Most smokers think that once they have gone through the withdrawal of nicotine smoking, they are completely at ease. Well, no. The aftermath of withdrawal is one of a dramatic struggle between the body and the mind.  It is terrifying, as it tests the smoker's will to endure and abstain from smoking. Moreover, it induces agony and trauma, to the extent that smokers would, at times of relative calm, wonder why they decided to undergo this experience. It is therefore cautionary to understand wholly the impact that nicotine withdrawal wreaks on you. Once, you have known about the ill effects of withdrawal, you will be on guard to cope with them and survive the dark hour of your life.

The Instant Effects
You may have read Stephen King's short story, called Quitters Inc. It is known that compulsive smokers, like the story's protagonist, find it difficult to actually kick the habit. Strip them of their nicotine requirements and the results are considerably grim and dire. Many physicians believe that to escape the phase, it takes a good deal of time. Before that, the smoker suffers palpably. He craves for more nicotine, and thus more cigarettes. While the normal process of cessation involves a gradual pace by using proper and limited levels of nicotine to maintain stability, a sudden deprivation of nicotine could mean to be instantaneous for the smoker. He suffers from nausea, headaches and nervousness. The urge for nicotine is greater than ever. The mental and cognitive effects are more severe. These include temporary loss of memory and sleep, impaired thinking and reasoning, impulsive behavior and insecurity. These will happen to even casual smokers.

Depression and Craving
The most devastating results of withdrawal are aggravated depression and emotional turmoil. Depression largely stems from the psycho-physical dependence on nicotine. A prolonged pervasion of use of nicotine results in attachment to the substance. A sudden deprivation or abstinence can only make the smoker feel traumatic and depressed. He feels neglected and believes that his needs are not being understood. The smoker grieves over the withdrawal and secretly pines for the substance. He becomes incommunicative and morose.
Another extreme is increased craving or hunger for nicotine. This emerges from the emotional trauma of leaving nicotine. The smoker is now desperate to find satisfaction of his hunger. He may smoke cigarettes secretly, in hiding. To obtain his satiation, he may even resort to actions such as stealing, gambling and pathological lying. This stage is a final test of a person's determination and willpower.

How to Withstand the Effects
It is important for the smoker to be anchored by his friends and family. The smoker needs support and collective strength of his relatives and loved ones to endure the pains of kicking the addiction. At such a time, it is best to shower love and affection upon the affected individuals. It is up to the smoker also to understand the future benefits of nicotine withdrawal. The smoker should be optimistic that the trials will be of benefit than detriment. He should remind himself of the many hazards of prolonged smoking. He can also hold the view that the physical pains are actually indicative of the bold stand against the devastating addiction.
To get rid of stress and trauma, try to soothe yourself by deliberate mourning or grief. Shedding some tears will ease the pressures and you will be able to cope with the aftermath of nicotine withdrawal.