If you’re a smoker, vaper or chewer, you are likely addicted. Find out if you have a nicotine addiction and what your options are for quitting the habit.
1. Time Without Using Tobacco Causes Withdrawals
As with any addiction, an addiction to nicotine comes with withdrawals if you’ve been without tobacco for a certain amount of time. Symptoms include:
- Strong urges or cravings to use tobacco
- Feeling irritation or being easily frustrated
- Restlessness
- Struggling to concentrate
- Struggling to sleep
- Increased hunger and weight gain
- Feelings of anxiety, sadness or depression
2. Using Tobacco Without Thinking
Do you find yourself mindlessly reaching for cigarettes, cigars, a vape pen, a can of chewing tobacco or other related products?
Maybe you hit your vape mid-conversation or while you drive. Maybe you grab for a cigarette when you’re stressed or need some alone time. Maybe you find yourself sucking on smokeless tobacco at work or when you’re doing chores.
Anytime you use tobacco like this, it’s a warning that you’re addicted to nicotine.
Waking up with the desire or need to go smoke, vape or chew is never a good sign, either.
3. Thoughts of Using Tobacco are Invasive
When you’re trying to do everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking or working, does your productivity get disrupted by the thought of smoking, vaping or chewing? Maybe these thoughts invade your mind when you’re relaxing?
A nicotine addiction can stand loud and proud in your head, overtaking other thoughts that are more important and preventing you from accomplishing what you need to.
So What If You’re Addicted?
If you or someone you know is displaying any of these signs, it’s time to quit. Not only does it cost a fortune to support a tobacco habit, but it also causes your health insurance and future healthcare bills to skyrocket due to smoking-related illnesses.
It smells. It’s expensive. It’s dangerous. A nicotine addiction could even cost you your life.
Nothing good comes from smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco.
Quitting isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Put out your last cigarette, dispose of the vape pen and close the tin for the last time. Kick the habit, and breathe easily.
Thinking about quitting, but not ready to take the leap? Learn more about the benefits of quitting tobacco products.
13 or Older
For South Dakota residents 13 or older, South Dakota QuitLine offers three FREE ways to quit tobacco. Choose the option that works best for you and your quit journey.
12 or Younger
For those 12 or younger, the Truth Initiative offers This is Quitting, available 24/7 through your phone to help you quit and stay quit.