Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine addiction is one of the most common forms of addiction and can occur with the use of cigarettes, snus, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products. Nicotine is highly addictive because it affects the brain’s reward system. Quitting nicotine can be very challenging, as the addiction has both physical and psychological components.
Many people want to quit but find it difficult to do so on their own. Professional help can significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking or snus.
Symptoms of Nicotine Addiction
- Strong craving for nicotine
- Irritability and restlessness when attempting to quit
- Difficulty concentrating without nicotine
- Increased appetite and weight gain when attempting to quit
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Sleep disturbances
- Low mood
- Previous failed attempts to quit
When should you contact a psychologist?
- You want to quit smoking or snus but can’t do it alone
- Previous attempts to quit have failed
- You use nicotine for stress management
- You are motivated to quit but need support and structure
- You want to understand the psychological mechanisms behind the addiction
Treatment
A psychologist at Eyr can help you with motivational work, developing a quit plan, and strategies for managing withdrawal and relapse. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help change habits and thought patterns related to nicotine use. The psychologist can also collaborate with a doctor regarding any medication support (nicotine replacement or prescription drugs) to give you the best conditions for success.
