What symptoms may appear in the body after quitting smoking and drinking?

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
After quitting smoking and drinking, the body may experience a series of symptoms, including subjective discomfort, sleep disturbances, neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and changes in mood and behavior. Individuals who quit smoking and drinking should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and appropriate exercise in daily life, which can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

After quitting smoking and drinking, the body may experience a series of symptoms, including subjective discomfort, sleep disturbances, neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as emotional and behavioral changes. The specific manifestations are as follows:

1. Subjective discomfort: In the early stages of quitting smoking and alcohol, individuals may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and headache. These symptoms are usually caused by the sudden absence of nicotine and alcohol dependence.

2. Sleep disturbances: Quitting smoking and drinking may lead to interrupted sleep, difficulty falling back asleep after waking, and significantly decreased sleep quality. This can result in daytime drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.

3. Neurological symptoms: Nicotine has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. After quitting smoking, the nervous system may exhibit symptoms such as headache and finger tremors due to the lack of nicotine stimulation. Additionally, alcohol withdrawal may lead to increased neural excitability, causing symptoms such as palpitations, hand tremors, and cold sweats.

4. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Quitting smoking and drinking may affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. With prolonged abstinence, digestive function may gradually recover.

5. Emotional and behavioral changes: During the early phase of quitting smoking and drinking, individuals may experience emotional changes such as anxiety, irritability, and anger, and in some cases, even aggressive behaviors. These symptoms are typically withdrawal reactions caused by the abrupt interruption of nicotine and alcohol dependence.

Individuals who quit smoking and drinking should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and appropriate exercise in daily life, which can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.