Nicotine Replacement Therapy To Quit Smoking

Nicotine Replacement Therapy To Quit Smoking.

Nicotine Replacement TherapyThe first step to quitting smoking is deciding you actually want to stop smoking, and if Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) are going to help or hinder you. Lucky for you, there are numerous ways of doing so with the help of nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy may include, but isn’t limited to, over the counter drugs (such as lozenges, gum or nicotine patches), vapor inhalers or prescription medications to aid in quitting smoking. There are many options of nicotine replacement therapy for smoke cessation that cater to all budgets. It is important to decide which nicotine replacement therapy works best for you in order to achieve the greatest result on your journey of smoke cessation.
Over the counter drugs are an extremely common and popular form of nicotine replacement therapy because of their low price and convenience. You can purchase them at nearly any drug store or convenience store without a prescription. There is a wide variance on what the actual success rate is with this method, depending on who you may talk to. I believe the general consensus is that Nicotine Replacement Therapy has about a 10% – 14% success rate versus cold turkey’s success rate of 7%.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy – Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches are applied directly to the skin. Nicotine is released steadily and absorbed into the blood stream. The patch comes in different levels, catering to your needs, depending on how many cigarettes you smoke per day. The benefit of the patches is you can wear them and carry along with your day. Many can be worn up to 16-24 hours. Side effects from the patch are (but not limited to) redness, burning or itching where the patch has been applied, headache, rash and insomnia. Generally it is advised to change the position of the patch from one arm to another to avoid really bad rashes, as this form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy puts so much nicotine into the skin.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy – Nicotine Gums and Lozenges

Oral ingestion nicotine replacement therapy to stop smoking could be another option in your journey for smoking cessation. Oral nicotine replacement therapy may be beneficial to individuals who struggle giving up the oral fixation aspect of smoking. These options include gums and lozenges. Nicotine gum, like the patch, comes in different strengths, depending on your previous smoking habits. The gum also comes in an array of flavors such as cinnamon, citrus and mint although generally speaking they taste pretty bad! Many also comment that they leave a fairly disgusting taste in your mouth after you have thrown the gum into the bin due the amount of nicotine in your mouth. You can typically expect to be smoke free from this treatment in about 4 to 6 months. Side affects from gum include aching jaws, soreness of gums, nausea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. Lozenges, like smoke cessation gum, come in different doses and flavors. It is advised not to bite or chew nicotine lozenges, as this practice can lead to heartburn or indigestion. Common side affects from lozenges include, but are not limited to, indigestion, soreness of teeth or gums, nausea, heartburn and headache. In recent years this has been a more popular form of nicotine replacement therapy.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Combined With Hypnosis

If medications aren’t the route you are looking to take, perhaps hypnotherapy may appeal to you. Hypnotherapy in regarding to quitting smoking, can tackle issues such as withdrawal symptoms and coping with the urge to smoke. Hypnosis is a great way to aid in smoke cessation as an alternative to drugs or medications, and is covered by many insurance companies. You can see a hypnotist in their office or there are many online versions available as well.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy – Consult Your Doctor

Consult your family physician to discuss options for nicotine replacement therapy, and find out what smoke cessation program may be right for you. You can speak with your doctor for a prescription nicotine replacement drug, such as Chantix, or prescription vapor inhaler, such as Nicotrol Inhaler, to aid to quitting smoking, or you could go the route of holistic practices or over the counter medications. Either way, your interest in seeking help to quit smoking is the first step. Talk to your doctor and find out if Nicotine Replacement Therapy is the right solution for you!