelings I get but I don't understand what they are and why they are coming.

Can anyone point me to a website or explanation of the neurological response during the first week after cessation? I could not find any website with this particular information. Also, how long does it take for the physical side effects to subside?

I'm going to do this, just need some info to guide myself when in doubt.

This site, although a little complicated and long, is very informative. http://www.stopsmokingtoday.com/dyn/127/...

I most certainly feel your pain as I have recently decided to quit as well. I do know that studies have proven that a higher percentage of heroin addicts are able to kick their habit than are smokers. Don't feel weak or inadequate if you find you have to have help to quit. I recently got a prescription for "Chantix" which blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain, and it does indeed help. It stops the physical craving while I continue to work on the psychological addiction. I was plesantly surprised. I'm also determined to quit, but I'll accept anything to help me accomplish it.

Hope this helps, and good luck -- to the both of us! : )

it starts with a gradual physiological response called "nicotinic receptors down-regulation"

when you smoke chronically, a significant amount of nicotine entering your brain. the brain is trying to compensate that by increasing the receptors that bind to nicotine.

when you stop smoking, there is less nicotine entering your body and thus a reveres mechanism start to appear. your brain Down-Regulate 鈥渄ecrease the number" of these receptors to compensate this new situation.

of course this whole mechanism takes time and could be observed as neurological signs in your body like tremors, headache and nervousness which are so common and called "Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms". And you can control them by using nicotine gums and patches "Nicotine Replacement Therapy".


good luck

i just quit. its your hands shake a good bit cause your blood pressure is returning to normal in them. youll get cravings that last about 5 minutes (push through!!!) and youll probibly be irritable. and the last couple days of the first week youll cough a little