What to Expect After Quitting Smoking

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, we know that quitting smoking can feel incredibly empowering and — at the same time — very challenging. 

We also know how important quitting is to your health, so we offer ongoing care plans that include tobacco cessation support, lifestyle guidance, and personalized follow-ups. Quitting isn’t just about willpower; it’s about understanding what your body is doing as it gets used to a new normal and how to manage the changes that come with becoming smoke-free.

When you decide to quit, your body begins to repair itself almost immediately. That can create physical, emotional, and even psychological shifts — and knowing what to expect helps you stay prepared and supported.

What your body does first — hours to weeks

Once you stop smoking, your body starts healing fast:

After just 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop toward healthier levels.

Within 8-12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in your blood decrease, and oxygen levels rise.

In the first few weeks, your circulation improves, walking and other physical activity feel easier, and your lung function begins to improve. Like many people, you may notice less coughing and shortness of breath as your lungs begin to clear mucus and debris.

Expect some withdrawal symptoms

Your body goes through a real adjustment period when you stop feeding it nicotine and other chemicals. The most common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Cravings for cigarettes
• Irritability or frustration
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Trouble concentrating
• Increased appetite or weight changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Sadness or low mood

These symptoms are normal and usually peak within the first week or two, then slowly ease. Knowing they’re temporary and having tools to cope makes a big difference.

When you anticipate these reactions, you can prepare with proactive strategies such as distraction techniques, breathing exercises, and support plans so cravings don’t take over your day.

The timeline of benefits — from months to years

One of the most powerful motivators for quitting isn’t just what you feel today — it’s what you gain over time.

According to the American Cancer Society, the benefits add up. Being smoke-free:

• 1 year halves your risk of heart disease compared to when you were smoking
• 5 years cuts your risk of stroke to that of a nonsmoker
• 10 years significantly lowers your risk of lung cancer and other cancers 
• 15 years brings your heart disease risk close to that of someone who never smoked

These aren’t small numbers. Each milestone reflects real changes in how your tissues, blood vessels, lungs, and immune system function after you quit.

It’s also common to feel changes beyond physical healing:

• Food and drink may taste richer or more enjoyable
• Your sense of smell sharpens
• Your energy levels often improve
• You may find breathing feels easier during exercise or daily tasks

These improvements don’t happen at the same speed for everyone, but they do happen, and we can help you achieve them.

You’re not alone in this process

Quitting smoking is both a physical change and a personal challenge. That’s why at Michigan Avenue Primary Care, we don’t just tell you to quit — we help you make it stick.

At your annual wellness visits, we review your overall health and help develop a smoking cessation plan tailored to you. Our specialists provide personalized counseling on quitting strategies, cravings, and triggers, and help you manage your treatment through ongoing follow-ups.

We also help you manage related and non-related chronic health conditions so that your care is connected and continuous. 

Every smoke-free hour, day, and year brings real improvements in your heart, lungs, and quality of life.

If you’re ready to quit or you’ve already quit and want support through the process — from withdrawal to long-term benefits — we’re here to help. Call Michigan Avenue Primary Care in Chicago, Illinois, or schedule an appointment online.