Alabama Barker Reportedly Went To The Hospital For Nicotine Withdrawal

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Alabama Barker reportedly checked herself into a hospital around Christmas Eve, after allegedly feeling “unwell” due to nicotine withdrawal.

Alabama, 19, is the daughter of Travis Barker and stepdaughter of Kourtney Kardashian, and she’s struggled with the intense gaze of being part of the Kardashians’ reality TV dynasty before.

Back in July, Alabama was bullied off social media temporarily after she disclosed using a “weight loss drug” during a “Get Ready With Me” TikTok.

Alabama spoke about feeling like an “ogre” in the clip:

“I feel like I really don’t look like that.

“But I’m on weight-loss medication because I’m tired of being fat and photographing like a damn [pause] ogre.”

At the time, we pointed out that the Kardashians’ ever-present, laser-focus on food and diets probably wasn’t the best thing for Alabama’s general perception of her appearance.

On Monday, TMZ reported that Alabama sought medical attention this month, reportedly due to symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Alabama Reportedly Felt ‘Panicky And Unwell’

Via Instar, @alabamaluellabarker/Instagram

On December 30, TMZ was first to report Alabama’s alleged hospital visit.

According to the outlet, Alabama “quit vaping” on the advice of people in the music industry, so she could launch a career in hip-hop.

TMZ suggests Alabama stopped vaping “last month,” presumably in November, and at some point more recently, she felt “unwell”:

“Out of concern for her health, we’re told AB called 911 and was transported to a local hospital.

“Per our sources, Alabama was checked out by medical experts … who informed the rising star she was experiencing nicotine withdrawal after not weaning herself off the vape pens after occasional use.”

Nicotine withdrawal can exacerbate anxiety, per the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), and the organization points out that those who smoke or use nicotine tend to have higher rates of anxiety at a baseline than non-smokers:

“Smoking might make you feel better in the short-term, but that’s because the nicotine in cigarettes stops the discomfort of withdrawal, not because it is helping with anxiety or depression …

“Feeling jumpy or restless during the first days or weeks after quitting is normal. Just like your mind gets irritated without nicotine at first, the rest of your body can, too.”

In other words, much of the time, the anxiety alleviated by the use of nicotine comes roaring back when someone quits — which may be part of the reason “irritability” is so closely associated with quitting smoking.

The CDC also says that while it “can be uncomfortable,” “nicotine withdrawal can’t hurt you – unless you give in and have a cigarette.”

A 2015 study into nicotine withdrawal found that symptoms peak around the third day after nicotine use is discontinued “and taper off over the course of the following 3–4 weeks.”

TMZ didn’t say when Alabama was allegedly seen by doctors for nicotine withdrawal specifically, but noted she felt much better for her birthday, which fell on Christmas Eve.