Nicotine addiction is based on physical and psychological factors. There are various methods of treatment, but one needs to have patience, will power and proper assistance to quit.

Nicotine is a fast-acting and addictive drug which is found naturally in tobacco plants. This is used in cigars, pipe tobacco, cigarettes and chewing tobacco, and it produces a euphoric mental state. Nicotine addiction is definitely hard to quit, but with proper guidance and support it is possible to overcome the addiction. Different parts of the body are affected by nicotine. Dopamine, a chemical released in the brain, is responsible for the feeling of relief and relaxation.

When smoking becomes a habit the body starts depending on nicotine. Once a decision to quit is made, nicotine withdrawal symptoms are noticed. The degree of these symptoms varies from person to person. The nicotine withdrawal symptoms may last for few days to about three weeks. For nicotine addiction to be treated, this stage of the process needs to be handled with care. The symptoms include occasional headaches, nausea, indigestion and sore throat which might last for about three or four days. Cravings, irritability, lack of concentration, increased appetite, insomnia, and depression are some of the other symptoms that take some time to settle down.

There are various treatment options available, but the patient needs to stick to the program to be successful. One treatment approach used for nicotine addiction is nicotine replacement therapy. These are nicotine supplements that help to tackle the cravings. The supplements are available as gum, skin patch, nasal spray or inhalers. Anti-depressants are also prescribed to reduce the level of anxiety and to treat depression. Depression, if left untreated, greatly reduces the chances of quitting.

The other treatment options available for nicotine addiction are the homeopathic and herbal ones. These treatment options are considered safe and are an effective way to treat cravings, reduce irritability and anxiety levels. It is also better to join smoking-cessation programs to be successful. Regular counseling is also advised. Acupuncture and hypnosis are also some of the methods of treatment which might aid people to quit smoking.

It needs to be known that nicotine addiction is difficult to overcome. The earlier one decides to quit the better. Also, the person needs to be well aware of the various withdrawal symptoms to be able to effectively deal with them. The various treatment options need to be analyzed and, depending on the symptoms, a combination of the various treatment options needs to be considered. Moreover, the risks involved need to be checked. For the treatment of nicotine addiction to be successful, a proper treatment plan needs to be laid out and followed. Do not be discouraged if you are unable to quit the first time, try again with a better approach and with the help of family and friends.