There’s no sugar coating it: the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are tough! So tough, in fact, that withdrawals usually send people running back to the nearest store for a pack of cigarettes.

So what do you do? How do you make it through, so you can finally quit smoking?

Well there is some good news: although the withdrawal process is intense, it’s a relatively short period of time. The symptoms usually reach their height two or three days after your most recent cigarette. Around the third day is when your body should have flushed itself of the last traces of nicotine. After your first nicotine-free week is when many symptoms subside. The next 2-4 weeks is when symptoms will start to fade away. After that, the hardest part is behind you!

The first 1-3 months are the rough patches for nicotine withdrawals. And although you will always have cravings for cigarettes, those first months will be your main battle. After that, you will start to feel the long term effects of a smoke-free life.

Before you try to tackle your smoking habit, it’s good to know what is actually happening to your body:

It all starts with your brain. With a constant intake of tobacco, your brain gets used to a certain level of nicotine chemicals in your body. Almost the very minute you quit smoking, your brain realizes that your nicotine levels are decreasing from your normal amount. It sends signals to the rest of your body, which you will feel as cravings or urges, to try to alert you to smoke again. When you ignore those signals, your body starts to detox, getting rid of nicotine toxins, which manifests itself in withdrawals symptoms.

Some of the more common withdrawal symptoms include:



Yikes! It’s easy to see why it’s so hard to reduce smoking habits. You may experience just one or all of these symptoms during the withdrawal process. Learning how to curb and treat those symptoms is one of the most important things you can do to help.

Everyone’s body is different, and that means that your body will respond differently to withdrawal treatments. If one treatment doesn’t work for you, don’t give up! Try another until you find something that works well with your body. One of the most natural forms of quitting that also minimizes withdrawal symptoms is known as Nicotine Fading.

Although treatments are great, they still don’t get rid of the fact that the first couple weeks without cigarettes are going to be rough. So what can you do about that?

There are ways you can prepare and help yourself to curb symptoms and eventually overcome the effects of withdrawal.

Either online or in-person, there is power in numbers. Being around people working towards the same goal allows you to lift and be lifted by others. Support groups give encouragement and also add a bit of accountability on your part as your share your progress with the other group members. It’s a win-win situation! Although family and friend support is helpful, it often helps to be additionally supported by those who understand the tough time you are going through. Lucky enough for you, Slighter has a built-in community feature where you can connect with others and find the support you need in your reduction goals.

Giving yourself a reward at the end of the day can be a huge factor in keeping up your motivation. Your goal becomes a little more tangible, and it can often help you visualize your progress, especially if you aren’t feeling the effects of your successes at the moment. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but don’t sell yourself short! You are accomplishing something huge and working towards a better life! So get a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, a pedicure, whatever you know will motivate you to keep those cigarettes put away.

You don’t have to quit cold-turkey! Taking on something as monumental as that makes it easier for relapses and harder to keep up motivation. Reducing your cigarette usage in increments will help with the intensity of withdrawals and can help you avoid turning back to your habit. Although it does take a longer time, this method is known to be effective, and often preferred, by many former nicotine users and health professionals.

If you’re looking to reduce your smoking habits, let us help! With a new outlook on how to help smokers, Slighter helps you reduce your smoking habits to the point where you feel like you can quit! Not only that, but there are minimal withdrawal symptoms.

Slighter uses a new technology that tracks your smoking habits for a week. After that week, you are in control of how much you want to reduce your cigarette usage. Once you choose your reduction plan, Slighter will help you know when to smoke and when to skip a cigarette. No worries about messing up, Slighter will adjust to help you get back on track!

Slighter lets you be in control of your reduction. It also allows you to connect with other Slighter users, building up a supportive community for you. It’s chemical-free, cost-effective, and can help you at your own pace.

So what are you waiting for?