To quit chewing tobacco and become nicotine-free is obviously a huge benefit for your health, but the process of kicking the habit can be a handful. Withdrawal symptoms begin to appear shortly after packing the last lipper and can become quite a nuisance. What happens in the body when you quit snus?
Well, your body starts adapting to a life without nicotine and it can be a stressful process, especially for those who have been using chewing tobacco or snus for a lot and for a long time.
Common side effects from quitting snus
Fatigue and sleep problems
A common side effect of quitting snus is impaired sleep. This can be due to interfering nicotine cravings or the fact that the body goes through a kind of crisis when it no longer receives nicotine. With poor sleep, of course, comes fatigue. To quit chewing tobacco is stressful and the body can react by getting tired. For some, it can periodically result in extreme fatigue.
A good night’s sleep is important to your well-being. Things that might facilitate a good night’s rest are:
Exercise
Relaxation exercises
Correct temperature in the bedroom
A bed that is adapted to your body type
Proper fluid balance
Fatigue and sleep disorders that you experience in connection with quitting snus are usually temporary, and when your body is accustomed to functioning without nicotine, a healthier sleep pattern is likely to return.
Anxiety when I quit chewing tobacco?
The nicotine in snus stimulates the brain to release reward hormones (such as dopamine). When the kick fails to come, feelings of depression and, in some cases, anxiety can creep in. For some snus-users, giving up their addiction can also be a tad emotional. Dipping has been a steady, reliable companion for a long time, and quitting means the end of an era for some people.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to lift your spirits, such as:
Working out – physical exercise is a well-documented method for boosting feelings of happiness.
Eating a balanced diet with a lot of fatty fish, vegetables and legumes. Healthy food promotes both physical and emotional health.
Spending time with loved ones. Socialising with people you like makes you happy.
It is rare, but some people who quit chewing tobacco can become depressed. This is usually a transitional period, but if the depression becomes long-lasting and deep, you should seek medical care. Depression can be severe and you have everything to gain from treating it as quickly as possible.
Dizziness
You feel dizzy and giddy. Maybe you lose your footing. Vertigo is a common side effect when you quit chewing tobacco and is due to the fact that the blood flow increases when you no longer supply the body with nicotine, and at the same time, your blood pressure and heart rate decrease. Feeling dizzy can be quite unpleasant, but it is manageable.
Take deep breaths and sit on a chair until the feelings of dizziness subside
Drink water
Move around regularly
Weight gain when I quit chewing tobacco?
If quitting snus means a big plus for your overall health, that extra weight you often put on is unfortunately a minus. If you suddenly notice love handles that weren’t there before, you are not alone – a lot of people who quit dipping or smoking tend to experience weight gain. There are a number of reasons:
When you stop using nicotine, your metabolism may decrease. This means that calories are not burned as quickly.
The habit of having something in your mouth is strong for a snus-user. It is not uncommon to replace the dip with food or sweets.
In many cases, you can notice increased appetite when you quit chewing tobacco – you simply eat more than you used to.
Is it then possible to quit the dip without gaining weight? Yes, by making sure to exercise – simple, everyday training such as walking and cycling counts! Also, try to pay attention to what you sink your teeth into. Fruit can curb cravings just as well as candy!
It is also worth remembering that a few extra pounds is not the end of the world. It’s a small price to pay to become snus-free. Don’t be too hard on yourself during the quit-dipping process – you’re doing great!
Bonus tip: there is a lot you can put in your mouth to imitate the sensation of packing a lipper. Try sugar-free chewing gum or a lozenge under the lip! Tobacco- and nicotine-free snus can also act as a substitute.
Stomach problems – common when you quit chewing tobacco
Flatulence, constipation, upset stomach and nausea: these are all possible drawbacks of trying to quit chewing tobacco. Perhaps snus has been a part of your routine in getting the system up and running, and without snus you can become a bit backed up, which, in turn, can make you nauseous.
There are several clever ways to get your stomach working. Prunes are a classic, as are fibrous foods. Remember to drink plenty of water and exercise – it gets the bowels moving.
The stomach problems that occur after you quit snus are usually temporary – when your body gets used to it, your stomach will find a normal rhythm again.
Headache
One of the most common withdrawal symptoms is dull headaches. This can be quite bothersome and really make it hard to work and concentrate. Luckily, headaches can be fought in several ways:
Liquids! Drink a lot of water!
Massage – relaxed muscles in the shoulders and neck can relieve headaches.
Sleep – a rested body and brain do not suffer as much from headaches.
In most cases, the quitting-snus headaches are temporary and usually go away on their own after a short time.
