Why does quitting smoking make me angry

It may also lead to inner conflict, and you may have difficulty understanding exactly why you are so angry. This can be extremely difficult for the people around you.

Friends, family members, and partners may find it extremely difficult to deal with you and your angry outbursts. It can be a major annoyance for those around you, but there are ways to deal with it successfully.

Generally, one of two situations occurs when a smoker who is in the quitting process experiences a frustrating moment. Either the smoker will need to resolve the conflict before he or she can relax, or enough time will have to pass that the frustration itself is allowed to dissipate. If you are quitting, you may be unable to rationalize your anger in the same ways that you normally would. You may face the exact same situations that the average person experiences, only to become intensely angry as a result.

It can be difficult for smokers to recognize this shift in coping ability. It is this shift that can cause people to feel like smoking is a benefit, rather than a hindrance, to their anger. Stress has many effects on the human body. One of the most common effects is that it tends to acidify urine. This is a normal process, and also happens in non-smokers, but the after-effects are different in people who smoke. When there is nicotine within the human body, and stressful situations occur, urine acidifiers and pulls nicotine from the body, into the bladder itself.

Because of this process, the brain suddenly realizes that it is low on nicotine. This results in an instant withdrawal situation, and nicotine cravings. This leads to even further stress, and emotional upheaval. It also adds to the effects of the withdrawal itself.

This ends up causing a vicious cycle of smoking, being in withdrawal, becoming angry, and smoking again. While most people could get around this by resolving the conflict itself, this is more difficult in those who are experiencing nicotine withdrawal.

Even if the problem that caused the stressful situation is fixed, the smoker is likely to still feel anger. It is here that only the addition of more nicotine to the body will resolve the feelings of anger. Alternatively, the smoker can remain free of nicotine for at least 72 hours. This will completely eliminate nicotine from the body and bloodstream through urine, feces, and sweat. Smoking another cigarette is actually counter-intuitive because of the cycle it induces.

But the calming ability of each cigarette lasts for only a few seconds to a few minutes. An additional problem occurs because the smoker feels as if the smoking was justified. The brain begins to tell the smoker that smoking assisted him with calming himself, and is necessary in order for the smoker to remain calm at all. This is a false trick the brain plays within many addictions, both to cigarettes and otherwise. This is also known as an unhealthy coping skill.

It also inhibits the potential for personal growth. As an example, consider if you were living with someone who constantly leaves flicks of toothpaste on the mirror. Staying calm, pointing it out, and sharing why you feel strongly about it will usually be enough to convince the person to be more careful when brushing their teeth. This is how relationships work; clear communication is the way to solve these issues. If you are a smoker who is in the quitting process, this very minor issue will likely seem like a much bigger deal to you than it otherwise would.

You become upset because it is the 8th time this has occurred in the last month. This stress leads to nicotine being pulled out of the body, which triggers an instant withdrawal situation. You choose to have a cigarette, which leads to feeling a little bit better. This allows you to get some space from the situation, and begin to rationalize it again. You let it go, because you assume that the issue is resolved. You may even quit smoking, only to find that the same situation occurs years later, and it triggers you in the same way that it originally did.

Instead of being angry but letting it go, you explode. This is because the original issue was never resolved, and thus, you are releasing years of anger at the same scenario. While you will probably feel ridiculous for your anger, it is only to be expected. You may even start to question whether or not you are having emotional difficulties, based on your reaction. Think of the years of mild annoyances stacking on top of one another; eventually, the tower is going to fall over.

Smoking stops you from really digging into issues; it distracts you from dealing with your feelings or emotions, and this itself can be addictive. The best way to prevent this from ever occurring is to stop smoking, and begin addressing your problems one at a time.

By learning these conflict resolution skills and communication styles now, you can prevent further issues from occurring in the future. In turn, this will help to ensure that you never pick up a cigarette again. If you have these feelings after quitting smoking, there are things you can do to help lift your mood. Any kind of exercise can help—taking a walk, going to the gym, or joining a team sport are a few you might try. If you need to, start small and build up over time. This can be hard to do when you are feeling down, but making the effort can pay off.

Some people who are feeling down are cut off from others. Having regular contact with other people can help your mood. For many people who are sad, rewards and fun activities are missing from their lives. Finding ways to reward yourself can help lift your mood. Even small things, like reading a magazine or listening to music, can add up and help you feel better.

One of the common signs of depression is not wanting to do activities that used to be fun. If you feel that you need to seek further treatment, you can check out MyTransformations to read more about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation TMS therapy and how it is used to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Though not an easy feat, overcoming your withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking will ultimately lead to improved mental health overall. Research has shown that smokers are actually more prone to developing an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. So, it is important to recognize that despite the anxiety symptoms you may experience at first, smoking cessation actually alleviates your levels of anxiety over time.

Consistent smoking impacts your body in a variety of ways, including physically and mentally. Nicotine has the ability to alter your mood, emotions, and energy levels to the extent that you develop a dependence on it that can be challenging to counteract.

If you familiarize yourself with the barriers that you might encounter on your journey to quitting smoking, you can better prepare to face them with confidence. Knowing that quitting smoking can have a complicated link to your mental health is beneficial to your ability to cope with your symptoms and ultimately succeed in your decision.

The initial mental health effects of quitting smoking can result in symptoms of anxiety and depression, among other feelings, but the important thing is that the end result is actually better mental health overall. Get our Latest News and Exclusive Promotions directly into your inbox. What is TMS? Our Team Memberships Partner Careers.

The barriers to fighting your addiction It is important to note that there are various barriers to quitting smoking that can be difficult for anyone to overcome, whether you experience a mental health condition or not. Here are some of the barriers you may experience on your journey to quit: Physical Barriers. Nicotine, a major component of cigarettes, is the psychoactive substance responsible for addiction to smoking. It acts on many receptors in the body and increases the release of dopamine a chemical that makes you feel happy.

There is a continual reinforcement that occurs and ultimately leads to your physical dependence on nicotine to make you feel stress-free. Here are some tips for managing these negative feelings: Remind yourself that these feelings are temporary. Engage in a physical activity, such as taking a walk. Reduce caffeine by limiting or avoiding coffee, soda, and tea. Try meditation or other relaxation techniques, such as getting a massage, soaking in a hot bath, or breathing deeply through your nose and out through your mouth for 10 breaths.

Here are some tips for managing anxiety: Remind yourself that anxiety will pass with time. Set aside some quiet time every morning and evening—a time when you can be alone in a quiet environment.

Engage in physical activity, such as taking a walk. Here are some tips for managing depression: Call a friend and plan to have lunch or go to a movie, concert, or other pleasurable event.

Identify your specific feelings at the time that you seem depressed. Are you actually feeling tired, lonely, bored, or hungry? Focus on and address these specific needs.

Increase physical activity. This will help to improve your mood and lift your depression. Breathe deeply. Make a list of things that are upsetting to you and write down solutions for them. If depression continues for more than 1 month, see your doctor. Ask your doctor about prescription medications that may help you with depression. Studies show that bupropion and nortriptyline can help people with a past history of depression who try to quit smoking.

Nicotine replacement products also help 5. Learn about the signs of depression, and where to go for help, at the National Institute of Mental Health website. Here are some tips for managing weight gain: Ask your doctor about the medication bupropion.

Studies show that it helps counter weight gain 5. Studies also show that nicotine replacement products, especially nicotine gum and lozenges, can help counter weight gain 5. Because some people who quit smoking increase their food intake 6 , regular physical activity and healthy food choices can help you maintain a healthy weight. If weight gain is a problem, you may want to consult a nutritionist or diet counselor.

Here are some tips: Limit your contact with smokers, especially in the early weeks of quitting. Do not buy, carry, light, or hold cigarettes for others. Do not let people smoke in your home. Ask others to help you stay quit. Give them specific examples of things that are helpful such as not smoking around you and things that are not helpful like asking you to buy cigarettes for them.

For example, think of how healthy you will be when all smoking effects are gone from your body and you can call yourself smoke-free. Also, add up how much money you have saved already by not purchasing cigarettes and imagine in detail how you will spend your savings in 6 months. Instead of reaching for your cigarettes in the morning, here are some tips: The morning can set the tone for the rest of the day.

Plan a different wake-up routine, and divert your attention from smoking. Be sure no cigarettes are available. Before you go to sleep, make a list of things you need to avoid in the morning that will make you want to smoke.

Place this list where you used to place your cigarettes. Begin each day with a planned activity that will keep you busy for an hour or more. Begin each day with deep breathing and by drinking one or more glasses of water. Here are some tips: Know the causes of stress in your life your job, traffic, your children, money and identify the stress signals headaches, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.

Once you pinpoint high-risk trigger situations, you can start to develop new ways to handle them. Create peaceful times in your everyday schedule. For example, set aside an hour where you can get away from other people and your usual environment.

Try relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation or yoga, and stick with the one that works best for you. Rehearse and visualize your relaxation plan.

Put your plan into action. Change your plan as needed. You may find it helpful to read a book about how to handle stress. Tips for short trips: Remove the ashtray, lighter, and cigarettes from your car. Keep nonfattening snacks in your car such as licorice, sugarless gum, and hard candy.

Turn on your favorite music and sing along. Take an alternate route to work or try carpooling. Clean your car and make sure to use deodorizers to reduce the tobacco smell. Big deal! Your desire to smoke may be stronger and more frequent on longer trips. Tips for long trips: Take a stretch break. Take fresh fruit along. Plan rest stops. Plan stops for water or fruit juice.

Between sips of coffee or tea, take deep breaths to inhale the aroma. Breathe in deeply and slowly while you count to five, and then breathe out slowly, counting to five again. Try switching to decaffeinated coffee or tea for a while, particularly if quitting has made you irritable or nervous. Keep your hands busy by nibbling on healthy foods, doodling, or making a list of tasks for the day.

If the urge to smoke is very strong, drink your coffee or tea more quickly than usual and then change activities or rooms. When you quit smoking, drinking coffee or tea without smoking may make you feel sad. Here are some tips: Know what kinds of foods increase your urge to smoke and stay away from them.

Brush your teeth or use mouthwash right after meals. If you have coffee or a fruit drink, concentrate on the taste. Eat at smoke-free restaurants. Here are some tips for the first few weeks after quitting: Many people find it helpful to reduce or avoid drinking alcohol.

Switch to nonalcoholic drinks. Stay away from the places you usually drink alcohol, or drink only with nonsmoking friends. Here are some tips: Plan more activities than you have time for.

Make a list of things to do when confronted with free time. Do not stay in the same place too long. If you feel very bored when waiting for something or someone a bus, your friend, your kids , distract yourself with a book, magazine, or crossword puzzle. Look at and listen to what is going on around you. Carry something to keep your hands busy. Listen to a favorite song. Go outdoors, if you can, but not to places you associate with smoking.

A new patch is worn on the skin each day, supplying a small but steady amount of nicotine to the body. The nicotine patch is sold in varying strengths, usually as an 8- to week quit-smoking treatment. Typically, the nicotine doses are gradually lowered as treatment progresses.

The nicotine patch may not be a good choice for people with skin problems or allergies to adhesive tape.