When you have quit smoking do you feel sad?

Answer 1

Smoking stimulates the production of brain chemicals that make us feel good. As we become addicted to the nicotine, we require more and more of it simply to feel normal, and the brain produces less and less of the "feel good" chemmies, depending on the nicotine to stimulate production. When we quit, our decreased ability to manufacture them will cause us to feel depressed until our bodies are again able to produce normal levels without help.

Smoking also increases our metabolism, and stopping cause it to slow down. That, and the desire to be satisfying the oral craving for a cigarette, can cause us to gain weight. We need to go to the gym or walk or exercise in some other way. Exercising will also help reduce the depression. When we feel the need to put something in our mouth, we should chew on a toothpick or some gum.

We might gain some weight when we stop, but not to worry. It is more important that we stop smoking. After overcoming this powerful addiction, we can work on weight control at our leisure.