Smoking is a contentious issue. It was initially marketed as a way to improve one’s wellbeing, but quickly spiralled into being known as a dangerous and potentially deadly habit. It’s still a personal choice as an adult as to whether you smoke or not, but many smokers wish to reduce their consumption or quit altogether for their health. As an addiction to both the habit and the nicotine, quitting can be a very difficult task to undertake. This collaborative post takes a look at 5 different types of nicotine replacement therapy products that can help with smoking cessation.
Why Nicotine Replacement Is Useful In Stopping Smoking
It’s no secret that smoking is a deadly addiction that can lead to chronic illnesses. A Journal of the American Medical Association study indicates that although 30-50% of smokers attempt to quit in any given year, only 7.5% succeed. Withdrawals are tough, but as discussed in “5 Helpful Tips to Quit Smoking“, cessation programmes combined with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can increase your chances of succeeding. NRTs ease you into the quitting process by providing controlled amounts of nicotine usually without the harmful effects of tobacco and smoke, thus relieving withdrawals and cravings. Continued innovations in the field have pushed its market value up to $44.5 billion, shedding some light on its effectiveness. As such, here are five NRTs for you to consider if you want to reduce or quit smoking for good.
5 Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products
Nicotine Patches
Discreet, self-adhesive patches like Nicoderm steadily release nicotine into your bloodstream through the skin. To use, VeryWellMind advises putting the patch on clean skin anywhere below the neck and above the waist. These can be bought over the counter or online and come in varying levels of strength and wear times, such as 16-hour and 24-hour patches. The number of cigarettes you smoke daily will determine the type you’ll use, and as per the aforementioned guide, you should stop smoking before usage to avoid an overdose.
Nicotine gum
Unlike its regular counterpart, fast-acting nicotine gums like Nicorette require a specific process of chewing to draw out its effects. Making sure not to eat or drink 15 minutes prior, slowly chew the gum until a tingling sensation is apparent. Then, stick the gum on the inside of your cheek until the tingling disappears. Repeat the process for 20-30 minutes to effectively work through a craving, but remember: usually no more than 24 pieces are allowed daily. Always read the instructions for the particular brand you choose as directions can vary. This NRT is available over the counter and online in two doses: 2mg and 4mg. Similar to regular chewing gum, though, nicotine gum also comes in enjoyable flavours like berry, mint, and citrus.
Nicotine Pouches
To mimic the experience of chewing tobacco, these porous pouches are placed beneath the upper lip and release nicotine over time. The nicotine pouches available on Prilla.com showcase the variety of strengths and flavours that can be bought online, ranging from the traditional menthol flavourings to coffee, citrus, and cinnamon in strengths starting at 2mg and reaching up to 15mg. The site also explains that these pouches eliminate most of smoking’s unfortunate side effects, including excess spitting and bad breath. Instead, mint or berry-flavoured pouches refresh the palette and give off a pleasant aroma that can counter the halitosis common among smokers. As an NRT that’s widely available over-the-counter and online, nicotine pouches are a popular option for those looking to wean off cigarettes since they can transition from higher 8mg doses to lower 2mg strengths over time.
Nicotine Inhalers
Available only upon prescription, inhalers are the most expensive NRT on the market. They deliver a mist of nicotine directly to the mouth and throat, where it is almost immediately absorbed. Like gums, inhalers such as Nicotrol are meant to be used as needed to control sudden cravings. All you need to do is puff onto the inhaler and the cartridge will give you your fix. This imitates the act of smoking, which some people find a pleasant surprise. Generally speaking, each cartridge will last 20 minutes, but you must not go beyond 16 cartridges a day. A doctor will usually prescribe a specific number of cartridges that an individual can use to suit their needs.
Nicotine Nasal Sprays
As the name suggests, this NRT delivers a spray of nicotine through the nose. Because of this, it quickly works through the body and relieves cravings in no time. Nasal sprays like Nicotrol NS are available only by prescription, and the recommended dosage is 1-2 uses per hour. Each dose is equivalent to two sprays (one in each nostril), and no more than 40 doses daily is permissible. It’s convenient, covert and quick to use but it may not suit everyone. Should you have asthma, allergies, or other sinus problems, the CDC suggests you consider any of the other NRTs to avoid complications.
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It’s a personal choice whether to smoke or not once you’re of legal age, and choosing to quit is a choice only you can make for yourself. Reducing or stopping smoking smoking is no easy feat, but with advances in cessation technology such as NRTs, letting go of the habit is a little bit easier.
Note from Caz : I’m a smoker myself & must admit I don’t like some of the derogatory treatment smokers receive. I also appreciate the potential harm to health and the need to quit for psychological, financial or health purposes, which is where nicotine replacement therapy products can be so beneficial for many who want to cut down or give it up entirely. If you are/were a smoker, have you found success with NRTs to help you stop?
Caz ♥
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[ This is a collaborative post ]
12 comments
I’ve never smoked, and I am glad of that because it’s definitely not something that most people can just switch off from. It is really good that there are products which might make stopping a bit easier.
When I read this part at the beginning of your post, “initially marketed as a way to improve one’s wellbeing”, I thought of vapes. Vaping has been marketed as being better for you than smoking. I think now they’re realising it might be just as damaging and, who knows, in years to come, they might find out it’s worse than nicotine.
I found it really easy to stop with a vape, but nothing else has ever got me far – so far, but I’d really like to stop altogether, its horrible and crazy to feel like you have to do something that you know is so harmful and expensive!
Such a harmful addiction but so hard to quit from what I have heard. I am grateful for any and all helpmates with this type of dangerous addiction. Thank you, Caz!
And here comes Grace with the, “how to save money if you don’t want to quit” advice. I know I am no help! We started rolling our own. Went from 100$ a carton to $11.00 and to be honest, I prefer the tobacco to what I used to smoke. Thank your for the tips about trying to quit though, I know there will come a time I finally decide to put my health first.
I remember the smoking ads showing pregnant women relaxing with a cigarette and doctors flaunting the brands they smoke. Now ads show dried-up wrinkly skin and blackened lungs. Good luck to anyone who wants to stop smoking. Choosing one of these 5 nicotine replacement therapies would give you a good start. Thanks, Caz, for giving smokers several options to help themselves.
Lulu: “No smokers here, but our Mimmier and Pippier smoked many many many many years ago back when everyone smoked. They both quit long before our Dada came along, though!”
I quit smoking years and years ago and it was the hardest thing I ever did. It took me 18 months to come out the other side. I can breathe so much better now. I used everything I could to succeed. I won’t tell you how many times I tried to quit smoking because I don’t know.
Have a fabulous day and week, Caz. xoxo ♥
I remember when I was a kid and my mom and aunt were in bowling leagues, they would come home from the bowling alley smelling like they’d just smoked ten packs of cigarettes. Things sure are different now …
Another very interesting post! I remember when smoking was allowed everywhere. Fortunately things have improved a lot now and smoking is prohibited in all public places. It’s really good there are available these nicotine replacement therapies for those who wish to quit smoking.
I HATE smoke and I’m allergic to it. My eyes swell and my throat closes. I’m glad that there are other options if you choose to move away from it. My dad has tried to quit my entire life so I know it can be difficult.
Caz, I smoked for about eight years during my twenties. I gave it up ‘cold turkey’ when I developed a cough. One of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do. But, so glad I did…
Hoping you are well.
xoxoxo
This is such a great post full of information about smoking cessation. Thanks so much for sharing all this important info!