No matter how long you have smoked, quitting will benefit your health in both the immediate and long-term future. The nicotine in cigarettes creates a chemical dependency, which means the body develops a need for a certain level of nicotine in order to control the cravings. When nicotine is eliminated it can cause your body to experience physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which can make quitting smoking hard. There are quit smoking aids such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy products that can help you put a stop to this habit for good.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Solutions
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help decrease your dependency on nicotine by providing you with a lower, steadier dose of nicotine than a cigarette. It reduces your nicotine intake in steps without exposing you to other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. NRT also helps relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings. NRT products are available in patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers and a mouth spray. These products are particularly useful for people who have had difficulty quitting in the past.
Nicotine Skin Patches
Patches may provide a sustained release of nicotine throughout the day over either 16 or 24 hours. It takes a few hours for the patch to build up to an effective dose. The patches are available in different strengths, so that you can gradually reduce your nicotine dose.
Nicotine Gum
Gum is available in 2 mg and 4 mg pieces. Chewing the gum releases nicotine which is absorbed from the mouth. Gum strength, frequency of use and a special chewing technique allows you to determine your daily nicotine dose.
Nicotine Lozenges
Come in a regular and mini form, which are designed to dissolve in your mouth. Regular nicotine lozenges are available in 2mg and 4mg strengths with mini nicotine lozenges being available in 1.5mg and 4mg strengths.
Nicotine Inhaler
This is a plastic cylinder containing a cartridge that releases nicotine when you inhale it. The inhaler delivers nicotine into the mouth, not the lungs, relieving the urge to smoke.
Nicotine Mouth Spray
A nicotine mouth spray gives you fast relief from your cigarette cravings. The nicotine from the spray begins to act in 60 seconds and helps to rapidly relieve the urge to smoke.
Natural Solutions
There are also natural supplements you can take while using Nicotine Replacement Therapy aids that may assist you in coping with the symptoms associated with withdrawal when quitting smoking.
B Complex Vitamins may assist with stress levels when quitting smoking. Since the human body has increased requirements for B vitamins during periods of stress, it is important to ensure they are replaced. By taking a B complex vitamin it may help in managing stress levels associated with quitting smoking.
Passionflower is a herb that may assist in promoting relaxation and calmness. Its calming effect may help those experiencing insomnia and restlessness, experienced during the withdrawal period of quitting smoking. With insomnia being a common symptom when quitting smoking, a supplement containing passionflower may assist.
References:
www.icanquit.com.au
www.health.qld.gov.au
www.blackmores.com.au
www.flowingfree.org