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Nicotine Withdrawal

Meaning

Nicotine withdrawal is the constellation of predictable, time-limited physical and psychological symptoms that manifest following the abrupt cessation or significant reduction of nicotine intake in an individual with physiological dependence. These symptoms, which often include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite, are direct clinical manifestations of the neurobiological and endocrine systems attempting to re-establish homeostasis after chronic drug exposure. From a hormonal perspective, the withdrawal state reflects a transient dysregulation in the catecholamine and HPA axis systems that were previously chronically stimulated by nicotine. Effective cessation strategies must address this profound physiological rebound to support sustained wellness.