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Early effects of quitting smoking

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Abstract

Heart rate, hand tremor, skin temperature, eating, and craving for cigarettes were examined in 19 smokers who quit for 1 day. Measures of heart rate and hand tremor were lower during abstinence; craving seemed greater, skin temperature was higher, and there was more eating, particularly snacking, but no shift in preference towards sweet foods. Quitting brings about profound changes in a smoker's physiology and behaviour, even during the first day. Anticipation of these changes could help would-be quitters, and those who advise them.

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Gilbert, R.M., Pope, M.A. Early effects of quitting smoking. Psychopharmacology 78, 121–127 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00432247

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00432247

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