Q: Which doctor should I consult for Nicotine Addiction?
A: A General Practitioner (GP) would clinically evaluate the symptoms and recommend a therapy based on symptoms. Based on the severity of symptoms, the GP may then refer to a Specialist who can advise further on the medications to cure the withdrawal symptoms and stop dependence.
Q: Can nicotine make you depressed?
A: Yes, nicotine can make a person feel depressed.
Q: How does nicotine affect your emotions?
A: Nicotine alters the moods and gives a temporary sense of well-being or a pleasurable feeling. The person would feel elated and confident at all times when smoking.
Q: What are the foods that help you to quit smoking?
A: Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water help to quit smoking. One must avoid spicy or sweet foods, as they tend to trigger a desire to smoke. Foods which can be chewed, for example, carrots, apples, raisins or sugar-free candy must be eaten whenever there is an urge to smoke. These help to quit smoking.
Q: Is there a risk of developing an addiction to NRT products, since they too contain nicotine?
A: It is very unlikely that a person will get addicted to NRT products, as the amount of nicotine in these products is very low. Compared to cigarettes, the nicotine in NRT products takes longer to reach the brain; thus the “rush” or “good feel” which is part of nicotine dependence is much delayed.
Q: Is nicotine addiction hereditary?
A: Yes, nicotine addiction could be hereditary.
Q: What is cold turkey?
A: Cold turkey is the abrupt and complete cessation of a drug which causes addiction.
