Quitting smoking is one the difficult challenge for the people who smoke frequently. But this is the single most important step that you can take to increase the length and quality of life. Right after you smoke the last cigarette, you will notice your body starts to recover.
It’s hard to quit smoking, but it is not impossible. To have the best chance of quitting, you should know about all the options that are available to help you in this journey. You will find all the information here.
Also Read: Quit Smoking to Reduce Heart Disease Risk to 50%
Quit smoking aids
With the use of medication, an individual is more likely to quit smoking as compared to people who do not use medications. Tobacco products contain an addictive drug called nicotine which is one of the reasons stopping smoking is so tough. Tobacco products include pipes, cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. Medicines for quit smoking are helpful in quitting smoking and getting rid of nicotine withdrawal symptom. This will help you live as a non-smoker. The following are the nicotine withdrawal symptoms:
- Depressed mood
- Increased cough
- Anxiety
- Cravings for cigarette or urges to smoke
- Problems concentrating
- Headache
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
- Restlessness
- Frustration
- Irritability
- Anger
Nicotine replacement therapy
Medications containing nicotine are called nicotine replacement therapy. These drugs deliver nicotine to the body to help get rid of cigarette smoking. They do not have that dangerous chemical that is found in cigarettes. The nicotine present in the nicotine replacement therapy gradually enters your body making it less addictive while nicotine present in cigarettes reaches your brain in 10 seconds making it highly addictive. The nicotine present in medications does not cause health conditions like cancer, heart disease, stroke or blood clots. A cigarette contains 4000 chemicals that are responsible for causing heart disease, blood clots, cancer, and stroke.
Nicotine replacement products
Different types of nicotine products those are available in the market without a prescription as:
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine patch
- Nicotine Lozenges
- Nicotine inhaler
- Nicotine mouth spray
Nicotine gum-
Nicotine gum is useful in replacing the nicotine a smoker gets from a cigarette and other tobacco products. This is meant be chewed and is absorbed through the inside of your mouth. Have one whenever you have a tobacco craving. These gums are available in different flavors and strengths. Your healthcare specialist will decide which strength will suit your condition after analyzing you. The strength of the gum is also based on individual’s withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine patch –
Nicotine patches are available to replace the nicotine present in cigarettes and tobacco-containing products. The nicotine supplied in the form of a patch. The nicotine is slowly absorbed through your skin. It takes 24 hours for a patch to work. These nicotine patches are available in different strengths to reduce the effects of smoking. Your health will find the best strength for you after determining your condition. You can apply the patch on a clean and dry area of your skin below your neck, and waist. Prefer using it after taking a bath. Avoid cutting it into two pieces. Also do not apply lotion r moisturizing soap.
Nicotine lozenges –
You can use nicotine lozenges whenever you crave for cigarettes. Before using it, make sure that your mouth is clean. Do not drink or eat while using it. Chewing it may upset your stomach, therefore, avoid chewing lozenges. All you need to do is suck it until you notice a strong taste. Then keep it in between your gum and cheek. Wait for one minute until the taste fades away. Repeat the process as long as required. Each lozenge may last up to half an hour.
Also Read: Simple Step-by-Step Plan to Help You Quit Smoking
Nicotine inhaler and mouth spray
The nicotine inhaler is a plastic mouthpiece that you puff to reduce smoking effects. Nicotine mouth spray is used when you have cigarette cravings. Use one to two spray when you crave to smoke.
