Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Prescription medications
By now, the efficacy of pharmacological aids has been clearly demonstrated. In fact, they double your chances of butting out! These products can make a tremendous contribution to your success. They can help you to feel well physically so you can work on the other aspects of quitting, such as the habit of smoking itself.
Talk to your pharmacist. He can advise you on the therapy that will suit you best.
Always remember that a cigarette craving lasts only 5 minutes. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can delay your need for a cigarette, one craving at a time, until they have completely disappeared!
Here are a few examples:
- Take a drink of water at times when you normally smoked.
- Learn relaxation and breathing techniques
- Keep your hands busy with a pencil, paperclip or anti-stress ball
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT comes in a variety of forms and is designed to meet your body's physiological need for nicotine, thereby reducing symptoms of withdrawal.
A word of warning: Before starting this type of therapy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, so that he may determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you based on your health.
In addition, it is very important to abstain from smoking whenever using any nicotine replacement product.
- Nicotine patches
- Patches contain nicotine, which is evenly released into the bloodstream 24 hours per day. They come in three doses, normally called "steps." The starting dose varies according to the user's smoking habits and is reduced once or twice during the program, which lasts from 8 to 12 weeks. The patch must be changed daily, being sure to vary the area of application in order to prevent skin irritation.
- Chewing gum and lozenges
- Gum and lozenges contain nicotine that is released into the mouth and absorbed by its lining. When using the gum, it is important to note that a special chewing technique is required. You must chew it 2 or 3 times, then rest it between your gum and cheek for about 1 minute. The process must be repeated for 30 minutes. There are two different doses available – 2 mg and 4 mg – depending on the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Lozenges have recently become available on the market. They come in doses of 1 or 2 mg.
- Inhalers
- Nicotine inhalers are specifically designed for people who have a difficult time breaking the habit of bringing hand to mouth. The inhaler features a mouthpiece in which a nicotine cartridge is inserted. When you inhale from the mouthpiece, the nicotine turns into a mist that is absorbed through the lining in your mouth and throat, without actually penetrating your lungs. Each cartridge contains 10 mg of nicotine.
Prescription medications
Two medications that do not contain nicotine can also help you give up the habit. These two smoking-cessation therapies come in pill form and are available by prescription. You must therefore talk to your doctor before to make sure that these treatment options are right for you.