Irritability, Anger, and Frustration
Nicotine makes your brain feel good, so when it’s no longer in your body you might get cranky!
Nicotine makes your brain feel good, so when it’s no longer in your body you might get cranky!
When your body does not get nicotine, feelings of irritability, anger, frustration, restlessness, or anxiety may result. These negative feelings may be due to changes in your brain chemistry. They generally begin during the first 24 hours after quitting, may stay strong for 1-2 weeks, then disappear within the first month.
What To Expect
- When you quit smoking, you may feel more edgy and short-tempered.
- You may feel like giving up on certain tasks more quickly than usual.
- You may be less tolerant of others’ behavior.
- You may get into more arguments with others.
Frequency
- Recent studies have found that 50-80% of quitters report increased feelings of irritability, anger, or frustration within one week of quitting.
- If feelings of irritability, anger, or frustration occur, they will usually begin during the first 24 hours after quitting, may stay strong for 1-2 weeks, then disappear within the first month.
Self-Management Tips
When feelings of irritability, anger, or frustration occur:
When feelings of irritability, anger, or frustration occur:
- Take a walk.
- Participate in a physical activity.
- Avoid drinking caffeine.
- Soak in a hot bath.
- Read up on relaxation or meditation techniques and try one for yourself.
- Close your eyes for one minute and pay attention to your breathing pattern.
- Breathe in deeply through your nose and breathe out through your mouth.
Nicotine: Your Mind and Body
When your body does not get nicotine, feelings of irritability, anger, or frustration may result. Quitting tobacco will temporarily change your brain chemistry; these temporary changes may result in your experiencing negative emotions.
When your body does not get nicotine, feelings of irritability, anger, or frustration may result. Quitting tobacco will temporarily change your brain chemistry; these temporary changes may result in your experiencing negative emotions.
Related Notes
Feelings of irritability, anger, and frustration may be reduced by using the nicotine patch or nicotine gum. Learn more about medications to help you quit and remember to call your quit coach at 1-800-55-66-222 or use WebQuit for 24/7 support.
Feelings of irritability, anger, and frustration may be reduced by using the nicotine patch or nicotine gum. Learn more about medications to help you quit and remember to call your quit coach at 1-800-55-66-222 or use WebQuit for 24/7 support.