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Stop Nicotine Addiction with Psychiatric Help

Smoking or chewing tobacco can quickly become a nicotine addiction where outside help is often sought in order to successfully quit the habit. While hundreds of thousands try to stop their nicotine addiction “cold turkey,” by using nicotine patches, gum, or through use of relaxation and bio-feedback techniques, almost 30 million nicotine addicts a year find themselves making unsuccessful attempt after attempt to break their nicotine addiction.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms Sabotage Success

More than half of those trying to break their nicotine addiction exhibit at least four of the following symptoms noted below. Having multiple symptoms sabotage success by “attacking” both physiological and psychological components that together work to turn those nicotine cravings into another failed attempt to end the addiction.

  • Depression, loss of motivation and energy
  • Increased appetite, feeling like you “need” to eat
  • Weight gain and the fear of gaining weight
  • Insomnia, tossing and turning in bed, night sweats
  • Feeling drowsy and sleepy with decreased concentration or focus
  • Feeling irritable, angry, or agitated with no apparent reason
  • Feeling anxious, stressed, or like you would like to “crawl out of your skin”
  • Headaches that may stay with you for hours on end
  • An intense craving for nicotine where you must satisfy the urges

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as the last cigarette is put out – prescription medication in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy or other adjunct therapy has proven the most successful in stopping nicotine addiction.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms Manageable with Medications

Medications prescribed may include Chantix, Zyban, Wellbutrin or buproprion. Your psychiatrist may also add over-the-counter products to your regime such as nicotine patches, inhalers, gum, or nicotine nasal spray. Treating the whole person and their unique needs make for a successful outcome in ending nicotine addiction.

Chantix New Nicotine Addiction Medication

Chantix is a relatively new medication for nicotine addiction. Chantix studies indicate that the 3 month abstinence rates are almost 50% compared to other medications that have 30% success in nicotine abstinence. Looking at abstinence rates at 1 year shows Chantix at 23% and other medication falling far below at 14-16%.

Stopping nicotine addiction is hard. Working with an experienced nicotine addiction psychiatrist gives you the best opportunity for success and freedom.  Call the office today.

About Darvin Hege

Dr. Darvin Hege, MD, PC, is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He is an Emory Hospital residency trained psychiatrist who has been practicing psychiatry for more than 25 years. He maintains over 50 hours of AMA certified education each year to stay informed of advances in psychiatry.

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