Many people believe that smoking helps them “calm down,” reduce stress, or manage difficult emotions.
But modern neuroscience and psychological research tell a very different story:
Smoking does not relieve anxiety — it causes it.
And for many people, it makes anxiety significantly worse over time.
At Platinum Mind Therapy, we specialise in helping clients break free from nicotine dependency through
evidence-based Smoking Cessation therapy, including Hypnotherapy, EMDR, and Mind Shifting.
Understanding the relationship between smoking and anxiety is the first step in taking control of your
mental and emotional well-being.
In this authoritative guide, we’ll break down the true impact of smoking on anxiety, why cigarettes create
a false sense of relief, and how quitting — with the right support — can dramatically improve your mental
health.
No — And Here’s Why –
Nicotine is a powerful stimulant. When inhaled, it triggers a rapid release of:
This chemical surge creates a temporary “boost,” followed by a sharp drop — leading to withdrawal
symptoms that mimic anxiety:
Because smoking temporarily removes these withdrawal symptoms, many people assume:
“The cigarette calmed me down.”
But in reality:
Nicotine created the anxiety in the first place — the cigarette only removed the withdrawal it caused.
This cycle is why smoking is one of the biggest hidden contributors to chronic anxiety
To outrank the competition, we need to go deeper than basic surface explanations. Here’s what actually
happens neurologically:
Frequent nicotine use disrupts the brain’s natural neurotransmitter balance by overstimulating
stress-related chemicals. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to feel “normal.”
This means smokers often experience:
Even if you’re not aware of it, withdrawal begins quickly, causing:
These symptoms mimic — and worsen — anxiety.
Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to the brain and body. This can trigger:
All symptoms are often misinterpreted as anxiety attacks.
Nicotine elevates your heart rate immediately, which can feel like:
Smokers often believe they have “mystery anxiety,” unaware that cigarettes are the cause.
Yes. Studies show that smokers are significantly more likely to develop:
Why?
Because the brain’s stress regulation becomes disrupted. Over time, nicotine dependency convinces the
nervous system that it must remain in a heightened alert state, making genuine relaxation nearly
impossible.
Here’s the cycle most smokers fall into:
This is known as the Nicotine Anxiety Loop — and it keeps millions of people stuck.
Breaking the cycle is the core goal of smoking cessation therapy
Smokers often describe cigarettes as:
But here’s the truth:
It’s the break, not the cigarette, that feels calming.
If smokers took cigarette-free breaks, they would experience the same calming benefit — without the
chemical rollercoaster.
Research consistently shows that quitting smoking improves anxiety levels more effectively than
antidepressants for some people.
Within:
24 hours:
72 hours:
2–12 weeks:
6–12 months:
Many clients at Platinum Mind Therapy report feeling happier, calmer, and more mentally stable within
weeks of quitting — especially when supported through hypnotherapy or EMDR.
Workplace Anxiety
Nicotine disrupts concentration and increases irritability, making work feel harder and more stressful.
Relationship Stress
Withdrawal symptoms can make people more reactive, impatient or emotionally inconsistent.
Sleep Disruption
Nicotine stimulates the nervous system, disrupting deep sleep — one of the biggest contributors to anxiety.
Health Anxiety
Chest tightness, shortness of breath and palpitations caused by smoking often mimic health problems,
creating a spiral of worry.
While many people try to quit smoking using willpower alone, success rates are very low (3–5%). That’s
because quitting is not just physical — it is psychological.
At Platinum Mind Therapy, Smoking Cessation integrates:
Hypnotherapy
Rewires subconscious cravings and emotional associations with cigarettes.
EMDR
Processes triggers, stress patterns and emotional dependencies tied to smoking.
Mind Shifting
Rebuilds identity and belief systems to support long-term change.
This combination helps:
This is why so many clients succeed with therapy when other methods fail.
Yes — although vaping delivers nicotine differently, it still:
Meaning vaping can worsen anxiety almost as much as smoking.
