Smoking is easy to start but extremely difficult to stop. While some young people see it as ‘cool’, there are multiple health problems associated with it. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing many types of cancer, heart-related problems and respiratory issues. They are vulnerable to infections, and premature aging and might even develop reproductive health issues.
If you are thinking of quitting, then congratulations. You have finally taken a step towards a healthier you. While the road to quitting is not going to be an easy one, there are certain products that you can count on.
But first, you need to understand what makes smoking so difficult to give up. While it becomes a habit, it also creates a physical and psychological dependence. It happens due to the presence of nicotine in tobacco. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is responsible for creating a sensation of instant relief or calmness. It triggers the brain to release neurotransmitters that make you believe that you are actually relaxed. This creates a dependency and your body starts craving that feel-good kick.
In this blog, we will introduce some of the best NRT products available in the market that will help handle nicotine cravings. Nicotine replacement therapy products are the products that help you fight the cravings by ensuring that your body continues to receive a certain (controlled) amount of nicotine while you quit smoking. The idea is to be in charge of the amount of nicotine you put in your body (without the harmful effect of cigarette smoke) and eventually decrease the dose.
1. Nicotine gums
One of the most popular and convenient ways to deal with nicotine cravings, nicotine gums are easy to consume and comparatively safer than the rest. It is a medicated gum that you can buy without a prescription. All you need to do is simply slowly chew on the best nicotine gum and it will release the nicotine into your bloodstream through your mouth lining. They are available in different doses – which gives you the freedom to customize your nicotine management.
- Nicotine patches
These can be bought with or without a doctor’s prescription. You need to stick them directly to your skin so that they can release the nicotine into your bloodstream via your skin. Nicotine patches are also available in different sizes and doses. You can get the one according to your body size or smoking habits. The only tricky part is that you need to put in a fresh patch every day. Apply it to a clean and dry area of the skin that does not have much hair. For example – your upper arm or chest. While they are absolutely safe to use, some people do experience a skin rash or allergy. So be careful when using them.3. Nicotine nasal spray
They are only available on prescription. A nasal spray directly releases nicotine into your bloodstream via your nasal membrane. It acts in a rapid manner and is instrumental in relieving nicotine withdrawal symptoms instantly. However easy to use, remember to not inhale the spray in your sinus cavities. Instead, you let the spray sit in your nostril. There are certain side effects that you should watch out for when dealing with nasal sprays like nasal irritation, runny nose and watery eyes.Note – if you have asthma, allergies or sinus problems, your provider might not suggest nasal spays as NRT for you!
4. Nicotine inhalers
Also available on prescription, they are very similar to the act of smoking. All you need to do is puff on the inhaler and the cartridge will send a pure nicotine vapor in your mouth. You may use up the cartridge all at once over about 20 minutes, or puff on it only a few minutes at a time. The recommended dose is between 4 and 20 cartridges a day, slowly tapering off over 6 months. - Nicotine lozenges
Just like the Best Nicotine Gum, they are available over the counter. They are easy to use – simply put them in your mouth and let them dissolve slowly. They are not your regular toffee, so do not eat them. Additionally, it is recommended to not have anything 15 mins before or after having a nicotine lozenge.
Apart from these products, you can even get some medicines prescribed that can help you deal with nicotine cravings. But these medicines should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor.
Additionally, you need to make some lifestyle adjustments and be responsible while using any NRT product. Read the manuals carefully and strictly follow them. Do not abuse the NRT products as they will only cause you harm. Do not use them if you are still smoking as that will only cause an overdose. Know that different NRT products work for different people. It actually depends on multiple factors like smoking habits, and personal preferences of lifestyle. Choose the one that matches your needs and embark on your quitting journey.
While we understand that it will take a lot more than just the NRT products, you can still do it. Stay persistent and remember why you are doing it. Seek help whenever required and do not let any set backs or relapses dishearten you. You can always start again. As long as you will continue trying, you will definitely succeed. All the best.
