Time course of cigarette withdrawal symptoms during four weeks of treatment with nicotine chewing gum.

Ratings of withdrawal symptoms were obtained from 52 Smokers Clinic clients who abstained throughout a four week group treatment programme involving use of nicotine chewing gum. Mean ratings of irritability, depression, hunger, restlessness, and inability to concentrate were significantly higher in the first week of abstinence than at baseline, although only a minority of smokers experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. Disturbance of mood and concentration returned to baseline within four weeks while increases in hunger persisted. The average amount of time spent with the urge to smoke started to decline early in treatment, but the average strength of urges and overall difficulty not smoking did not decline until the fourth week. At the end of treatment 35% were still experiencing strong urges to smoke and 23% reported finding it difficult keeping themselves from smoking. The findings have practical implications for preparing smokers for cessation with the aid of nicotine gum.